521 Nondiscrimination for Students with Disabilities

Nondiscrimination Policy for Students with Disabilities

I. PURPOSE
The purpose of this policy is to protect students with disabilities from discrimination on the basis of disability and to identify and evaluate learners who, within the intent of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504), need services, accommodations, or program changes in order that such learners may receive a free appropriate public education.

II. GENERAL STATEMENT OF POLICY

1. Students with disabilities who meet the criteria of Paragraph C. below are protected from discrimination on the basis of a disability.
2. The responsibility of the School District is to identify and evaluate learners who, within the intent of Section 504, need services, accommodations, or program changes in order that such learners may receive a free appropriate public education.
3. For this policy, a learner who is protected under Section 504 is one who:
   1. has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more of such person’s major life activities; or
   2. has a record of such an impairment; or
   3. is regarded as having such an impairment. 
4. Learners may be protected from disability discrimination and be eligible for services, accommodations, or program changes under the provisions of Section 504 even though they are not eligible for special education pursuant to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.

III. COORDINATOR
Persons who have questions or comments should contact the District Section 504 Coordinator in Student Services. Persons who wish to make a complaint regarding a disability discrimination matter may use the accompanying Student Disability Discrimination Grievance Report Form. The form should be given to the Section 504 Coordinator.