504 Process
What is Section 504?
Section 504 is a civil rights law that makes sure students with disabilities are not excluded from school activities or denied access to an education because of their disability. It ensures that students have the same opportunities as their peers by providing the supports they need.
What does the Section 504 Team do?
The Section 504 Team in Franklin Township School District works to:
- Identify and assess students who may have a disability,
- Determine if a student qualifies for services under Section 504, and
- Provide the supports and accommodations students need to succeed in school.
Some students may qualify for a 504 plan even if they do not qualify for special education services under IDEA (the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act).
A student may be eligible if they:
- Have a physical or mental health condition that significantly affects one or more major life activities (such as learning, concentrating, walking, or breathing),
- Have a record of such a condition, or
- Are regarded as having such a condition.
What is a Section 504 Plan?
A Section 504 Plan is a written plan that lists the accommodations a student needs to fully participate in school. Accommodations do not change what a student is expected to learn but help remove barriers so the student can access the same education as their peers. Examples may include extra time on tests, preferential seating, or permission to take breaks.
How does the referral process work?
- A parent, teacher, or another person can refer a student to the 504 Committee.
- The committee must have written parent permission before starting the evaluation.
- The team gathers information from many sources, which may include parents, teachers, medical or mental health professionals, academic records, and test results.
- The 504 Committee reviews the information to decide if the student is eligible.
- If eligible, a 504 Plan is created with the necessary accommodations.
- If not eligible, parents will receive a written notice explaining the decision.
- The completed plan is shared with all of the student’s teachers so accommodations can begin right away.
Important Notes for Referrals
All referrals must include:
- An original signature from the parent/guardian,
- A diagnosis of the condition from a physician,
- The specific accommodations being requested, and
- An explanation of why those accommodations are needed.
Accommodations are designed to support access to education, not to change learning expectations.
504 Plan Referral Form (external)
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Kristen Andreychak
Special Education Teacher / 504 Case Manager