Parent and Educator Resource Guide to Section 504 in Public Elementary and Secondary Schools

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

OFFICE FOR CIVIL RIGHTS

THE ASSISTANT SECRETARY

Dear Superintendents and Other School Administrators:

Thank you for the essential work you do to ensure that students with disabilities in the United States have an equal educational opportunity. As school leaders, you are invaluable resources for people in your district regarding the rights of students with disabilities under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504). The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) supports your efforts to help your schools comply with Section 504, including the Department’s implementing regulations, and looks forward to working with you to provide students with an educational environment free from disability-based discrimination.

The attached resource guide reminds all educational institutions receiving Federal financial assistance from the Department that they must vigilantly work to ensure compliance with Section 504 and other Federal laws that protect students with disabilities. We intend this resource guide to also help parents of students with disabilities understand the obligations imposed under Section 504. In particular, the resource guide summarizes key requirements of Section 504, and aims to increase understanding of these requirements for both parents and members of the school community alike. If you need technical assistance, please contact the OCR regional office serving your State or Territory by visiting wdcrobcolp01.ed.gov/CFAPPS/OCR/contactus.cfm or call OCR’s Customer Service Team at 1-800-421-3481; TDD 1-800-877-8339.

Thank you for your commitment to assisting your schools in complying with Section 504 and to ensuring that all your schools’ students have safe and healthy environments in which to learn and thrive. We in OCR look forward to continuing to work with you to help prevent and address disability discrimination in our nation’s schools.

Sincerely,

/s/

Catherine E. Lhamon

Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights

400 MARYLAND AVE. S.W., WASHINGTON, DC 20202-1100

www.ed.gov  

The Department of Education’s mission is to promote student achievement and preparation for global competitiveness by fostering educational excellence and ensuring equal access.