Section 504 

Section 504 is a civil rights law that gives students with disabilities a legal right to a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE). This means they must have the same access to learning and activities as their peers without disabilities if they otherwise qualify. It applies to academic, nonacademic (recess, lunch, assemblies, field trips), and after-school activities.

Students who have a disability that “substantially limits one or more major life activities," including, but not limited to, learning, reading, writing, concentrating, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, communicating, interacting with others, and/or working may be eligible for a 504 plan. Students who qualify for 504 plans can include those who have allergies, asthma, chronic medical conditions, ADHD, and “invisible disabilities” such as low vision, mild hearing loss, heart disease, depression, anxiety, or diabetes.

To determine if a student is eligible for a Section 504 plan, the student would undergo an evaluation after being referred by a teacher or parent. Parent requests should be made in writing to the district's 504 contact person. 

If, after his/her evaluation, the student qualifies to receive Section 504 services, a 504 plan will be made that provides accommodations for the student. Accommodations are individualized and based on the student's needs due to their disability. 

If you have specific questions, please feel free to contact our 504/Dyslexia Coordinator, Cherita Blankenship, at cherita.blankenship@laetx.org. You can also visit the websites below.