Rights as a Parent or Guardian
Parents’ Rights Afforded By Section 504 Of The Rehabilitation Act Of 1973
The following is a description of the rights granted by federal law to students with disabilities. The intent of the law is to keep parents/guardians fully informed concerning decisions about their child and to inform them of their rights if they disagree with any of these decisions.
What Is Section 504?
Section 504 is the section of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (P.L. 93-112) which applies to persons with disabilities (physical or mental impairments). Commonly known as the “Civil Rights Legislation,” Section 504 is a civil rights act which protects the civil and constitutional rights of persons with disabilities. It states that no person with a disability (including a “hidden disability”) can be excluded from or denied benefits of any program receiving federal financial assistance.
What Is the Definition Of A Disability?
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 protects persons from discrimination based upon their disability status. A person is disabled within the definition of Section 504 if he or she: has mental or physical impairment which substantially limits one or more of such person’s major life activities has a record of such impairments; or is regarded as having such impairment.
Who Is Responsible?
It must be emphasized that Section 504 falls under the responsibility of the regular education program. The school staff and parents need to work in collaboration to help guarantee that the student is provided with necessary accommodations and/or services. A disabled student who is eligible for placement under Section 504 should be served by the staff and resources of the regular education program.
What Is Required?
Section 504 requires a written plan describing placement and services. Placement decisions must be based upon information drawn from a variety of sources and all information must be documented as considered. Although a formal Individual Education Plan (IEP) is not required, the placement decisions must be made by a group of persons knowledgeable about the child, about the meaning of the evaluation data and about placement options.
School Contacts
The name and position of the person responsible for Section 504 compliance at each school building is listed below:
Beaver Creek Elementary
Anita Douglas, Student Support Facilitator, 515-278-6228
Horizon Elementary
Shannon Carlson, Student Support Facilitator, 515-986-1121
Lawson Elementary
Jan Maronn, Student Support Facilitator, 515-278-0478
Timber Ridge Elementary
Emily Backus, Student Support Facilitator, 515-331-4379
Wallace Elementary
Trisha Lenarz-Garmoe, Student Support Facilitator, 515-278-6977
Summit Middle School
Shannon Brock (6th grade) and Lauren Gallo-Heston (7th grade), School Counselors, 515-986-0318
Johnston Middle School
Kayla Selby (8th grade) and Abbey Moomaw (9th grade), School Counselors, 515-278-1544
Johnston High School
Sue Baker, School Counselor, 515-278-0449
