About Section 504

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is a federal civil rights law designed to eliminate discrimination on the basis of disability in any program receiving federal financial assistance. In our schools, Section 504 ensures that students with medical, physical, or mental health impairments have equal access to an education.

Unlike Special Education (IEPs), which focuses on specialized instruction, a Section 504 Plan provides accommodations and modifications within the general education classroom. These accommodations "level the playing field," removing architectural, academic, or physical barriers so that a student can learn right alongside their peers.

Who Qualifies?

A student may be eligible for a 504 Plan if they have a documented physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities (such as learning, concentrating, walking, seeing, hearing, or breathing). Common examples include severe allergies, ADHD, diabetes, anxiety, or temporary conditions like a broken dominant arm.

Section 504 Resources

MSAD 44 Section 504 Procedural Safeguards > Our district's official notice of parental rights and procedural protections under federal law.
U.S. Department of Education OCR: Section 504 FAQ > The federal government's official guide to disability rights and eligibility criteria in public schools.

Maine School Administrative District 44