The North Pike School District acknowledges its responsibility under Section 504 and the Americans with Disabilities Act to prohibit discrimination in its policies and programs regarding students, personnel, and campus visitors. Discrimination against any person with a disability will not knowingly be permitted in any program or practice of the school district. Under Section 504, the District has the responsibility to identify, evaluate, and if the student is determined to be eligible, afford access to appropriate educational services.

Section 504 is part of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. It is a national civil rights law that protects qualified individuals from discrimination based on their disabilities. It is designed to eliminate discrimination in programs and activities that receive federal funds. Since all public schools receive federal funding, all public school districts must comply with Section 504.

Section 504 is not meant to maximize a student's potential. It is meant to level the playing field so that disabled students have the opportunity to participate and benefit from educational academic and extracurricular programs. It requires school districts to meet the needs of disabled students as adequately as the needs of non-disabled students. Because Section 504 seeks equality of opportunity and benefit between the disabled and non-disabled students, it relies on making comparisons between the student being evaluated with his/her non-disabled peers.

Section 504 requires school districts to provide free appropriate public education (FAPE) to each qualified student within the district who has a disability that substantially limits participation in or benefit from programs and activities, regardless of the severity of the disability.

If you are a parent and have concerns or suspect your child may have a disability eligible under Section 504 or your child has specific needs that may need accommodations or services, first contact your student’s school principal.