Section 504

Parent Overview of 504 & Frequently Asked Questions

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is a federal law. This law stops discrimination against people with disabilities in any program or activity that gets federal money from the United States Department of Education. The Columbia Missouri Public School District receives federal funding, so it must follow Section 504.

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act says that schools are responsible for finding and helping students with disabilities. Each school or district must work every year to "identify and locate" all qualified students with disabilities living in their area.

If you think your child may have a disability that needs help under Section 504, please reach out to your child's 504 Building Coordinator(s) and fill out the Section 504 Initial Referral Form. Section 504 Referral Form Link

Parent and Students Rights Under Section 504:  Section 504 Procedural Safeguards

Section 504 Compliance Manual:  CPS 504 Compliance Manual

Parent/Guardian/18-Year-Old Student Notification to Audio Record Section 504 Meeting:  For more information about this process, please check the "Audio Recording of Meetings" tab on the left navigation bar.

Frequently asked Questions:

How does Section 504 work in schools?

Section 504 is a law that helps schools support students with disabilities. It makes sure that these students get the same opportunities as those without disabilities and stops schools from treating them unfairly. In Columbia Public Schools, this is done by creating a plan. This plan explains the changes and support that students with disabilities legally need to have equal access to learning and activities at school.

Who is covered under Section 504?

In public schools, any student who is between 3 and 21 years old and has a qualifying disability is protected by Section 504.

What does “disability” mean under Section 504?

A disability is a physical or mental condition that greatly limits a "major life activity." Major life activities are important things we do every day, like taking care of ourselves, doing tasks with our hands, seeing, hearing, eating, sleeping, walking, standing, lifting, bending, speaking, breathing, learning, reading, concentrating, thinking, communicating, or working.

A major life activity can also include how well our body works. This includes the immune system, normal cell growth, digestion, bowel and bladder functions, brain activities, breathing, blood circulation, hormone production, and reproductive functions.

Who can ask for a child to be looked at for help under Section 504?

Anyone can suggest that a child be checked for help under Section 504. The important part of the referral is if the school staff thinks that the child has a mental or physical condition that significantly affects a major life activity. This means the child might need regular education with some changes or special education and related services.

What information is needed to do an evaluation under Section 504?

Under Section 504, there is no need for formal testing. The 504 team should consider several types of information. This includes students' grades, reports from teachers, feedback from parents or other organizations, state test scores, records of behavior, attendance records, and health information. It is important that no single source of information is used alone. Schools must ensure that all submitted information is documented and taken into account.

What is a 504 plan

If a student qualifies and needs special help, a 504 Plan is created. This plan is made by a team and explains the student's disability and their needs. It also lists the specific accommodations or changes that will be made to help the student.

The 504 Plan is checked every year by the team who understands these needs, but it can be reviewed anytime if someone asks. Every three years, or sooner if needed, a re-evaluation is done to see if the student still has a disability under Section 504.

Can my child get a Section 504 plan without me knowing?

Parents always need to be informed before their child is tested or given special help under Section 504. If the team decides that the child qualifies for Section 504, parents must also receive a copy of their child's Section 504 accommodation plan.

What to bring to a 504 meeting?

As a parent, it is important to attend the meetings and bring any information you want the team to think about. This can include your child's current grades, medical diagnoses, recent evaluations, or anything else you believe is important for your child's education.

CPS Special Services Coordinators Contact Information

Shae Collier
Coordinator 504 Programs
Aslin Administration Building
573-214-3459
SCollier@cpsk12.org

Allison Archibeque
Assistant Coordinator 504 Programs
Aslin Administration Building
573-214-3459
aarchibeque@cpsk12.org

Heather Ferguson
Assistant Coordinator 504 Programs
Aslin Administration Building
573-214-3459
HeFerguson@cpsk12.org