Section 504 Services
Section 504 Services are designed to provide a system of identifying eligible students with disabilities as defined under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. Once identified, these students are ensured access to a Free and Appropriate Public Education by providing accommodations that allow equal access to the curriculum in the general education setting. The statute is intended to prevent intentional or unintentional discrimination against persons with disabilities, persons who are believed to have disabilities, or family members of persons with disabilities.
Kountze ISD strives to meet the needs of all students. Section 504 services are designed to provide a system of identifying eligible children with disabilities as defined under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended (2009), enabling Kountze ISD to ensure that all of the rights of these children are protected and receive appropriate services to ensure access to a Free and Appropriate Public Education.
Any student with a disability that substantially limits one or more life activities MAY BE considered for 504 services.
Child Find
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act places the responsibility for identifying and locating students with disabilities at school. A school/district must annually undertake efforts to "identify and locate" every qualified individual with a disability residing in the school's jurisdiction who is not receiving a public education.
If you suspect a child has a disability that requires intervention under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, please contact your campus. If you have questions about this process, you can also contact the Special Programs Director at 409-246-3474 or send an email to Mandy Stevenson at mstevenson@kountzeisd.org.
Eligibility for Services
According to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, to be eligible for services and protection against discrimination, a student must be determined, as a result of an evaluation, to have a physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more major life activities. A student does not have to demonstrate “educational need” to be supported by Section 504 of the Rehabiltiation Act.
Eligibility is determined by the Campus 504 Committee via a review of records, documentation, and information about a student. This can include, but is not limited to, evaluations from the school, psychological records or evaluations, school records, medical information, classroom data, and parent and teacher input.
If determined eligible by the 504 committee, an accommodation plan will be considered, and if needed developed, with input from the 504 Committee members.
The 504 committee is composed of a team of individuals, knowledgable about the student, the evaluation, and the placement options.
Although it is Kountze ISD policy that the parent is invited to the meeting, the Section 504 statute indicates parents are not required members. Kountze ISD also encourages students to attend 504 meetings, as they often have valuable information and insight into the accommodations that will be most helpful and appropriate to access the curriculum.
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