Section 504 is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities.  Section 504 ensures that the child with a disability has equal access to an education.  The child may receive accommodations and modifications.

Unlike the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Section 504 does not require the school to provide an individualized educational program (IEP) that is designed to meet the child's unique needs and provides the child with educational benefit.  Under Section 504, fewer procedural safeguards are available to children with disabilities and their parents than under IDEA.

On September 25, 2008, the President signed the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act of 2008 (ADA AA).  The Act, effective January 1, 2009, emphasizes that the definition of disability should be construed in favor of broad coverage of individuals to the maximum extent permitted by the terms of the ADA.

Section 504 covers qualified students with disabilities who attend schools receiving Federal financial assistance.  To be protected under Section 504, a student must be determined to: (1) have a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities; or (2) have a record of such impairment; or (3) be regarded as having such impairment.  The determination of whether any particular condition is considered a disability is made on a case by case basis.