Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504) is a federal civil rights law that requires any “recipient” of federal funding, including schools, to eliminate discrimination on the basis of disability in all aspects of school operations. The law states:

“No otherwise qualified individual with a disability… shall, solely by reason of their disability, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance…”

As a federally funded entity, the Ontario-Montclair School District is required to provide eligible students with disabilities equal access—both physical and academic—to services, programs, and extracurricular activities.

There are two primary purposes for developing a Section 504 Plan. The first is to protect students from discrimination. Section 504 ensures students with disabilities have access to educational services, programs, and activities equal to those provided to students without disabilities. It also ensures that students receive effective aids, benefits, and services comparable to those provided to their peers.

The second purpose is to provide a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE). FAPE may apply to both general education students served through a Section 504 Plan and students served through special education under an Individualized Education Program (IEP). However, the specific plan or program through which FAPE is provided depends on the individual needs of the student.

It is the policy of the Ontario-Montclair School District that students who meet the definition of disability under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act be identified, evaluated, and provided appropriate educational services.

If you have any questions regarding Section 504 Plans, please contact your school site’s Section 504 Coordinator or the Special Education Office at (909) 418-6420.