504 Service Planning

504 Service Planning

A section 504 team determines whether a student has a mental or physical impairment through assessment and evaluation. If a student qualifies for 504 intervention, their support team will come up with a 504 Service Agreement (also called a 504 Plan).

Students with a 504 Plan, along with parents and school officials, document the aids, services and accommodations afforded to every student to the maximum extent so that they can be educated alongside non-disabled peers. Some of these accommodations include communication procedures, emergency plans, physical activities, medical supplies and equipment, etc.

Section 504 is part of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. It is a federal law that protects individuals from discrimination based on disability. Under this law, individuals with disabilities may not be excluded from or denied the opportunity from certain programs. In schools, this means that the behavioral health team, led by the school counselor, teacher and school nurse works with the parent, student and any others providing support and services for a student that allows them to be successful and safe in school.