Section 504 Referral Process
Step 1: Initial Referral Process
- An initial referral to the Section 504 Team begins the evaluation process for a student. Referrals from parent(s)/legal guardian(s) or adult student should be requested in writing if not recommended by the I&RS committee. The referral must clearly indicate that the parent(s)/guardian(s) or adult student is requesting a Section 504 evaluation. Once received, the parent (s)/guardian(s) or adult student will be contacted to schedule an Initial Section 504 Meeting.
- A referral does not mean that a student will be eligible for a 504 Plan. A medical diagnosis of a physical or mental impairment does not automatically determine eligibility under Section 504.
Step 2: Initial Section 504 Meeting
- The Invitation Meeting Letter, Section 504 Parent Rights Notice and Parent Input Form will be sent to the parent(s)/legal guardian(s) or adult student if applicable.
- If an evaluation is warranted, and additional information is needed, the Section 504 Team obtains the consent of the parent(s)/legal guardian(s) or adult student by completing the Section 504 Consent to Evaluate Form before the team begins the process. Alternatively, if an evaluation is not warranted, a referral to the Intervention and Referral Services team may be made or additional strategies may be recommended for implementation in the classroom.
Step 3: Section 504 Meeting to Review Evaluation Results
- A Section 504 meeting is held to review the evaluation results. The Section 504 Team reviews the evaluation data results and applies the Section 504 eligibility criteria to determine whether a student has a qualifying disability.
- Based on the evaluation data gathered from a variety of sources, the Section 504 Team answers the following three questions to determine Section 504 identification:
o 1. Does the student have a physical or mental impairment?
o 2. Does the physical or mental impairment substantially limit one or more major life activities?
o 3. Does the student need Section 504 accommodations?
- If all three questions were answered “Yes,” the student is identified as eligible for accommodations under Section 504, and the Section 504 Plan should be developed. If any answer is “No,” the student is not identified.
- If a student is found eligible, the Section 504 Team will develop a Section 504 plan that includes appropriate accommodations.
