Special Education
Page Navigation
What is Section 504?
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is a federal law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability. Unlike the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) that governs special education, Section 504 is not an education, service, or funding statute. The purpose of Section 504 is to ensure that individuals with disabilities are given the same opportunity to participate in programs and activities as are their non-disabled peers. It is the responsibility of Waxahachie Independent School District to identify and serve students who, within the intent of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, are considered disabled and who, because of disability, need special services within the general education program.
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 states in part:
“No otherwise qualified individual with a disability shall, on the basis of the disability, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or otherwise be subjected to discrimination under “any program or activity which receives or benefits from federal financial assistance”... (34 C.F.R. 104.4(e))