Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act: Accommodations for Success
Your education matters.
Learn how to understand your 504 Plan and use your voice in school.
Course Description
This course explains two important school laws that protect students with disabilities: the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is a law that makes available a free appropriate public education to eligible children with disabilities throughout the nation and ensures special education and related services to those children.
The Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Section 504 addresses protections for students with disabilities. Section 504 is a federal law designed to protect the rights of individuals with disabilities in programs and activities that receive Federal financial assistance.
- You will learn why these laws were created, who they protect, and what public schools must provide. The course explains the difference between special education under IDEA and accommodations under Section 504. You will also learn how students qualify and how support plans are made.
- The course covers IEPs and 504 Plans, including evaluations, meetings, and the roles of students, families, and school staff. You will see examples of services and accommodations and how they are used in real school settings.
- This course also focuses on using your voice. You will learn how to prepare for meetings, ask questions, understand school decisions, and speak up about what you need.
This self-paced course is designed for youth and young adults who want a clear, practical understanding of their rights in school.
Enrollment
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Additional Resources
Use the resources below to learn more about the topics in this course.
These resources are optional, and reading them is not required to complete the course.
They are here for anyone who wants to keep learning and go a little deeper.
More Resources about the IDEA
(Click each title below to open the resource and learn more)
- U.S. Department of Education: Overview of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) (Website)
- CPIR: Categories of Disability Under Part B of IDEA (Website)
- NHCDD: A Pocket Guide to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) (PDF)
- Disability Law Colorado: Q&A on Eligibility of Students under Section 504 and the IDEA in K-12 Education Settings (PDF)
- Congressional Research Service: The Rights of Students with Disabilities Under the IDEA, Section 504, and the ADA (Website)
More Resources about Section 504
(Click each title below to open the resource and learn more)
- U.S. Department of Education: Guidance on Section 504 (Website)
- U.S. Department of Education, Office of Civil Rights: Supporting Students under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (PDF)
- Disability Law Colorado Q&A: Eligibility of Students under Section 504 and the IDEA in K-12 Education Settings (PDF)
- Congressional Research Service: The Rights of Students with Disabilities Under the IDEA, Section 504, and the ADA (Website)
Virtual Sensory Space (VSS)
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