Section 504 & Program Services
What is Section 504?
Section
504 is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against
individuals with disabilities. Section 504 ensures that a child with a
disability has equal access to an education. A child may receive
accommodations and modifications through Section 504 services. Bellville Independent School District (BISD) serves more than 250 students through Section 504.
How does Section 504 define "Disability?"
A person is disabled within the definition of Section 504 if the following conditions are met:
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The child must have a mental or physical impairment that substantially limits one or more of a person's major life activities.
"Major life activities" include functions such as caring for one's
self, performing manual tasks, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking,
breathing, learning, and working. When a condition does not
substantially limit a major life activity, the individual does not
qualify under Section 504.
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The child's disability must impact their education in order to qualify for educational accommodations.
This determination is made by a school team of individuals who are familiar with the child and the child's parent.
Eligibility
If
the school has reason to believe that, because of a disability as
defined under Section 504, a student needs accommodations or services in
order to participate in the school program, the school must evaluate
the student. If it is determined that a student is disabled under
Section 504, the school must develop and implement the delivery of all
needed services and/or accommodations.
What Does Making Accommodations Mean?
Accommodations
are adjustments made by the classroom teacher(s) and other school staff
to help students equally access their educational program. In some cases a
plan should be developed outlining services and accommodations.
Examples of Accommodations:
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Provide an extra set of textbooks for home.
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Adjust student seating.
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Use study guides/organizing tools.
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Provide a peer tutor/helper.
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Provide school counseling.
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Have the student use an organizer – train in organizational skills.
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Provide preferential seating.
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Use necessary health care procedures.
Section 504 Referrals:
Each school
district must have standards and procedures in place for the evaluation
and placement of students in the district’s Section 504 program.
Districts must also implement a system of procedural safeguards that
includes notice, an opportunity for a parent or guardian to examine
relevant records, an impartial hearing with an opportunity for
participation by the parent or guardian and representation by counsel,
and a review procedure.
Section 504 Referral Contacts:
The Section
504 contact for referrals varies by campus. The designated person to
contact regarding options for a student experiencing learning
difficulties or regarding a referral for evaluation for Section 504
services by campus is:
Campus: O'Bryant Primary |
|
Campus: O'Bryant Intermediate |
Contact: Emily Neumann |
Contact: Karen Capps |
Phone: (979) 865-5907 |
Phone: (979) 865-3671 |
|
|
Campus: West End Elementary |
Contact: Jodie Koehl |
Phone: (979) 357-2595 |
Campus: Junior High |
|
Contact: Krystal Rettig |
Campus: High School |
Phone: (979) 865-5966 |
Contact: Lindsey Morille |
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Phone: (979) 865-3681 |
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