Introduction of Section 504
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 - Simply States
"No otherwise qualified handicapped individual in the United States...shall, solely by reason of his handicap, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance."
Three federal laws have had a significant impact on the ways in which school districts address the rights and needs of individuals with disabilities. They are Section 504 of the Vocational Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA).
In 1973, the Vocational Rehabilitation Act was signed into law. As part of the act, Section 504 provided that individuals cannot be discriminated against solely on the basis of their disabilities. Section 504 became the first federal civil rights law to protect the rights of persons with disabilities. The law protects every school-aged child who meets the broad definition of a person with a disability, i.e., (1) has , or (2) has had a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits a major life activity, or (3) is regarded as disabled by others. Major life activities include walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning, working, caring, for oneself, and performing manual tasks.
ADA (Title II) vs. Section 504
| ADA | Section 504 |
| Provides a clear and comprehensive national mandate to end discrimination against individuals with disabilities | Prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in any program or activity of state or local government that receives federal funds |
| Provides that those with disabilities must have an equally effective opportunity to participate in or benefit from County programs, services, and activities | Responds more to the needs of students with disabilities |
| Provides enforceable standards | Imposes procedural safeguards and a FAPE requirement very similar to IDEA |
For information please contact the:
Section 504 Liaison at your school.
Further information can be obtained by contacting the:
Director, Psychological Services
600 SE Third Avenue, 5th Floor
Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301
(754) 321-2460
http://www.broward.k12.fl.us/studentsupport/psychologicalservices/index.htm
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The School Board of Broward County, Florida, prohibits any policy or procedure which results in discrimination on the basis of age, color, disability, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, marital status, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. Individuals who wish to file a discrimination and/or harassment complaint, may call the Executive Director, Benefits & EEO Compliance at (754) 321-2150 or Teletype Machine (TTY) at 754-321-2158.
Individuals with disabilities requesting accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendment Act of 2008, (ADAAA) may call Equal Educational Opportunities
(EEO) at 754-321-2150 or Teletype Machine (TTY) at 754-321-2158.
2001-2011 Broward County Public Schools
Equal Educational Opportunities
600 SE Third Avenue, 14th Floor, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Phone: (754) 321-2150 Fax: (754) 321-2714 TTY: (754) 321-2158
Email Us: EEO@browardschools.com