In 2022, DCPS updated its 504 policy. You can learn more about Section 504 in DCPS here, and by reading below.
Section 504 is part of the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973, created to prevent discrimination against individuals with disabilities in services, programs, and activities that receive federal funds. In public schools, it protects students with disabilities so that they are able to access the curriculum and educational opportunities provided by the schools. Unlike special education, Section 504 provides accommodations and related services (including transportation if needed) to eligible students with disabilities so that they can access the general education curriculum, opportunities for learning, and school activities to the same extent as their non-disabled peers.
The law states: “No otherwise qualified individual with a disability in the United States…shall, solely by reason of his or her disability, be excluded from the participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.” A student is considered eligible for Section 504 if they have a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities. Students who are found eligible for special education should receive all accommodations and modifications through an Individualized Education Program (IEP) and should not have a concurrent 504 plan. The parent pamphlet from DCPS is a good place to start if you are unfamiliar with section 504.
Every DCPS school has a Section 504 Coordinator, designated by the school principal. The Section 504 Coordinator serves as the school’s main point of contact for questions from students, parents, and school staff regarding accommodations and services under Section 504. If you have questions that can not answered at the school level, the Central Office Section 504 and Student Accommodations Team can be reached at the following: 504@k12.dc.gov or (202) 442-5471.
If you think that you or your student have been treated unfairly because they have a disability or 504 Plan, you can submit a grievance. For more information about the grievance procedures in DCPS, please view the grievance procedures or contact dcps.care@k12.dc.gov.
You may also request an impartial hearing to resolve differences involving the identification, evaluation, and placement of a student with disabilities entitled to protection under Section 504. To request an impartial hearing, please submit the Impartial Hearing Request Form to the Section 504 and Student Accommodations Team via email (504@k12.dc.gov). The hearing request must be made within one (1) year of the date the parent/guardian knew or should have known about the alleged facts that form the basis of the request. Learn more about the impartial hearing process.
DCPS Section 504 Process (includes Impartial Hearing Request Form, and hearing rules)
If your student attends a charter school, you should be able to find this information in the student handbook. Please contact us if you have questions or need help finding it!
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