What does Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act mandate for students with disabilities?

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act mandates that students with disabilities are entitled to receive necessary accommodations to ensure they can access the same educational opportunities as their peers without disabilities. This includes support in the classroom, adaptations for testing, and modifications in the delivery of instruction. Importantly, these accommodations are provided regardless of whether a student has an Individualized Education Program (IEP). The focus of Section 504 is on preventing discrimination and ensuring equal access for all students with disabilities, making accommodations essential for their participation in school activities and learning environments.

While participation in extracurricular activities is often encouraged under Section 504, the law specifically emphasizes broader access and accommodations, making this aspect secondary to the main provisions of the law. Regular health check-ups and limitations on physical education classes are not mandates under Section 504; rather, they may relate to other aspects of educational policy or different regulations. Hence, the provision of accommodations, irrespective of IEP status, is central to the enforcement of Section 504.