1973: Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act
The Rehabilitation Act of 1973
“Section 504 covers the entire lifespan and not just the school years.”
Schools may be required to develop
plans to meet the needs of students who require accommodations and do not qualify for special education.
This act employs a broader definition of eligibility than IDEA and states that no individual can be excluded, solely because of their disability, from participating in any program or activity receiving federal funding, including schools.
- IDEA: Ages 3-21, 504: Lifetime
- After high school tends to be called disability or accessability services.
- 504s also are for employers and other areas where disabilites can effect or hinder a person.
- This includes children with documented disabilities that do not adversely affect their education.
- This would be like extra time on tests, choice seating, and a quiet room to take tests among other things.