Section 504
A free and appropriate public education (FAPE) shall be provided for each child determined to be in need of special education and/or related services. Students may be identified as disabled and eligible for special education services under the Individual with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEIA, 2004). Others may be identified as disabled under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. A student identified as disabled under Section 504 may be eligible for services if he or she has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits learning or another major life activity.
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is a federal law which prohibits discrimination against persons with a handicap in any program receiving federal financial assistance. The Act defines a person with a handicap as anyone who:
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Has a mental or physical impairment which substantially limits one or more major life activities (major life activities include caring for oneself, performing manual tasks, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning, and working);
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Has record of such impairment; or
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Is regarded as having such an impairment.