Section 504 Services

Ensuring Equal Access to Educational Opportunities

Canutillo ISD is committed to providing equitable access to educational programs and activities for all students. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is a federal civil rights law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability and ensures that qualified students have equal access to a free appropriate public education (FAPE).

Students who have a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities may be eligible to receive accommodations, supports, or related services through a Section 504 Plan.

What is Section 504?

Section 504 is designed to remove barriers that may prevent a student with a disability from accessing educational opportunities equal to those of their peers.

A Section 504 Plan may include accommodations and supports that allow a student to participate successfully in the general education environment and school-sponsored activities.

Examples of accommodations may include but not limited to:

• Extended time for assignments and assessments
• Preferential seating
• Health-related accommodations
• Behavioral supports
• Classroom accommodations
• Environmental adjustments
• Other individualized supports based on student need

Referral and Evaluation Process

A student may be referred for consideration under Section 504 by:

• A parent or guardian
• School personnel
• A campus team
• Other individuals familiar with the student’s educational needs

The Section 504 Committee reviews available information to determine whether the student meets eligibility requirements under Section 504.

Parent Partnership

Parents and guardians are valuable members of the Section 504 process. Families are encouraged to:

• Participate in Section 504 meetings.
• Share information regarding their child’s educational or medical needs.
• Ask questions throughout the evaluation and accommodation process.
• Maintain communication with school staff regarding their child’s progress.

Campus Section 504 Coordinators

Each Canutillo ISD campus has a designated Campus Section 504 Coordinator responsible for coordinating Section 504 services, facilitating eligibility meetings, and supporting implementation of Section 504 Plans.

If you have questions regarding Section 504 services or believe your child may need accommodations due to a disability, please contact your child’s campus. The campus Section 504 Coordinator can provide additional information regarding the referral, evaluation, and eligibility process.

Additional Resources:

• Parent and Educator Resource Guide to Section 504 in Public Elementary and Secondary Schools 
• Supporting Students with Disabilities and Avoiding the Discriminatory Use of Student Discipline under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 
• Frequently Asked Questions: Section 504 Free and Appropriate Public Education
• Students with ADHD and 504
• TEA Technical Assistance: Section 504
• TEA Powerpoint on Section 504
• Section 504 Fact Sheet for Families (English)
• Section 504 Fact Sheet for Families (Spanish)