Section 504 Resources

Section 504

Section 504 is federal civil rights law under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) administers Section 504—not the State. Section 504 is the other service option available to students with disabilities, but who are not eligible and/or already receiving special education services under the eligibility requirements of the IDEA (Tier 3). It is designed to provide equal access and fairness in general education to students with disabilities, thereby leveling the playing field for them. Under New Mexico’s three-tier model of student intervention, a Section 504 Plan is a Tier 2 service and/or support. Please click on the links below to see guidance and resources.

Guidelines for Educators and Administrators to Implement Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (May 2010)A comprehensive guide for services and/or accommodations to students with disabilities who do not qualify for special education.

SECTION 504 GUIDANCE FOR SCHOOLS 2022 LEAs are to make reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities to access free appropriate public education (FAPE). Therefore, students with qualifying disabilities are entitled to the development and implementation of a Section 504 Plan with appropriate accommodations. Though a written plan is not explicitly required by Section 504, it is recommended to document processes in place to identify and address the needs of the student. This documentation can also prevent unnecessary confusion or misunderstandings about the services being offered under the law.

• Fact Sheet: Section 504
• Tip Sheet: Section 504 Evaluation
• Tip Sheet: Section 504 and Related Services
• Tip Sheet: Section 504 and Graduate NM

Section 504 Webinar Guidance on Canvas

To enroll in Canvas click here

Direct link to Self-Paced 504 Training 2022 click here

Section 504 Documents