Service Agreement Plan (Section 504 of ADA)

Students who have a disability and do not qualify for special education services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) may need accommodations under the ADA Amendment Act of 2008. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, is a civil rights law that is intended to give all individuals the same educational access and opportunities to a public education, so that students who are protected have the same chance for success as their non-disabled peers. Students who are thought to be eligible must be evaluated to determine what accommodations may be needed to allow them access to any school-related activity. Accommodations provided to students who are eligible are made in the regular education program by certified teachers, if the child has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits a major life activity. The building principals and counselors in the elementary, middle, and high schools are Building Coordinators for Chapter 504 Service Agreements.

Bermudian Springs School District provides to each protected handicapped student related aids, services, or accommodations that are needed to provide equal opportunity to participate in and benefit from the public school program and extracurricular activities. Services are provided without discrimination or cost to the student or family.

To qualify for services under Section 504, the student must be school age and have a physical or mental disability or condition that substantially limits one or more major life activities, such as self-care, manual tasks, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, standing, thinking, concentrating, reading, learning, sleeping, working, bending, communicating, reproducing, normal cell growth, immune system function, digestive function, bowel function, bladder function, neurological function, brain function, respiratory function, circulatory function, and endocrine function. The disability or condition must impact the student’s access to participate in the public school program to a substantial degree. These services and protections are distinct from those under IDEA 2004.