Section 504 is a federal law which protects the rights of persons with qualifying disabilities. It requires that recipients of federal funds make their programs and activities accessible to all persons with disabilities that interfere with major life activities such as: caring for one’s self, performing manual tasks, walking, seeing, hearing, eating, sleeping, walking, standing, lifting, bending, speaking, breathing, learning, reading, concentrating, thinking, communicating  and working.

If there is reason to believe that, because of a qualifying disability, a student needs accommodations, the school district will review the student’s information and develop and implement an accommodation plan. The type of information reviewed includes but is not limited to: Grades Teacher reports Test scores Medical and/or psychological evaluations Parent information The evaluation must be sufficient to accurately assess the nature and extent of the disability, its effect on major life activities, and recommended services. Only when the disability substantially limits the student in a major life activity are they considered eligible under Section 504 for accommodations.  For more information, please read Frequently Asked Questions about Section 504 and A Guide to Section 504.

Each school has a coordinator for students who have 504 accommodations.  You can contact the following people or speak to your student’s classroom teacher or guidance counselor if you have questions.

The alternate Section 504 Coordinator is Jan Bootsma, Executive Director of Student Support Services, who can be reached at 952-401-5017 or jan.bootsma@minnetonka.k12.mn.us.