In this lesson, we will be learning about Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Section 504 is a civil rights act that prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in programs that receive federal funding. Because all public schools receive federal funding, they are subject to Section 504. Section 504 and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) overlap in many ways (e.g., they both provide educational rights to students with disabilities) but are also fundamentally different (e.g., Section 504 is a broad civil rights law whereas IDEA is a detailed law focused specifically on education).
As you complete the work for the lesson on Section 504, keep in mind:
- That Section 504 is primarily a civil rights law that applies to schools and many other settings
- How disability is defined in Section 504 and how it differs from IDEA?
- Who might have a disability under Section 504 but not under IDEA?
- How people can be protected from discrimination under Section 504 even if they don’t have a disability (having a record of or being regarding as having an impairment)?
- What “otherwise qualified” means and how it relates to being protected by Section 504
- Specific similarities and differences between Section 504 and IDEA regarding the education of students with disabilities (e.g., Section 504 Plan vs. IEP)
Use these “Flashcards” to practice definitions and terminologies from this lesson.
To get the most out of this activity view the questions and answers separately. To do this please uncheck the box next to “Both Sides” located on the top right of the flashcard.
