504 Accommodations

Section 504

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is a federal law that protects qualified individuals with disabilities from discrimination based on their disability.  Under this law, individuals with disabilities are defined as persons with a physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more major life activities.  People who have a history of, or who are regarded as having a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, are also covered.   Some examples of major life activities are walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing or learning. 

While having a disability is one reason for referral to the Section 504 Committee, there must be a functional impairment evident in the child’s ability to learn or access school programs in order to qualify for a Section 504 Plan. The Section 504 Committee will determine if your child qualifies for the reasonable accommodations and modifications of a Section 504 Plan. Should you suspect your child may have an impairment that is impacting his/her functioning in school, you may refer your child in writing to the Pupil Personnel Office, 629 Fifth Avenue, Pelham, New York, 10803. For further information you may contact Traci Holtz, Assistant Superintendent for Pupil Personnel Services.