School Psychologist

Section 504

Section 504 regulations require a school district to provide a "free appropriate public education" (FAPE) to each qualified student with a disability who is in the school district's jurisdiction, regardless of the nature or severity of the disability. Under Section 504, FAPE consists of the provision of regular or special education and related aids and services designed to meet the student's individual educational needs as adequately as the needs of nondisabled students are met.

 STUDENTS PROTECTED UNDER SECTION 504

Section 504 covers qualified students with disabilities who attend schools receiving Federal financial assistance. To be protected under Section 504, a student must be determined to: (1) have a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities; or (2) have a record of such impairment; or (3) be regarded as having such impairment. Section 504 requires that school districts provide a free appropriate public education (FAPE) to qualified students in their jurisdictions who have a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities.

 EVALUATION

At the elementary and secondary school level, determining whether a child is a qualified disabled student under Section 504 begins with the evaluation process. Section 504 requires the use of evaluation procedures that ensure that children are not misclassified, unnecessarily labeled as having a disability, or incorrectly placed, based on inappropriate selection, administration, or interpretation of evaluation materials.  Decision for evaluation for a 504 plan may occur through SST or may be initiated by a parent by written request.  If the parent is unable to make a written request, the school counselor will assist the parent in making the request.

 PLACEMENT

Once a student is identified as being eligible for regular or special education and related aids or services, a decision must be made regarding the type of services the student needs. This will occur through a team meeting which may include but is not limited to the parent, teacher, school level 504 coordinator, district 504 coordinator, nurse, and administration.

 PROCEDURAL SAFEGUARDS

Public elementary and secondary schools must employ procedural safeguards regarding the identification, evaluation, or educational placement of persons who, because of disability, need or are believed to need special instruction or related services. These safeguards are outlined in the links to the left of this page.

Christy Hagan
School Psychologist
District 504 Coordinator
(912) 739-2714
chagan@evanscountyschools.org

As required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Evans County does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability in admission to its programs, services, or activities, in access to them, in treatment of individuals, or in any aspect of their operations.  For additional information or referral to the appropriate system coordinator, contact the system superintendent’s office at 613 West Main Street, Claxton, GA  30417.