The School District of Palm Beach County, Florida, complies with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 by providing services, programs and activities offered to qualified individuals. It is Civil Rights legislation to protect the rights of individuals. It is not a special education statute. The statute specifically states:

“No otherwise qualified individual with a disability…shall, solely by reason of his or her disability, be excluded from the participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.”

It is the responsibility of regular education staff and building administration to implement those practices and procedures necessary for a school to fulfill the requirements of this law. It is also important to understand that schools receive no additional funding to implement Section 504 procedures and accommodations. During the 2013-2014 school year, the District served 6,678 eligible students under Section 504.

Each school in the District has a designated 504 designee that facilitates the 504 process and oversees all 504 accommodation plans.