This course answers questions all educators have about the requirements of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as it applies to the public school’s duty to provide free and appropriate public education (FAPE) to students with disabilities. The key elements of Section 504 are explored, including its definition, what this federal law requires in terms of FAPE, and how it should be implemented.

• Understanding Section 504:

  "Introduction to Section 504: Ensuring Equal Access for Students with Disabilities"

  • Overview of the law and its purpose
  • Key definitions and concepts
  • Rights of Students under Section 504

• Implementing 504 Plans:

  "Creating and Implementing Effective 504 Plans"

  • Steps for developing a 504 plan
  • Roles and responsibilities of school staff, parents, and students
  • Examples of accommodations and modifications

• Initiative 2081’s Mental Health/Counseling Records:

  • Relevance to a Section 504 plan
  • Providing appropriate accommodations
  • Rights of student/confidentiality

• New FERPA Timeline:

  • Changes to the FERPA timeline
  • How schools should manage and maintain records
  • Compliance with educational records

• Legal Compliance and Best Practices:

  "Section 504 Compliance: Legal Requirements and Best Practices"

  • Understanding legal obligations and responsibilities
  • Common compliance issues and how to avoid them
  • Case studies and real-world scenarios

• Collaboration and Communication:

  "Collaborating for Success: Working Together on 504 Plans"

  • Strategies for effective collaboration among educators, parents, and students
  • Communication techniques for discussing 504 plans
  • Conflict resolution and problem-solving approaches

• Specific Needs and Accommodations:

  "Tailoring 504 Plans to Individual Needs: Accommodations for Various Disabilities"

  • Understanding different types of disabilities and their impact on learning
  • Examples of accommodations for specific disabilities (e.g., ADHD, dyslexia, physical impairments)
  • Monitoring and adjusting accommodations as needed

• Educator Training and Awareness:

  "Empowering Educators: Training Teachers on Section 504 Responsibilities"

  • Training teachers on their roles and responsibilities under Section 504
  • Strategies for creating an inclusive classroom environment
  • Professional development resources and support