504 PLANS

Minnesota New Country School is committed to providing a free and appropriate public education to all students. Students who have a diagnosed medical condition identified to be a disability may be eligible for certain protections under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990. Schools are required to provide access to education for all students, and to make available reasonable accommodations to a student’s educational program or setting. If a student is eligible under Section 504, a Section 504 Plan will be developed by the student’s team which includes: parents, student (if appropriate), and other knowledgeable school personnel.

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (34 C.F.R. Part 104) is a federal civil rights statute that assures individuals will not be discriminated against based on their disability. All school districts that receive federal funding are responsible for the implementation of this law. This law protects a student with an impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, whether the student receives special education services or not.

Examples of physical or mental impairments that may be covered under Section 504 include: epilepsy, AIDS, allergies, vision impairment, broken limbs, cancer, diabetes, asthma, temporary condition due to accidents or illness, ADD/ADHD, learning disabilities, autism, depression, intellectual disability, traumatic brain injury, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Examples of major life activities that can be affected by the student’s disability include: learning, thinking, concentrating, reading, speaking, walking, breathing, sleeping, caring for oneself, as well as major bodily functions, including brain function, immune system function, or digestive functions. This is not an exhaustive list.

For more information on 504 plans please contact: Cassie Vogt (cvogt@newcountryschool.com)