School Board Policy 521 -
Student Disability Nondiscrimination

Adopted: september 8, 1997 
REVISED: September 11, 2006
revised: january 11, 2010 
revised: january 14, 2013
revised: November 9, 2020
Revised: November 13, 2023

I. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to protect students with disabilities from discrimination on the basis of disability and to identify and evaluate learners who, within the intent of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504), need services, accommodations, or programs in order that such learners may receive a free appropriate public education.

II. General Statement of Policy

A. Students with disabilities who meet the criteria of Paragraph C below are protected from discrimination on the basis of disability.

B. The responsibility of the school district is to identify and evaluate learners who, within the intent of Section 504, need services, accommodations, or programs in order that such learners may receive a free appropriate public education.

C. For this policy, a learner who is protected under Section 504 is one who:

1. has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more of such person’s major life activities; or

2. has a record of such an impairment; or

3. is regarded as having a such impairment.

D. Learners may be protected from disability discrimination and be eligible for services, accommodations, or programs under the provisions of Section 504 even though they are not eligible for special education pursuant to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.

III. Coordinator

Persons who have questions, comments, or complaints should contact the Director of Student Support Services. This person is the school district's Americans with Disabilities Act/Section 504 Coordinator. Persons who wish to make a complaint regarding a disability discrimination matter may use the Student Disability Discrimination Grievance Report Form. The form should be given to the ADA/Section 504 Coordinator. 

Legal References: 
42 U.S.C. Ch. 126 (Equal Opportunity for Individuals with Disabilities)
29 U.S.C. § 794 et seq. (§ 504 of Rehabilitation Act of 1973)
34 C.F.R. Part 104 (Section 504 Implementing Regulations)

Cross References: 
WBLASB Policy 402 (Disability Nondiscrimination)