Special Needs Resource Directory

To be eligible for protections under Section 504, a child must:

• Have a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities;
• Have a record of a disability; or
• Is regarded as disabled by others. 

Section 504 covers a wide range of disabilities including emotional or mental illness, ADD / ADHD, orthopedic conditions, epilepsy, diabetes, cancer, organic brain syndrome, learning disabilities and mental retardation.

The nature and severity of the disability will be considered in determining if it substantially limits at least one major life activity and requires accommodations and modifications through the development of a 504 Plan. A major life activity includes learning, walking, seeing, hearing speaking, breathing, working, caring for oneself and performing manual tasks.

Determining eligibility for services under Section 504 is a team decision. Team members often include teachers, school administrators, school psychologist, counselor, therapists, the parent and the child, if appropriate. If you have results from psychological or psychiatric evaluations, information about medications or input from your child's physician, you should consider sharing this with the team.

• Download a sample letter to request school accommodations under Section 504

A 504 Plan is a legal document that ensures a free appropriate public education. It identifies reasonable accommodations and modifications based on the child's individual needs. Some examples can include preferential seating, additional time for assignments and tests, modified workbooks and textbooks, tape recorders, computers, notes, audiovisual equipment, oral testing, extra set of textbooks for home, additional rest and bathroom breaks, organizational strategies, communication systems, Individual Health Plan, behavior modification plans and breaking assignments down into manageable parts. The 504 Plan is reviewed periodically by the team.

Not all students who have disabilities require specialized instruction. For students with disabilities or an ongoing health condition that do not require specialized instruction, a Section 504 plan may be an option. Students with a disability or health management needs may also have an individual health plan (IHP).

For more information:

• Accommodation ideas to consider with your 504 team*:
  • Autism (from Autism Speaks)
  • Anxiety (from WorryWiseKids)
  • Diabetes (from American Diabetes Association)
  • Dyslexia (from National Center for Learning Disabilities)
  • Epilepsy (from Epilepsy Foundation)
  • Food Allergies (from Food Allergy Research & Education)
  • Spina Bifida (from Spina Bifida Association)
  • Celiac Disease (from Celiac Disease Foundation)
  • Sickle Cell Disease (from Connecticut Children’s Medical Center)
  • Inflammatory Bowel Disease (from Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America)
  • Juvenile Arthritis (from Arthritis Foundation)
   
• Contact your child’s school nurse to support needed health accommodations at school. Learn about the individual health plan (IHP) from the Statewide Parent Advocacy Network of New Jersey for children with health management needs.
• Find tips from the National Center for Learning Disabilities about school-related problems.
• Read Guidelines for Educators and Administrators for Implementing Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 for examples of disabilities and possible services, strategies, and accommodations for 504 plans. While designed for educators, it is also a good resource for parents.
• Read some frequently asked questions about 504.

*Listing these resources does not imply endorsement. Your child’s needs are unique, talk with your child’s health care provider, school nurse and school team about the need for a 504 or Individual Health Plan. 

School districts are required to have impartial hearings to resolve conflicts. If problems are not solved, you can file a complaint with the U.S. Office of Civil Rights. You can find national headquarters and state contacts.

• Academic Accommodations for Students with Psychiatric Disabilities, developed at the University of Washington, is a comprehensive list of accommodations that can be used for a variety of mental health diagnoses, including autism, ADHD, bipolar disorder and anxiety.
• Center for Parent Information and Resources, part of the Department of Education, has comprehensive resources on special education, disabilities, IDEA, Section 504, mental health, family supports and parent rights. 
• Cincinnati Public Schools provides information on accommodations and modifications.
• National Council for Learning Disabilities has information and resources on Section 504.
• National Resource Center on ADHD - CHADD has comprehensive information on Section 504.
• Office for Civil Rights provides information and resources on Section 504. They provide comprehensive resources and information. You can find national headquarters and state contacts.
• Ohio Coalition for the Education of Children with Disabilities (OCECD) is the regional parent center dedicated to advancing the educational interests of children with disabilities. They provide advocacy services, workshops, information and referral and have a list of Parent Mentors in Ohio school districts.
• The Point, Arc of Northern Kentucky has an advocate who can attend meetings with the parent to provide mediation of problems, negotiation in addressing the concerns, and assistance in the development of the Individual Education Plan (IEP)/504 Plan.
• SchwabLearning reviews Section 504 and the development of a 504 Plan.
• State Support Team 13 (former SERRC) for Southwest Ohio provides information, support and training. They have resources on their Family Network and a list of Parent Mentors in school districts in southwest Ohio. A directory of support teams throughout Ohio is available.
• Wrightslaw provides information, articles and resources on many aspects of Section 504 and the 504 Plan. 
• Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates is an independent, nonprofit, tax-exempt organization of attorneys, advocates, parents and related professionals. Parents who are looking to find a special education attorney, a special education advocate, or a related professional may look up referrals in the COPAA Member Directory.
• Tom Jacobs, Cincinnati attorney specializing in education law.
• Carla Loon Leader, Cincinnati attorney specializing in education law.
• Inclusion Advocates, Cincinnati special education advocates.
• Carol Igoe, Cincinnati special education advocate
• Wrightslaw Yellow Pages for Kids has advocates and specialists in each state.