Section 504 Rehabilitation Act

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is a federal civil rights law intended to protect individuals with disabilities from discrimination. Section 504 protects qualifying students by prohibiting these students from being excluded from the participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination (solely by reason of his or her disability) by any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance. For more information, visit: https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/504faq.html

What is a 504 Plan?

A 504 plan provides equal access to educational services for students with a qualified disability. It is designed to make changes to, such as accommodations or modifications, or to provide related aids, the classroom environment or the delivery of instruction. All 504 plans are created according to a student’s individualized and current data, in order to ensure the student has appropriate and equal access to the educational environment.

What is considered a disability under Section 504?

A student must have a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits a major life activity (MLA) or major bodily function (MBF). The U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights described “physical or mental impairment” as follows:

(A) Any physiological disorder or condition, cosmetic disfigurement, or anatomical loss affecting one or more of the following body systems: neurological; musculoskeletal; special sense organs; respiratory, including speech organs; cardiovascular; reproductive; digestive, genitourinary; hemic and lymphatic; skin; and endocrine; or

(B) Any mental or psychological disorder, such as mental retardation, organic brain syndrome, emotional or mental illness, or specific learning disabilities. 34 CFR 104.3(j)(2)(i). A “major life activity” includes (but is not limited to) caring for oneself, performing manual tasks, learning, concentrating, thinking, communicating, working, reading, walking, seeing, breathing, eating, lifting, and bending. Major bodily functions include the immune system, normal cell growth, digestive, bowel, bladder, neurological, brain, respiratory, circulatory, endocrine, and reproductive functions. NOTE: These MLAs/MBFs are not exhaustive lists.

Who should I contact if I suspect my child may have a qualified disability and needs a 504 Accommodations Plan?

Dr. Monique Link, School Social Worker / Voyager Academy Section 504 Coordinator
mlink@voyageracademy.net
919-433-3301 X 146
100 Hock Parc
Durham, NC 27704

Non-Discrimination, Equal Opportunity, and Anti-Harassment Policies

Voyager Academy provides equal education opportunities to all students and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age (40 years or older), sex (including pregnancy), national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Voyager adheres to the legal obligations and requirements under all state and federal laws, including without limitation, Title IX, section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Amendments of 1997, including identification, evaluation, and provision of an appropriate education. The policy of equal opportunity includes a prohibition against any and all unlawful discrimination including but not limited to, harassment, including sexual harassment, or retaliation.

It always has been and continues to be Voyager Academy’s policy that students and employees should be able to enjoy a work environment free from all forms of unlawful discrimination. All decisions regarding recruiting and enrollment of students will be made without unlawful discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, age, pregnancy, disability status, work-related injury, covered veteran status, genetic information, marital status, or any other factor that the law protects from discrimination.

Section 504: Student and Parent Rights

To access a copy of the Voyager Academy Section 504: Student and Parent Rights, please click on the appropriate link below:

Section 504: Student and Parent Rights – English

Para acceder a una copia de la sección 504 de la Academia Voyager: Los derechos estudiantiles y parentales, favor de hacer clic en el enlace apropiado abajo:

Sección 504: Los derechos estudiantiles y parentales – En español