Skip to main content

Portland Public School

Community - Inquiry - Agency

Section 504

What is 504?

What is Section 504? 

A 504 Plan is a formal agreement between the school and parents that ensures a child has equal access to the same educational opportunities as their peers, even if they have a disability or health condition that impacts their learning or participation at school.

  • Legal Basis: It is named after Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, a federal civil rights law.

  • Purpose: The plan outlines specific accommodations (changes to the environment, instruction, or how a task is done) that the school must provide to "level the playing field." It does not involve specialized academic instruction like an Individualized Education Program (IEP).

  • Examples of Accommodations:

    • Giving a student extra time to take a test

    • Allowing a student to use a laptop for note-taking

    • Providing preferential seating (e.g., sitting near the teacher)

    • Allowing a student with diabetes to check their blood sugar during class

  • Eligibility: Your child must have a documented physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities (like learning, walking, seeing, or breathing).

What is the difference between an IEP and a 504 Plan? 

As mentioned above, an IEP mandates specialized instruction. A 504 Plan guarantees accommodations. 

Who should I contact with questions about Section 504? 

As a first step, reach out to the 504 coordinator at your child's school. 

If your concerns are not resolved, please reach out to Sara McLaughlin, Director of Student Services and 504 Coordinator. She can be reached at: (860) 342-2778 or via email smclaughlin@portlandct.us. 

Resources: