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SECTION 504 COORDINATOR
By now all districts should have appointed a Section 504 Coordinator. While this person
needs to be fairly knowledgeable about special education, it is not recommended that the
special education director be given this duty, because Section 504 coordinator needs the
authority to commit regular education resources as well as special education resources
when needed. Possible placements under Section 504 could include the at-risk program or
other special programs provided by the district.
The District designates the following employee to coordinate its efforts to comply with
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended: Kristy Thomas,
Counselor, Drawer 70, Arp 75750 (903) 859-4917.
The Section 504 Coordinator and members of the Section 504 Committee shall receive
training in the procedures and requirements for identifying and providing educational and
related services to those students who are disabled, but who are not in need of special
education in accordance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
SECTION 504 COMMITTEE:
The Section 504 Committee shall be composed of campus 504/ SOS Coordinators and at
least two other individuals, including persons knowledgeable about the student, the
meaning of the evaluation data, the placement options, and the legal requirements
regarding least restrictive environment and comparable facilities for disabled students.
REFERRAL
School staff should consider the existence of a handicap and possible Section 504
protection when:
 | suspension or expulsion is being considered for any student; |
| retention is being considered for any student; |
| a student shows a pattern of not benefiting from the instruction being provided; |
| student returns to school after a serious illness or injury; |
| a student is evaluated and is found not to qualify for Special Education services under
the IDEA; |
| a student exhibits a chronic health condition; |
| a student is identified as "at risk" or exhibits the potential for dropping
out of school; |
| substance abuse is an issue; |
| a handicap of any kind is suspected. |
Various handicapping conditions have the potential of warranting the previsions of
special services to students. School districts should be particularly alert to conditions
such as:
| Communicable Diseases: |
| AIDS |
| AIDS Related Complex |
| HIV |
| Tuberculosis |
| Temporary Handicapping Conditions: |
| Injuries |
| Illness |
| Attention Deficit Disorders, with or without hyperactivity |
| Behavior Disorders |
| Chronic Asthma |
| Severe Allergies |
| Physical Handicaps: |
| Spina Bifida |
| Hemophilia |
| Use of Crutches/Wheelchair |
| Other Chronic and/or Life Threatening Diseases |
| v Tourette Syndrome |
| v Rheumatoid Arthritis |
| v Diabetes |
| v Cancer |
| v Heart Disease |
| v Drug and/or Alcohol Addiction |
| v Obesity and Other Eating Disorders |
| v Bulimia |
| v Anorexia |
Any student who is suspected of having a handicapping condition that substantially
limits the learning process should be referred to the campus-level Section 504
Coordinator. Following their receipt, the referrals will be forwarded by the Coordinator
to a Section 504 Committee composed of people who are knowledgeable about the student, the
evaluation, as well as the district's legal requirements and obligations.
Students may be referred by parents, teachers, counselors, administrators, or any other
District employees for evaluation to determine if they are disabled and in need of special
instruction or services.
Persistent behavior problems resulting in frequent suspensions from school may indicate
a need for evaluation under Section 504 and/or the IDEA.
If a student has been assessed for special education, but does not qualify for special
education in accordance with IDEA, the parents shall be provided written notice of refusal
to identify the student as disabled under IDEA and shall be referred to the Section 504
Coordinator for determination of District programs and services that may be appropriate
for the student. For students who meet the eligibility requirements for Section 504 only,
instruction will be
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