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:

bulletsuspension or expulsion is being considered for any student;
bulletretention is being considered for any student;
bulleta student shows a pattern of not benefiting from the instruction being provided;
bulletstudent returns to school after a serious illness or injury;
bulleta student is evaluated and is found not to qualify for Special Education services under the IDEA;
bulleta student exhibits a chronic health condition;
bulleta student is identified as "at risk" or exhibits the potential for dropping out of school;
bulletsubstance abuse is an issue;
bulleta 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:

bulletCommunicable Diseases:
bulletAIDS
bulletAIDS Related Complex
bulletHIV
bulletTuberculosis
bulletTemporary Handicapping Conditions:
bulletInjuries
bulletIllness
bulletAttention Deficit Disorders, with or without hyperactivity
bulletBehavior Disorders
bulletChronic Asthma
bulletSevere Allergies
bulletPhysical Handicaps:
bulletSpina Bifida
bulletHemophilia
bulletUse of Crutches/Wheelchair
bulletOther Chronic and/or Life Threatening Diseases
bulletv Tourette Syndrome
bulletv Rheumatoid Arthritis
bulletv Diabetes
bulletv Cancer
bulletv Heart Disease
bulletv Drug and/or Alcohol Addiction
bulletv Obesity and Other Eating Disorders
bulletv Bulimia
bulletv 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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