Section 504 is a part of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 that prohibits discrimination based upon disability. Section 504 is an anti-discrimination, civil rights statute that requires the needs of students with disabilities to be met as adequately as the needs of the non-disabled are met.

Section 504 states that: “No otherwise qualified individual with a disability in the United States, as defined in section 706(8) of this title, shall, solely by reason of her or his disability, be excluded from the participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal funds.

To be covered under Section 504, a student must be “qualified ” (which roughly equates to being between 3 and 22 years of age, depending on the program, as well as state and federal law, and must have a disability) [34 C.F.R. §104.3(k)(2)].

As defined by federal law: “An individual with a disability means any person who:

(i) has a mental or physical impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activity;

(ii) has a record of such an impairment; or

(iii) is regarded as having such an impairment"

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The SST is a group formed within the school to further examine a student’s academic, behavioral and social-emotional progress. The SST team can propose interventions for the student. The team usually consists of a teacher, administrator, and support personnel from the school. Sometimes a special education teacher will also participate to give his or her perspective. The student and parent are also a part of the team.

The SST meeting provides everyone with an opportunity to share concerns and develop a plan. Either a staff member or parent can make a referral. The interventions agreed upon will vary depending on the child's educational needs.

If you suspect your student has a disability, contact your school’s principal or counselor with your concerns. The referral to SST can be initiated by a parent, student, guardian, physician, teacher, or other appropriate individual.  At the SST, the team will help determine what the next step will be.  Sometimes, extra supports or interventions are the recommendation.  If extra supports or interventions are offered, the student’s progress will be monitored to see if there are improvements in the areas of concern.  Other times, students will be referred for an evaluation for Section 504 Accommodations, an Individual Health Service Plan, or Special Education eligibility.  The Student Study Team (SST) usually consists of a school administrator, counselor, and general education teachers.