Section 504 is an Act which prohibits discrimination against persons with disability in any program or activity that receives or benefits from Federal Financial assistance. The Act defines a person with a disability as anyone who: 1) has a physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more major life activities including activities such as caring for one’s self, performing manual tasks, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning and working; 2) has a record of such an impairment; or 3) is regarded as having such an impairment. (34 Code of Federal Regulations Part 104.3)
In order to fulfill its obligations under Section 504, the Detroit Lakes School District #22 recognizes a responsibility to avoid discrimination in policies and practices regarding its personnel and learners. No discrimination against any person with a disability will be permitted in any of the programs and practices in the school system. The school district has specific responsibilities under the Act, which include the responsibility to identify, evaluate and if the child is determined to be eligible under Section 504, provide access to appropriate education services.
If the parent or guardian disagrees with the determination made by the professional staff of the school district he/she has a right to a hearing with an impartial hearing officer.
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) also specifies rights related to educational records. The Act gives the parent or guardian the right to: 1) inspect and review his/her child’s educational records; 2) make copies of these records; 3) receive a list of all individuals having access to those records; 4) ask for an explanation of any item in the records; 5) ask for amendment to any report on the grounds that it is inaccurate, misleading, or violates the child’s rights; and 6) a hearing on the issue if the school refuses to make the amendment.
If there are any questions, please feel free to contact the Superintendent, 504 Coordinator for the school district, at 847-9271.