Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act prohibits discrimination against individuals with disability in any program receiving Federal financial assistance. The Act defines a person with a disability as anyone who:
1. has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits a major life activity (includes caring for one’s self, performing manual tasks, walking, seeing, breathing, speaking, learning, working);
2. has a record of such impairment; or
3. is regarded as having such an impairment.
In order to fulfill its obligation under Section 504, the Jamestown Public School District recognizes a responsibility to avoid discrimination in policies and practices regarding its personnel and students. No discrimination against any person solely due to his/her disability will knowingly 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, to afford access to appropriate educational services.
You, as the parent, have the following rights:
1. the right to be informed of your rights under Section 504
2. the right for your child to have equal opportunities to participate in academic, non-academic and extracurricular activities in your school
3. the right to be notified about referral, evaluation and programs for your child
4. the right for your child to be evaluated fairly
5. the right, if eligible under Section 504, for your child to receive accommodations, modifications and services that will meet his/her needs
6. the right to due process procedures, including access to a hearing to resolve disputes
7. the right to request a Section 504 review
In addition to the above rights, the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), also specifies rights related to education records. This Act gives you, the parent or guardian, the right to:
1. inspect and review your child’s educational records
2. make copies of these records
3. receive a list of all individuals having access to these records
4. ask for an explanation of any item in the records
5. ask for an amendment to any report on the grounds that it is inaccurate, misleading or violates your child’s rights.
If there are any questions, please feel free to contact:
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