Your elected officials need to hear directly from YOU so they can understand how Section 504 has had an impact on your life.
Understanding Section 504
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in programs or activities that receive federal financial assistance from the U.S. Department of Education.
Section 504 helps ensure that students with disabilities have equal access to educational opportunities. The Section 504 regulations require a school district to provide "free appropriate public education" (FAPE) to each qualified student with a disability who is in the school district's jurisdiction, regardless of the nature or severity of the disability.
FAPE consists of the provision of regular or special education and related aids and services designed to meet the student's individual educational needs as adequately as the needs of non-disabled students are met.
What are some current issues related to Section 504 for people with disabilities?
Many people with disabilities and their families are unaware of their right to a free appropriate public education under Section 504.
Additionally, implementation of Section 504 varies across schools, districts, and states.
A school district is out of compliance when it is violating any provision of the Section 504 statute or regulations.
Accommodations for people with disabilities are sometimes denied or implemented unevenly. Additionally, navigation of Section 504 requirements can be difficult for people with disabilities and their families.
These issues result in significantly different accommodations and experiences for students with disabilities and their families.
Why Your Voice Matters
Laws and regulations that affect the implementation of Section 504 can shape the quality and accessibility of education for students with disabilities. Policymakers benefit from understanding your experience with the current system and the challenges you and your family have faced. By sharing your lived experiences, you can educate your elected officials and help them learn what's working - and what isn't.
Take Action: Educate Your Elected Officials
Act now to educate your elected officials about your experience with accommodations and protection from discrimination under Section 504! Here's how:
✍️ Use this form to write a message to their office.
📞 Call their district offices.
🏦 Attend a town hall or community event they are hosting.
📣 Encourage your friends, family members, and allies to contact Congress.
Your Voice Can Make a Difference
Lawmakers need to hear directly from people who have lived experience. By speaking up, you are making sure your legislators hear from people who are directly affected by the laws they vote on. Don't wait - take action today!
Additional Resources
Share your lived experience to educate your lawmakers about Section 504 and its impact on your life.
- Share your own lived experiences related to Section 504 and how it has protected you or your loved one with a disability from discrimination. These experiences can be positive or negative. Use real-life examples.
- Make your message direct and use clear, easy-to-understand language.
- Stay Positive and Respectful!
Sample Message:
My name is [Your Name] and I live in [City]. I am your constituent and I want to share how Section 504 has made an impact on my life. Section 504 protects people with disabilities from disability rights violations and discrimination. Section 504 is important to me because [Share why protecting people with disabilities from discrimination is important to you].
Without Section 504, my life would be changed because [Share how your life would be different without Section 504 protecting people with disabilities from civil rights violations and discrimination].
Thank you for your time. I sincerely hope you will consider my lived experiences before making any decisions that would impact Section 504 and the right of people with disabilities to be protected from civil rights violations and discrimination.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Contact Information]