Section 504 & Discrimination
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act prohibit disability discrimination by any public school that receives federal funding. Some students qualify for accommodations under Section 504 who do not meet IDEA's narrower eligibility standards. Some claims — exclusion from extracurriculars, denial of accommodations, retaliation — live entirely in Section 504 and Title II.
Indicators
When to call us about this.
- Your child has a 504 plan that the district is not following.
- Your child has been excluded from a class, program, or activity because of a disability.
- The district has retaliated against you or your child after you raised a disability-rights concern.
- Your child has a medical condition or chronic illness affecting school participation and the district has refused accommodations.
How it works
What the process looks like.
1. Eligibility and plan review
We analyze whether your child qualifies under Section 504 and whether the existing plan meets the legal standard.
2. Internal complaint
Section 504 requires districts to maintain a grievance procedure. We use it where it is likely to produce results.
3. Office for Civil Rights complaint
Where appropriate, we file with the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights, which can investigate and order corrective action.
4. Federal litigation
Section 504 and Title II claims can be brought in federal court. We pursue litigation when the remedies require it.
Privacy first
Start with basic information.
You do not need to know the legal language before you contact the firm. Tell us what is happening at school, and we can help identify whether the issue belongs with legal representation, advocacy support, or another resource.
Please avoid sending private student details through the form. We can ask for documents and additional information after the first contact.
Contact the firmRelated reading.
Think this matches your situation?
Tell us briefly what is happening. We respond within 24 business hours.