Section 504

Who is covered under Section 504?

Students may qualify for protection under Section 504 if they have a mental or physical impairment that substantially limits one or more life’s major activities. A label, disability, or diagnosis alone does not make a student eligible under Section 504.

Bay City ISD offers Section 504 services for eligible students. Some students who do not qualify for special education services under the IDEA may be eligible for services under Section 504. Section 504 requires that all students have an equal opportunity to participate in activities and services at school.

Students can qualify for 504 plans if they have one or more physical or mental impairments that affect or limit a major life activity. The counselor at each BCISD campus is the Section 504 Coordinator.

Dyslexia is a disorder manifested by a difficulty in learning to read, write, or spell despite conventional instruction, adequate intelligence, and sociocultural opportunity. Some students with dyslexia are identified and receive accommodations under Section 504.  Students needing Specially Designed Instruction using the District's program Reading By Design will be assessed under IDEA and receive services under Special Education if determined eligible. 

Pursuant to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the District has a duty to identify, refer, evaluate and if eligible, provide a free, appropriate public education to disabled students.