Section 504 Plan Attorney in Western Pennsylvania
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act protects students with disabilities who need accommodations but may not qualify for special education under IDEA. When a school fails to properly evaluate a student, denies a 504 plan, or fails to implement one, Attorney Jonathan Steele helps Western Pennsylvania families enforce their child’s rights.
What Is a Section 504 Plan?
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act is a federal civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in programs receiving federal funding — including public schools. A 504 plan outlines accommodations and supports a student needs to access their education on an equal basis with non-disabled peers.
Unlike an IEP under IDEA, a 504 plan does not require that a student need special education services. It applies to students with a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits a major life activity, including learning, reading, concentrating, or communicating.
How Education Legal Services Can Help
- Requesting and challenging 504 evaluations
- Attending 504 meetings and negotiating accommodations
- Filing OCR complaints for Section 504 violations
- Appealing improper 504 denials
- Enforcing existing 504 plans that schools are not following
- Transitioning students from 504 plans to IEPs when appropriate
Common Section 504 Issues in Western PA Schools
Schools sometimes fail to properly identify students who need 504 accommodations, or provide inadequate accommodations. Common issues include failure to accommodate ADHD, anxiety, depression, or chronic illness. Call 412-235-7682 or email jonathan@educationlegalservices.com.