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504 Plans

Section 504 is a federal civil rights law that protects students with disabilities from discrimination and ensures they have equal access to school programs and activities.

Purpose of Section 504

Section 504 provides eligible students with accommodations and supports that allow them to participate in public education programs without discrimination because of a disability.

Parent and Student Rights

Under Section 504, parents and students have the right to:

  1. Be informed of their rights under federal law.
  2. Participate in public education programs without discrimination because of disability.
  3. Receive notice regarding identification, evaluation, or placement decisions.
  4. Have the student evaluated before Section 504 eligibility is determined.
  5. Have decisions based on multiple sources of information and made by people familiar with the student, evaluation data, and placement options.
  6. Receive periodic reviews of the student’s educational needs and Section 504 plan.
  7. Receive a free appropriate public education, including reasonable accommodations and access to school-related activities.
  8. Have equal opportunity to participate in nonacademic and extracurricular activities.
  9. Review relevant educational records and request explanations or interpretations of those records.
  10. Use the district’s grievance process if concerns cannot be resolved at the school level.

Role of Parents and Guardians

Parents and guardians are important partners in the Section 504 process. If you believe your child has a disability or is experiencing challenges in school, please contact your child’s teacher or school support team.

Families are encouraged to participate in meetings, share information about their child’s needs, and work with the school team to develop appropriate supports.

Questions or Concerns

The district works collaboratively with families to resolve concerns at the school or district level whenever possible. Families may also contact state or federal agencies for additional support.

District Contact

Christina Palmer
Director of Guidance and Clinical Services
333 Washington Street, 4th Floor
Brookline, MA 02445
617-730-2460

Office for Civil Rights

U.S. Department of Education
Office for Civil Rights, Boston Office
5 Post Office Square, 8th Floor
Boston, MA 02109-3921
Phone: 617-289-0111
TTY: 800-877-8339
Fax: 617-289-0150
Email: OCR.Boston@ed.gov