This professional learning course provides public school staff with a comprehensive overview of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and its application in K–12 educational settings. Participants will examine the legal foundations of Section 504, recent legislative updates affecting parent rights and education records, and the practical steps districts must follow to ensure compliance and provide students with disabilities equal access to educational programs and activities.

The course walks participants through the entire Section 504 process, including referral and child find obligations, evaluation and eligibility determinations, development and implementation of legally compliant 504 Plans, and ongoing monitoring and revision. Participants will explore how Section 504 compares to the IDEA, including key distinctions between 504 Plans and IEPs, procedural safeguards, and free appropriate public education (FAPE) requirements.

Special attention is given to implementation challenges, staff responsibilities, and legal risk areas, including documentation practices, dissemination of plans, staff awareness, and accountability. The course also addresses behavior and discipline considerations, including manifestation determination reviews, functional behavioral assessments (FBAs), behavioral intervention plans (BIPs), and discipline considerations and protections under Section 504. Participants will further examine obligations related to extracurricular activities, athletics, transportation, and nonacademic services, ensuring equitable access for students with disabilities.

Throughout the course, participants engage with real-world hypotheticals, practical examples, and best-practice guidance designed to support legally sound decision-making and effective day-to-day implementation in schools.