When would a student qualify for accommodations under Section 504?

A student qualifies for accommodations under Section 504 if they are recognized as having a disability. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 ensures that individuals with disabilities have equal access to education and related services. This law defines a disability as a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities.

When a student is recognized as having such a disability, it entitles them to specific accommodations that level the playing field and provide them with the necessary support to succeed in an educational environment. These accommodations may include modifications in testing conditions, accessibility to resources, or adjustments to teaching methods to support the student’s learning needs.

The other options refer to different criteria that do not specifically align with the legal requirements of Section 504. For instance, eligibility for special education is addressed under a different law, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which has its criteria for eligibility. High academic performance does not warrant accommodations, as Section 504 is focused on addressing barriers presented by disabilities, regardless of a student’s academic standing. Lastly, requiring additional services to succeed could indicate a need for accommodations, but it does not directly address the requirement of having a recognized disability necessary for qualification under Section 504.