Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act is a federal law designed to protect the rights of individuals with disabilities in programs and activities that receive federal funding from the U.S. Department of Education. Hiawatha CUSD #426 provides a free and appropriate education for students who are eligible for a 504 plan by individually designing accommodations/modifications and/or services to meet their educational needs in the same manner as their non-disabled peers. It is important to note, that students with a Section 504 plan are considered general education students.

In order to be eligible for services under a Section 504 plan, a student must have a mental or physical impairment that substantially limits one or more major life functions.

A mental or physical disability includes but is not limited to: ADHD, anxiety, allergies, asthma, blind, deaf, autism, diabetes, dyslexia, cerebral palsy, hearing impairment, visual impairment, depression, bipolar, HIV/AIDS, learning disability, and an emotional disability.

A major life function includes but is not limited to: caring for self, performing manual tasks, seeing, hearing, eating, sleeping, walking, standing, lifting, bending, speaking, learning, reading, concentrating, thinking, communicating, working, body functioning

Child Find/Identifying Students for 504 plans:

Students who are currently enrolled in grades K-12 and attending Hiawatha School District may be referred for an evaluation by their parents or the school team. To refer a child for a 504 evaluation, a letter should be submitted to the School Principal and/or Director of Special Education identifying the areas of concern. A team knowledgeable about the student will determine if an evaluation and/or a 504 plan is appropriate.

504 Plans:

A team of individuals that have knowledge of the student develops a written plan that identifies the accommodations/modifications and services a student needs to access the general education.

If you have questions, you may call the School Counselor in the respective building:

PreK-8 School Phone: 815-522-3336 High School Phone: 815-522-3335