Meet the New and Improved Section 504 (Insight on Federal Policy) (Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973‪)‬

In late 2008, Congress passed the 111 Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) and the new law became effective on January 1, 2009. The amended law corrected what Congress considered to be a departure from the intent of the original ADA (passed in 1990) brought about by several narrow interpretations by the courts. Because the ADAAA included a conforming amendment to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504), the broadened interpretation of who can qualify for services now applies to both laws. As a result, more students may now be eligible for services and supports under Section 504. Parents of school-age children with disabilities will want to become familiar with the changes made to Section 504 by the ADAAA. What is Section 504?