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Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is a federal statute that prohibits discrimination against persons on the basis of their disability by institutions that receive federal assistance.
Section 504’s purpose is, among other things, to assure that disabled students have educational opportunities and benefits equal to those provided to non-disabled students.
If a student is covered by Section 504, Aiken County Public Schools must provide protection and accommodations as are necessary to ensure that the eligible student has equal access to services, programs or activities offered by our schools. Under the law, these accommodations must be reasonable as related to their disability.
Section 504 is enforced by the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Civil Rights.

504 Plans vs. IEPs
A 504 plan is different from an individualized education program (IEP). The main difference is that a 504 plan modifies a student's regular education program in a regular classroom setting. A 504 plan is monitored by classroom teachers. A student with an IEP, as part of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA 2004), may receive different educational services in a special or regular educational setting, depending on the student's need. IEP programs are delivered and monitored by additional school support staff.

How does the Section 504 work in schools?
Every Aiken County Public School has a dedicated 504 Coordinator. Additionally, 504 training is provided yearly to each site’s faculty and staff on how to carry out the requirements of the law.  If you would like to refer a student for a 504, or review an active plan, contact your school 504 coordinator.  See our districts 504 Procedural Safe Guards to learn more about parent and student rights.

Who Can Refer a Student?
Section 504 Referrals can come from:

• A parent/guardian
• Eligible Adult Student
• School Staff (Teacher, Psychologist, Nurse, Administrator, Special Area Teacher, or SIT)
• …anyone who believes the student has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activity.

Referrals for consideration of 504 eligibility should be provided in writing to the school 504 Coordinator.

Section 504 Record Requests
For Section 504 records, including Enrich transfers, please submit your request via email to SPEDrecords@acpsd.net or by fax to 803-641-2628. Please include full name and date of birth. No consent signature is required for public school districts. All others will require signed parental consent to release records.

For any questions pertaining to request for records under IDEA, please contact Sheila Toole-Hinson at SHinson-Toole@acpsd.net or 803-641-2428, ext. 12761.