US Department of Education

Laws Impacting Special Education
Learn about 504 plans and other laws and policies protecting children with disabilities while they attend school. Find information about how Federal laws protect children with disabilities and ensure they receive a free appropriate public education, including 504 plans.

Office of Civil Rights (OCR) 
OCR's mission is to ensure equal access to education and to promote educational excellence throughout the nation through vigorous enforcement of civil rights. They serve student populations facing discrimination and advocates and institutions promoting systemic solutions to civil rights problems.  An important responsibility is resolving complaints of discrimination. OCR enforces Section 504, Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and Section 508.

General Disability Discrimination FAQs
Find answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) about disability discrimination in school settings.

How to File a Complaint
Learn about how to file a complaint, the complaint evaluation, and the resolution process.

Contacts for Regional Offices
For assistance related to civil rights, filing a complaint, technical assistance, or assistance to prevent civil rights problems, contact the OCR headquarters office in Washington, D.C., or the OCR enforcement office serving your specific state or territory.

Discrimination on the Basis of Disability
The US Department of Health and Human Services webpage with additional resources on the laws, responsibilities, and rights under Section 504 and the ADA.

Section 504
A federal law designed to protect the rights of individuals with disabilities in programs and activities that receive Federal financial assistance from the U.S. Department of Education (ED). 

Section 504 regulations require a school district to provide a "free appropriate public education" (FAPE) to each qualified student with a disability who is in the school district's jurisdiction, regardless of the nature or severity of the disability. Under Section 504, FAPE consists of the provision of regular or special education and related aids and services designed to meet the student's individual educational needs as adequately as the needs of nondisabled students are met. 

• • Section 504 Free Appropriate Public Education FAQs
    FAQS concerning the identification of students who are protected by Section 504 and the means to obtain an appropriate education for such students. 
  • Parent and Educator Resource Guide to Section 504 in Public Elementary and Secondary Schools (12/2016)
  • U.S. Education Department OCR Page with Listing of All Documents and Dear Colleague Letters by Date of Issue 

Americans with Disabilities (ADA) 
The ADA Act of 1990 prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in state and local government services, programs, and activities (including public schools), regardless of whether they receive Federal financial assistance. OCR shares in the enforcement of Title II for all programs, services, and regulatory activities relating to the operation of public elementary and secondary educational programs, institutions of higher education, and vocational education.

Questions and Answers on the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 for Students with Disabilities Attending Public Elementary and Secondary Schools
Provides guidance on the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act of 2008 (Amendments Act) on public elementary and secondary programs.  

NY State & NY City 504 Resources 

Advocates for Children of NY Guide to Section 504
This guide explains what Section 504 is, how it applies to children in public schools, and how to get Section 504 services or accommodation.

NYC Department of Education 504 Accommodations
The Office of School Health manages the processes surrounding students needing medication administration, medically prescribed treatments, glucose monitoring, insulin pump maintenance, and other Section 504 and Individualized Education Program (IEP) services. This site contains health forms that are used in New York City public schools to provide care, services, and the accommodations they need during the school day.

Pregnant and Parenting Students

Pregnant Parents Resource Memo from Office of Civil Rights
Provides strategies that educators may use and programs schools can develop to address the educational needs of students who become pregnant or have children.

Supporting the Academic Success of Pregnant and Parenting Students Under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972
Provides information on requirements for services and programs that support attendance, retention, and graduation rates supporting students. 

Page Updated 1/13/25