Presented by James McKethan, Ed.D.
The ADA Amendments Act resulted in changes to Section 504 that make compliance and implementation more complex. Meanwhile, U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan announced plans for stricter enforcement of civil rights in the schools. These developments increase the possibility of implementation errors that could deprive students of their rights -- resulting in possible OCR investigations or litigation that could cost your district time and money.
Now is the time to get your Section 504 programs up to speed, error-free and more effective. Trainer and consultant James McKethan uses his "in-the-trenches" experience to identify five program areas where most mistakes occur. You and your staff will get practical strategies to ensure compliant processes while minimizing unintended consequences.
Find solutions to these and other potential hazards that lead to everyday errors:
- FAPE: Just providing the right accommodations doesn’t guarantee the student is receiving the free, appropriate public education required. What else do you need to do to ensure FAPE for your students?
- ADAAA - Evaluations: Section 504 requires a pre-placement evaluation that addresses reading, thinking, concentration and more. How do you ensure your pre-placement evaluations address all areas of educational concern?
- ADAAA - Eligibility: Making eligibility decisions is now more complex with the prohibition on considering mitigating measures. Will students who are performing well due to a mitigating measure be eligible under Section 504? Do your local procedures include a definition of "substantial limitation"?
- Accommodations: Too many accommodations are not designed to provide eligible students with equal access to school programs and services. How should your team determine what goes on a Section 504 plan?
- Effective parent communication: Does your district's notice of procedural safeguards identify the school official to whom questions should be directed? Learn specific strategies you can use to counteract incorrect and misleading information to which parents have access.