504 PLAN ACCOMMODATIONS MANUAL
504 PLAN ACCOMMODATIONS SKIN

However, in some cases Section 504 also protects individuals who do not have a handicapping condition but are treated as though they do because they have a history of, or have been misclassified as having, a mental or physical impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities. For example, an individual who has a physical or mental impairment would not be considered a person with handicaps if the condition does not in any way limit the individual, or only results in some minor limitation. The impairment must have a material effect on one's ability to perform a major life activity.

504 PLAN ACCOMMODATIONS MANUAL

Major life activities, as defined in the regulation, include functions such as caring for one's self, performing manual tasks, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning, and working. The key factor in determining whether a person is considered an 'individual with handicaps' covered by Section 504 is whether the physical or mental impairment results in a substantial limitation of one or more major life activities.

The definition does not set forth a list of specific diseases and conditions that constitute physical or mental impairments because of the difficulty of ensuring the comprehensiveness of any such list.

504 PLAN ACCOMMODATIONS SKIN

The regulation further defines a physical or mental impairment as (A) any physiological disorder or condition, cosmetic disfigurement, or anatomical loss affecting one or more of the following body systems: neurological musculoskeletal special sense organs respiratory, including speech organs cardiovascular reproductive digestive genitourinary hemic and lymphatic skin and endocrine or (B) any mental or psychological disorder, such as intellectual disabilities, organic brain syndrome, emotional or mental illness, and specific learning disabilities. The ED Section 504 regulation defines an 'individual with handicaps' as any person who (i) has a physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more major life activities, (ii) has a record of such an impairment, or (iii) is regarded as having such an impairment.

How can the needs of students with hidden disabilities be addressed?.

What are the responsibilities of ED recipients in postsecondary education?.What are the responsibilities of ED recipients in preschool, elementary, secondary, and adult education?.What disabilities are covered under Section 504?.This pamphlet answers the following questions about the civil rights of students with hidden disabilities and the responsibilities of ED recipients: (The addresses and telephone numbers of the OCR regional offices are included at the back of this pamphlet.) ED maintains an Office for Civil Rights (OCR), with ten regional offices and a headquarters office in Washington, D.C., to enforce Section 504 and other civil rights laws that pertain to recipients of ED funds. Recipients of this assistance include public school districts, institutions of higher education, and other state and local education agencies. Department of Education (ED) enforces Section 504 in programs and activities that receive financial assistance from ED. shall, solely by reason of her or his handicap, be excluded from the participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.'

Section 504 provides that: 'No otherwise qualified individual with handicaps in the United States. Section 504 protects the rights not only of individuals with visible disabilities but also those with disabilities that may not be apparent. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 protects the rights of persons with handicaps in programs and activities that receive Federal financial assistance. If you are a student with a hidden disability or would like to know more about how students with hidden disabilities are protected against discrimination by Federal law, this pamphlet is for you.

504 plan accommodations