Section 504
Section 504 is an Act which prohibits discrimination against persons with a disability in any program receiving federal financial assistance. The Act defines a person with a disability as anyone who:
- Has a mental or physical impairment which substantially limits one or more major life activity(such as caring for one’s self; performing manual tasks, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning and working);
- Has a record of such impairment;
- Is regarded as having such impairment.
In order to fulfill its obligation under Section 504, the Moscow School District recognizes a responsibility to avoid discrimination in policies and practices regarding its personnel and students. No discrimination against any person with a disability will knowingly be permitted in any of the programs and practices in the school system.
The school district has specific responsibilities under the Act, which includes the responsibility to identify, evaluate and if the child is determined to be eligible under Section 504, to afford access to appropriate educational services.
If the parent or guardian disagrees with the determination made by the professional staff of the school district, he/she has the right to a hearing with an impartial hearing officer.
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) also specify rights related to educational records. The Act gives the parent or guardian the right to:
- Inspect and review his/her school age child’s educational records;
- Make copies of these records;
- Receive a list of all individuals having access to those records;
- Ask for an explanation of any item in the records;
- Ask for an amendment to any report on the grounds that it is inaccurate, misleading or violates the child’s rights;
- A hearing on the issue if the school refuses to make the amendment.
If there are questions, please feel free to contact the Section 504 Compliance Coordinator at (208) 882-1120.
Child Find
The Moscow School District, in cooperation with parents and nonpublic school agencies, engages in Child Find services throughout the school year. Child Find activities are conducted (1) to create public awareness of special education programs, (2) to advise the public that students who qualify for services have the right to a free appropriate public education and confidentiality protections, and (3) to alert community residents that a process exists for identifying and serving children with disabilities from the age of 3 through the semester in which they turn 21.
If you know of a child who is 3 through 21 years of age who may have individual needs that result from disabilities or developmental delays, and who is not enrolled in a school program, please contact the Director of Special Services for the Moscow School District at (208) 882-1120. These children may have difficulty walking, talking, hearing, or learning, or may display behaviors that appear different from other children their age.
If you are part of a community agency or civic group that would like more information about educating children with disabilities, or would like pamphlets to distribute to members, please call the school office or the above phone number.