Who is a “qualified individual”?

Under Section 504, a qualified individual is any person that has a physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more major life activities.

What is a physical or mental impairment?

A physical impairment: is any physiologic disorder or condition, cosmetic disfigurement, or anatomical loss affecting one or more of the following body systems: neurological; musculoskeletal; special sense organs; cardiovascular; reproductive, digestive, genitourinary; hemic and lymphatic; skin and endocrine. A mental impairment is any mental or psychological disorder, such as mental retardation, organic brain syndrome, emotional or mental illness, and specific learning disabilities

What is a substantial limitation?

Although not defined in the regulations, OCR has interpreted it to mean “ unable to perform a major life activity that the average person in the general population can perform; or significantly restricted as to the condition, manner, or duration under which an individual can perform a major life activity as compared to the condition, manner, or duration under which the average person in the general population can perform that same major life activity.”

What is a major life activity?

Section 504 defines major life activities as activities “such as hearing, speaking, breathing, learning, caring for one’s self, performing manual tasks, walking, seeing.”

What do I do if I suspect my child has a disability?

First and foremost, discuss your concerns with your child’s classroom teacher. He or she may be able to reassure you that your child is making appropriate progress. If you continue to be concerned about your child’s progress, contact your child’s assistant principal in writing, expressing your concerns. All referrals are processed through the Student Success Team (SST). The SST will meet and recommend intervention strategies for the classroom teacher to use in order to help your child. Based on the results of these interventions, your child may or may not be referred on to dyslexia testing, Section 504 or Special Education.