What if the Request for Section 504 Assistance is Denied or I Disagree with a Decision?
Disagreements may arise after your child’s initial evaluation or re-evaluation, or over what resources are included in his or her Section 504 Plan. There are three courses of action available to you when you disagree with a decision made about your child.
You may call a meeting to review your child’s evaluation or 504 Plan. Tell your child’s teacher, principal, or the School District’s 504 Coordinator that you would like to call a meeting.
You may ask for an impartial due process hearing by writing a letter to your school district’s 504 Coordinator. You have the right to representation by an attorney at this hearing, if you so choose. If you cannot afford a lawyer, contact the legal aid program in your community to determine if you qualify for assistance. Local advocacy groups may be able to advise you as well.
You may file a formal complaint of discrimination with the national Office of Civil Rights. To do this, write a letter specifically describing why you think your child has been discriminated against under Section 504. You may ask an attorney to write the letter for you.
To find the mailing address of the Civil Rights Office in your area, call 1-800-368-1019 and tell them where you live and that you want to file a formal complaint under Section 504.
