SECTION 504/ADA Information
VERONA PUBLIC SCHOOLS
The Verona School District does not discriminate on the basis of disability with regard to admission, access to services, treatment, or employment in its programs or activities.
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, otherwise known as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act of 2008 prohibit discrimination against individuals with disabilities, including both students and staff members in any program receiving federal assistance. Section 504 of the ADA defines an “individual with a disability” as a person who:
1. has a mental or physical impairment (as recognized in DSM-V or other respected source) which substantially limits one or more major life activities.
2. has a record of such impairment; or
3. is regarded as having such an impairment.
All individuals who are disabled under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) are also considered to be handicapped and, therefore, protected under Section 504. However, all individuals who have been determined to be handicapped under Section 504 may not be disabled under IDEA. The IDEA defines as eligible only students who have certain specified types of disabilities and who, because of one of those conditions, need special education (specifically designed instruction). Section 504, on the other hand, protects all handicapped students, defined as those having any physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities. Section 504 covers all students who meet this definition, even if they do not fall within the IDEA enumerated categories and even if they do not need to be in a special education program.
The District has a grievance procedure for disability discrimination complaints. For a description of this procedure, or any further relevant information, contact the 504/ADA Compliance Officer.
11/96, 8/06, 01/07, 9/08, 7/09, 8/10
