Section 504

On Section 504 matters, you have the right to file a complaint with the district's Section 504 Administrator, who will investigate the allegations to reach a prompt and equitable resolution.

If you wish to challenge the actions of the district's Section 504 Committee regarding your child's identification, evaluation, or educational placement, you should file a written Notice of Appeal with the district's Section 504 Administrator after you receive written notice of the Section 504 Committee's action(s).

• You have the right to file an appeal per the Union County Public Schools Policy 1-18
• To file a complaint, see Section 504 Grievance Procedures  
• You also have the right to an impartial due process hearing to contest any action of the LEA with regard to your child’s identification, evaluation, or placement. If you wish to request a due process hearing, see Due Process Hearing Procedures and Request
• You also have a right to file a complaint with the Office for Civil Rights.
  • Washington DC (Metro) Office for Civil Rights
    U.S. Department of Education
    400 Maryland Avenue, SW
    Washington, D.C. 20202-1475
  • Telephone: 202-453-6020
  • FAX: 202-453-6021
  • TDD: 877-521-2172
  • Email: OCR.DC@ed.gov

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is a non-discrimination statute barring discrimination based on one's disability. Section 504 states: No otherwise qualified individual with a disability shall, solely by reason of his or her disability, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination by any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.

In compliance with federal law, Union County Public School system administers all educational programs, employment activities, and admissions without discrimination because of race, religion, national or ethnic origin, color, age, military service, disability, or gender, except where exemption is appropriate and allowed by law.

• The Complete Notice of Rights
• The Complete Notice of Rights- Spanish

• North Carolina Department of Public Instruction Section 504 Parent's Corner
• Public Schools of North Carolina - Exceptional Children's Division
• North Carolina Division of Services for the Blind
• North Carolina Division of Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
• National Council on Disability
• Comparison of Section 504 Between High School and College
• Section 504 Post-Secondary Overview

North Carolina Department of Public Instruction Resources Links

• North Carolina Department of Public Instruction Section 504 Homepage                                      
• Public Schools of North Carolina - Exceptional Children's Division
• NC DPI - Parents, Family, and Community Information

Additional Parent Resources

• Understanding the Differences Between IDEA and Section 504
• Stages of Social-Emotional Development In Children and Teenagers
• Family Education: Homework Help
• Department of Health and Human Services - Child Development
• NEA Parent Resources   
• Exceptional Children's Resource Center Information
• Parent and Educator Resource Guide to Section 504
• Public Schools of North Carolina Learning Disabilities and ADHD Resources
• Fair Housing Opportunities - Section 504

• UCPS Section 504 Handbook for Educators
  The purpose of this handbook is to provide school personnel with an overview of Section 504 and the ADA, and specific, practical guidelines for schools to use when working with children who are eligible for protection and services under Section 504 and the ADA. 
• Parent and Educator Resource Guide to Section 504

Resources for Communicating with Parents

• Getting to Know Our Parents
• Enhancing Effective Communication in Home, School, and Community
• Models Of Parent-School-Community Engagement
• Understanding Culturally Diverse Parents and Teachers
• Understanding Parent Involvement and Engagement in Schools Today