Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) are acts which prohibit discrimination against persons with a disability in any program receiving federal assistance, among others. Both acts define a person with a disability as anyone who:

has a mental or physical impairment which substantially limits one or more major life activities (major life activities include caring for oneself, performing manual tasks, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning, and working);

has a record of such impairment;

is regarded as having such an impairment, or has had a record of such an impairment.

In order to fulfill its obligations under Section 504 and the ADA, Wayne County Schools recognizes a responsibility to avoid discrimination in policies and practices regarding its personnel and students. No discrimination against any person on the basis of a disability will knowingly be permitted in any of the programs or practices in the school system.

The school district has specific responsibilities under both acts, which include the responsibility to evaluate and determine if the child is eligible under Section 504/ADA, and to then afford access to appropriate educational accommodations.

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. For further information, contact Walter Butler at 931-722-3548.