Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 prohibits discrimination against persons with a disability in any program receiving federal financial assistance. The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) and its subsequent amendments, also require that program services and activities provided by the South Tama County Community School District may not discriminate on the basis of disability for students in the educational program.
A person with a disability is defined as anyone who:
- has a mental or physical impairment which substantially limits one or more major life activities such as caring for one’s self, performing manual tasks, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning, and working;
- has a record of such impairment; or
- is regarded as having such an impairment.
The South Tama County Community School District acknowledges its responsibility under Section 504 and the ADA to avoid discrimination in policies and practices regarding its programs, activities, students, and personnel. Therefore, the South Tama County Community School District prohibits discrimination against any person with a disability because of that person’s disability in any program, activity, or other educational benefit. This prohibition applies to all students, employees, volunteers, and others contractors with the school district.
Under Section 504, the school district has the responsibility to identify, evaluate, and, if the student is determined to be eligible under Section 504, to afford access to appropriate educational services. If the parent or person in parental relationship disagrees with the determination made by the professional staff of the school district, he/she has a right to a hearing with an impartial hearing officer.
The superintendent of schools shall serve as the STC District Section 504 and the ADA Coordinator. The superintendent shall have authority to make regulations and procedures to implement the intent of this policy.
(April 18, 1994; July 7, 2003; January 17, 2011, July 9, 2012; January 19, 2015; October 21, 2019)