Special Programs: 504 Services
Odyssey Academy strives to meet the needs of all students. Once identified, students are ensured access to a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) by receiving accommodations, academic support and/or interventions that allow equal access to the curriculum in the general education setting.
Section 504 Services are provided to eligible students with disabilities as defined under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. 504 Services are provided to Odyssey Academy students to ensure that all of the rights of identified students are protected and that they receive appropriate services to ensure access to a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE).
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended (2009) and further clarified in 2010, prohibits discrimination against persons with disabilities in all programs and activities that receive federal financial assistance. An eligible student is one who:
has a physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more major life activities;
has a record or history of such impairment;
is regarded as having such an impairment.
While many students who receive 504 status and services have Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), services are not limited to only this area of disability. For example, if a student with dyslexia does not need specially designed instruction, he or she can be served under Section 504.
Any student with a disability that substantially limits one or more major life activities may be considered for 504 services.
Homebound
Homebound/Hospital instruction is available for both special education students (SEH) and general education students (GEH) who meet eligibility. A committee (ARD/Section 504/General Education) must determine if a student is eligible for Homebound/Hospital Services and that they have a disability or illness that confines the student to the home for 4 weeks or 20 school days. The weeks do not have to be consecutive.
Homebound services may be provided through the Section 504 committee for a general education student with a long-term medical condition. For students who are in general education and have a temporary medical condition (surgery, etc.,) consideration for accommodations should be made by the General Education Homebound (GEH) committee. If the student is eligible under IDEA and is receiving special education and related services, the ARD Committee should convene to discuss the appropriate service for the student.