Special Education » Services for Protected and Handicapped Students

Services for Protected and Handicapped Students

In compliance with state and federal law, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Franklin Regional School District will provide each protected handicapped student enrolled in the District, without cost to the student or family, those related aids, services, or accommodations which are needed to afford the student equal opportunity to participate in and obtain the benefits from the school programs and extracurricular activities without discrimination, and to the maximum extent appropriate to the student's abilities. To meet the criteria for services under Chapter 15, a child must be of school age and have a physical or mental disability that substantially limits or prohibits participation in or access to an aspect of the student's school program.

A child can be referred for evaluation of protected handicapped status either by the school district or the parents of the child. If the parents are requesting an evaluation, their request needs to be presented to the school district in writing. If the school district is requesting an evaluation, then a written notice must be sent to the parents. Any pertinent information needed to make the decision, including medical records, needs to be presented to the school district.

Students who meet the criteria of a protected handicapped student will have a 504 Plan developed for use in school. The Plan specifies the nature of the impairment, the major life activity affected by the impairment, the accommodations necessary to provide access based on the student’s needs, and the person(s) responsible for implementing the accommodations.

Services and protections for protected handicapped students are distinct from those applicable to exceptional students enrolled or seeking enrollment in special education programs.