Imagine a world where students with ADHD, Autism, or physical disabilities can’t get the support they need to succeed in school. Or where employees with disabilities face unnecessary obstacles just to do their jobs. That’s the world we could be facing if Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act is weakened.

What is Section 504?

Section 504 is a key law that protects people with disabilities from discrimination in schools, workplaces, and federally funded programs. It ensures that students get the accommodations they need—like extra test time or assistive technology—while employees receive necessary workplace adjustments. This law levels the playing field, allowing individuals with disabilities to thrive alongside their peers.

Without Section 504, many students and workers would struggle to access the support they need. And let’s be clear—this isn’t about special treatment. It’s about fairness, inclusion, and making sure that everyone has a fair shot at success.

How Does Section 504 Help?

• Prohibits discrimination in schools, workplaces, and federally funded programs.
• Requires reasonable accommodations like extra test time, assistive technology, or workplace modifications.
• Ensures equal access to education, jobs, and essential services.

How Is Section 504 Different from IDEA and ADA?

• IDEA applies only to K-12 special education students, while Section 504 covers students at all levels, including college.
• ADA protects disability rights in public spaces and private businesses, while Section 504 focuses on federally funded institutions.
• Section 504 fills critical gaps, ensuring that students and workers receive the accommodations they need to succeed.

Why Is Section 504 Under Attack?

Right now, efforts are being made to roll back the protections that Section 504 provides. A federal case, Texas v. Becerra, and proposed policy changes threaten to limit who qualifies for accommodations, reduce enforcement, and weaken workplace protections. These rollbacks could undo decades of progress in disability rights, making it harder for people to get the support they need.

Who Is Challenging Section 504?

• Lawmakers and policymakers looking to tighten eligibility criteria.
• Budget cuts that could reduce funding for enforcement.
• Legal challenges seeking to limit protections in schools and workplaces.

What Changes Are Being Proposed?

• Stricter eligibility rules make it harder for students with ADHD, Autism, and learning disabilities to get support.
• Reduced enforcement means agencies won’t have the resources to make sure schools and workplaces follow the law.
• Weaker workplace protections make it easier for employers to deny accommodations.

Why Protecting Section 504 Matters

When Section 504 was passed in 1973, it was a groundbreaking victory for disability rights. It helped shift the conversation from exclusion to inclusion, ensuring that individuals with disabilities had the same opportunities as everyone else. Rolling back its protections now would be a huge step backward.

How Section 504 Supports Students

• Ensures access to education by requiring schools to provide necessary accommodations.
• Provides testing accommodations like extra time or quiet environments for students with ADHD, dyslexia, or anxiety.
• Supports services such as assistive technology, note-taking assistance, and modified assignments.

How Section 504 Protects Employees

• Requires reasonable accommodations so employees with disabilities can perform their jobs.
• Prevents discrimination in hiring, promotions, and workplace policies.
• Promotes fair treatment, ensuring that employees aren’t penalized for requesting accommodations.

How You Can Help Protect Section 504

The fight to protect Section 504 isn’t just for lawyers and policymakers—it’s for all of us. Here’s how you can make a difference:

✅ Contact your legislators – Call or email your representatives to express why Section 504 protections matter. Participate in public comment periods when policy changes are proposed.

✅ Support disability rights organizations – Groups like the National Disability Rights Network and the Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates fight for strong protections. Donations and volunteer efforts make a difference.

✅ Raise awareness – Use social media, blogs, and community discussions to educate others about the importance of Section 504.

✅ Encourage involvement – Parents, educators, and employers should stay informed and advocate for students and employees who rely on these protections.

Every voice matters. By working together, we can help protect Section 504 and ensure equal opportunities for all!

Final Thoughts

Section 504 is a vital law that ensures individuals with disabilities have equal access to education and employment. But with recent threats to weaken its protections, advocacy is more important than ever. We can help safeguard the rights of students and employees who rely on these accommodations by taking action.

How You Can Help ✅ Get involved – Contact legislators and speak out against harmful changes. ✅ Stay informed – Follow disability rights organizations and track policy updates. ✅ Advocate – Use social media, community events, and discussions to raise awareness.

We can protect Section 504 and ensure a future where inclusion and accessibility remain strong!