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504 Lawsuit Update

This came from the newsletter of State Representative Josh Turek. Mr. Turek is a person with a disability and uses a wheelchair. He understands these concerns.
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Currently, the Texas vs. Becerra, aka 504 lawsuit, is on hold but will be reviewed every month. The states that filed the lawsuit provided a clarifying document that stated that they were not looking to find 504 unconstitutional on its face. This is a good thing. However, they are still seeking to end protections for the most disabled and at the most risk for institutionalization. This would remove rights and protections of the most disabled to integrate into a community setting. This would also be financially catastrophic for Iowa as we have closed and moved away from an institutional model. Currently, the presumption is that the Trump administration will remove the 'gender dysphoria' provision in the coming weeks.
Last week I met with the Attorney General and had a one-on-one meeting with the Governor to discuss the 504 lawsuit. I fully explained the importance and scope of 504 and its civil rights and anti-discrimination provisions for disabled Iowans. The lawsuit currently as written would have serious deleterious unintended consequences for disabled Iowans and would remove 50 years of civil rights protections. I came away from the meetings with the assurance from both the Attorney General and Governor that neither of them want ANY unintended negative consequences to disabled Iowans. I was told in no uncertain terms that Iowa is exclusively looking to address the ‘gender dysphoria’ concern. When and if that concern is addressed by the Trump administration, then Iowa will no longer pursue litigation. I will continue to follow this and will provide updates. I will continue to do all I can to fight for 504, and for anti-discrimination and civil rights protections for disabled Iowans!

In most towns across the country, school has only just begun. Kids are still getting to know their teachers, breaking in their new shoes, and figuring out which school lunches are their favorites and which ones do they need a cold lunch for…..and yet, the news today of Apalachee High School is heart wrenching. Our kids are the most precious beings on earth…ALL of them!

And they deserve better. They deserve to grow up seeing adults care for one another despite of our uniqunesses and differences, they deserve to feel safe, loved, and included, and they deserve to get supports for their mental wellness as it’s just as important as physical wellness. This starts with us…as adults, are we modeling love or modeling hate? Are we teaching love, or teaching hate?

This!

However, it is only really effective IF you spend the time to create the infrastructure...a highly effective Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) framework.

Do that and the possibilities are endless.

Till360's Human Connection Hub has added a resource! The Power of Path Curriculum by Tasha Schuh and team is an incredible addition to the HUB! Teachers of 6-12th graders....you NEED this in your classrooms. Our students are struggling and we can help. PATH stands for Purpose, Attitude, Team and Hope and teaches resiliency, coping skills, and so much more....Tasha's message and story is life-changing! Reach out to me, or go to Till360.com or humanconnectionhub.com to get it now!

Why Your School Needs the PATH Curriculum If you have felt that you need more awareness, advocacy, and understandingwithin your school, I would urge you to take a look at the PATH Curriculum. Our chi...

If you know us, we are typically in bed between 7:30-8pm during the winter when fishing is not possible.

Last night: 9:30pm and Bill’s phone rings….he doesn’t recognize the number, but answers. I hear sobbing on the other end. I listen to him console, consult, and collaborate with this distressed mom about her son’s 504 plan and the implementation of it! When he hung up at 10pm, she was content and grateful!

WE FIGHT FOR KIDS!

Call us if you need help with IEP or 504s! You deserve an advocate!

This frightens us to the core. Which is the very why we created our service. We are here to help navigate IEP and 504s with you!
Tara & Bill

TikTok · Sarah Trone Garriott 1373 likes, 197 comments. Check out Sarah Trone Garriott's video.

Impact is Everything! 💙💚🤍

Introduction to Section 504

In the United States, access to education and other public services is a fundamental right, and laws have been put in place to safeguard this principle. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is one such law that serves a pivotal role in ensuring equitable access for individuals with disabilities. In this overview, we will delve into what Section 504 is, who it protects, and how it operates to guarantee that everyone, regardless of their disability/impairment, has the opportunity to receive a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE).

What Is Section 504?

Section 504 is a federal law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in programs and activities that receive federal funding. This includes public schools, colleges, and universities, as well as, various other entities such as state and local governments, healthcare providers, and public transportation systems. The law's primary objective is to ensure that individuals with disabilities are not excluded from or denied the benefits of these programs and activities.

Who Does Section 504 Protect?

Section 504 protects individuals with disabilities. According to the law, a person with a disability is someone who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities. Major life activities include, but are not limited to, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning, concentrating, and working. Disabilities under Section 504 can be visible or hidden, and they can be temporary or permanent.
Common disabilities covered by Section 504 may include:
1. Physical disabilities: Mobility impairments, such as those requiring wheelchairs or other assistive devices.
2. Sensory disabilities: Visual or hearing impairments.
3. Mental health conditions: Conditions such as depression and anxiety.
4. Learning disabilities: Dyslexia, ADHD, or other conditions that affect cognitive functioning.

How Does Section 504 Work?

Section 504 mandates that public entities that receive federal funding provide reasonable accommodations and services to individuals with disabilities. These accommodations and services are designed to “level” the field and allow people with disabilities to participate in programs and activities on an equitable basis with others.

Key elements of how Section 504 operates include:
1. Identification and Evaluation: Schools and other entities must identify students or individuals who may have disabilities and conduct appropriate evaluations to determine their needs.
2. Development of 504 Plans: A 504 Plan is developed and outlines the accommodations and services needed by an identified student to access their education. These plans are individualized to meet each student's specific needs.
3. Reasonable Accommodations: Reasonable accommodations can vary widely, from extended time on tests to the provision of sign language interpreters or assistive technology. The goal is to provide what is necessary to ensure equitable access.
4. Nondiscrimination: Section 504 mandates that discrimination against individuals with disabilities is prohibited in all aspects of life. This means ensuring they have equitable access to extracurricular activities, transportation, etc.
5. Complaints and Appeals: Individuals who believe his/her/their rights under Section 504 have been violated have the right to file complaints and appeal decisions. Schools and entities must have grievance procedures in place to address such concerns.

Benefits and Challenges of Section 504

Benefits of Section 504:

1. Equitable Access: Section 504 promotes equitable access to education and public services, fostering inclusivity and diversity.
2. Personalized Accommodations: Accommodations are tailored to the individual, ensuring that they receive the support needed.
3. Legal Protections: Section 504 provides legal protections for individuals with disabilities, allowing them to seek redress if they face discrimination.

Challenges of Section 504:

Implementation Variability: The interpretation and implementation of Section 504 can vary between different schools and entities, leading to inconsistent experiences for individuals with disabilities.

Limited Awareness: Many people, including some educators, are not well-versed in Section 504, which can result in a lack of appropriate accommodations and support.

Conclusion

Section 504 is a vital piece of legislation that helps reduce barriers for individuals with disabilities. It ensures that everyone has the opportunity to access a free appropriate public education. By promoting equitable access and providing tailored accommodations and services, Section 504 is crucial in upholding the principles of inclusion and non-discrimination. As awareness and understanding of Section 504 grows, so too will the prospects for individuals with disabilities to thrive in all aspects of life.

An educational advocate, also known as a parent advocate, child advocate, student advocate, or independent advocate, assists parents of students with disabilities in navigating the complex world of special education & Section 504! Empowering 🤍🤍🤍

I am passionate about ensuring ALL kids succeed in school! Recently, I’ve been contacted by many parents about special education law, meetings, paperwork, accommodations, and so much more.

Helping to navigate the process and empowering you and your child is my purpose in starting this work!