Earlier this week, the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) at the U.S. Department of Education issued new guidance documents on Section 504 (Sec. 504) of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Sec. 504 prohibits discrimination against students with disabilities by public schools and other institutions receiving federal funds. The four new guidance documents provide assistance to school districts on Sec. 504 rights of students with specific conditions.
It’s March, meaning we are in one of the peak times for sports. It’s tournament time for basketball, including the NCAA Men’s and Women’s Tournaments. The OHSAA Boys State Basketball Tournament is underway as of the time of this writing, with the OHSAA Girls State Basketball Tournament wrapping up just a few days ago. We all enjoy these traditions, and for many students who play any sport, these are core and formative experiences in their education.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month and the U.S. Department of Education (USDOE) has announced several efforts to support students with mental health challenges.
Spring is field trip season for many school districts. Whether it’s the annual overnight pilgrimage to Washington, D.C., or a day trip closer to home, it’s important to make sure you are thinking about the unique needs of students with disabilities who will be participating in those trips.
