For 10 years, Cherith Roberts served as assistant principal of Holston View Elementary School in Bristol, Tennessee. While serving as assistant principal, Cherith Roberts held responsibilities as the school’s Section 504 coordinator.
A federal statute contained in the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Section 504 prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities. The law applies to all federally funded activities, programs, and organizations, including public schools. Disabilities defined under Section 504 include any physical or mental impairment that limits a person’s ability to take part in at least one major life activity.
In an educational setting, Section 504 is applied using a school-created blueprint commonly referred to as a 504 plan. The ultimate goal of the plan is to remove barriers to learning so that students with disabilities can attain academic success while working alongside other students.
To meet this goal, students under 504 plans are given accommodations that can include extra time on tests and assignments, visual aids, and flexible settings. Some students also receive special services such as speech therapy or behavior interventions. Students with 504 plans are always instructed in a regular classroom with the rest of their peers.
