Section 504 is a nondiscrimination statute, not a funding statute. It operates as a rider attached to every grant of federal funds. It is not a special education statute, although it addresses the provision of education to qualified individuals with disabilities. The school district receives no funding to educate students qualified as disabled under Section 504.

Section 504 provides certain protections to students who may not qualify under one of IDEA's 11 specific categories of disabilities. In general, Section 504 prohibits discrimination against persons with disabilities in all programs and activities conducted by recipients of federal financial assistance.

The school district's 504 handbook, revised in October 2009, offers guidance on the school district's responsibilities for providing 504 accommodations for students. Included are step-by-step instructions, forms, and possible accommodations.