The Cochlear Implant School Toolkit

3 - Working with the School

Section 504 plans

Some children with cochlear implants are ineligible for an IEP, but may be alternatively eligible for protection under a different federal law. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 acts as an anti-discrimination law.
   
Section 504 prevents discrimination based on disability and ensures that students with a disability receive equal access to education.

• Under this law, a disability includes a "physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities," such as walking, seeing, or hearing.

By law, schools do not have to allow parents to participate in meetings intended to discuss a child with a Section 504 plan. Thus, you may have to request participation in these meetings.