Which statement best describes Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act in schools?

• A. Prohibits discrimination and requires accommodations for eligible students.
• B. Applies only to colleges.
• C. Guarantees FAPE in the same manner as IDEA.
• D. Requires identical services for all.

Answer: (B)

Section 504 is about preventing discrimination against students with disabilities and ensuring they have access to education through reasonable accommodations. The statement that best fits this is that Section 504 prohibits discrimination and requires accommodations for eligible students. It applies to any program or activity that receives federal funds, which includes elementary and secondary schools as well as colleges, so it’s not limited to higher education. It does not guarantee a Free Appropriate Public Education—that promise comes from IDEA—and it doesn’t require identical services for everyone; instead, it calls for individualized accommodations that remove barriers and enable participation in the general education setting.