What is 504?                                The Rehabilitation Act of 1973, commonly known in schools as Section 504 , is a federal law passed by the United States Congress with the purpose of  prohibiting discrimination against a disabled person or persons who may participate in, or receive benefits from programs receiving federal financial assistance.  In the public schools specifically, 504 applies to ensure that eligible disabled students are provided with educational benefits equal to those provided to the non-disabled students.   Under 504, a student is considered "disabled" if he or she suffers from a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more of the major life activities, such as learning, self-care, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, working, and performing manual tasks.  Section 504 also applies to students who have a record of having a substantially limiting impairment,  or who are regarded as being disabled even if they are truly not disabled.  Students can be considered disabled and can receive services under 504 even if they do not qualify for or recieve special education services.