The Council of Educators for Students With Disabilities

Helping public educators understand federal disability law for over 25 years.

Quick Video Insights from CESD Experts: Dave Richards & Jose Martin

Refresh Your Knowledge in Minutes!

Whether you’re looking to brush up on the basics or explore misunderstood truths, the concise overviews below are perfect for busy educators.

Share with colleagues and enhance your understanding together!

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Explore our upcoming Section 504 & Dyslexia Conferences for comprehensive insights from expert practitioners and professional development opportunities.

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Section 504 Basics | Dave Richards

Episode 1: Section 504 Basics

Refresh Your Understanding of Section 504

This episode covers the essentials of Section 504. Share it with fellow educators to ensure everyone is on the same page about what this law requires.

Key Insights:

Schools must not exclude, deny benefits, or discriminate against students with disabilities.
It's not just about access—schools must ensure meaningful participation and benefit for every student.
Section 504 requires proactive steps to address barriers to education.

“Equal participation doesn’t always mean equal benefit—schools need to take action to provide real support.”

Episode 2: Section 504 as a Civil Rights Law

Why Section 504 is a Civil Rights Law

In this episode, we discuss why Section 504 is a civil rights law and its implications for students with disabilities. It's crucial for educators to understand and advocate effectively.

Key Insights:

Section 504 ensures students with disabilities are treated as a protected class, like race or gender.
The law guarantees that these students have the same opportunities as their peers without disabilities.
Continuous comparison with non-disabled peers is necessary to prevent discrimination.

“We want students within the protected class to have the same opportunities as everyone else.”

Episode 3: Ensuring Equal Participation

Going Beyond Access to Achieve True Equality

This episode explains how schools must go beyond simply providing access to ensure meaningful participation and benefit for students with disabilities.

Key Insights:

Being present in the classroom isn’t enough; schools must provide specific supports.
Accommodations like extended time or assistive technology can be essential.
Schools must actively address barriers to ensure every student benefits equally.

“Sometimes students need something extra to ensure they benefit equally—schools must step up.”

Episode 4: Identifying Discrimination

How to Spot and Address Discrimination

Identifying discrimination in schools isn’t always straightforward. This episode provides practical tips for recognizing and addressing discriminatory practices.

Key Insights:

Discrimination isn’t just about fairness; it’s about ensuring equal opportunities based on disability.
Compare the experiences of students with disabilities to those without to identify issues.
Schools must address any barriers that prevent equal participation.

“It’s about ensuring that all students have equal opportunities to participate and succeed.”

Section 504 Misunderstood Truths | Jose Martin

Episode 1: Annual Reviews

Annual Reviews vs. Reevaluations: What’s the Difference?

This episode clears up the confusion about whether annual reviews replace three-year reevaluations. It’s a must-know for all educators involved in student support.

Key Insights:

Annual reviews cover what three-year reevaluations would, so separate evaluations aren’t necessary.
Regular reviews ensure accommodations remain relevant and effective.
Quick adjustments based on annual reviews keep support up-to-date with student needs.

“Annual reviews are essential to keeping support relevant—no need for separate three-year evaluations.”

Episode 2: Placement

Decoding “Placement” Under Section 504

This episode explains that placement involves more than just location—it includes all the services, accommodations, and modifications a student receives.

Key Insights:

Placement encompasses the full range of support, not just where the student is served.
Effective placement considers all needs of the student to ensure success.
Schools must focus on what the student needs to participate fully, not just the physical location.

“Placement is more than a place—it’s the comprehensive support that helps students thrive.”

Episode 3: Discipline Rules

Navigating Discipline for Students with Disabilities

Disciplinary actions for students with disabilities can be complex. This episode explains the differences under Section 504 and how schools should approach them.

Key Insights:

Unique rules apply to drug and alcohol offenses under Section 504.
Expelled students may not receive services unless all expelled students do.
Fewer protections exist under Section 504 compared to IDEA for certain offenses.

“Disciplinary actions must be handled carefully—know the rules to ensure fair treatment.”

Episode 4: Eligibility Requirements

Who Qualifies for a 504 Plan?

Do students need a private diagnosis to qualify for a 504 plan? This episode clarifies that multiple data sources can establish eligibility, not just a private evaluation.

Key Insights:

Eligibility can be determined using school-based data without a private diagnosis.
The focus is on whether an impairment substantially limits a major life activity.
Schools have the resources to establish eligibility and provide needed accommodations.

“A private diagnosis isn’t required—schools can use multiple data sources to qualify students for a 504 plan.”

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Cheryl Baker, Round Rock ISD

"It helps us understand new laws that are implemented in our state..."

Media South, Alief ISD

"The information is presented in a way that I can take it back [to my district and teachers] easily..."

Allison Higginbotham, Seguin ISD

"[It's important to make sure] that your district is doing the best that it can to ensure that everybody is getting what they need..."

Enhance Your Expertise: CESD Fall Conferences

Which conference will you attend?

23rd Annual Texas Dyslexia Conference

In-Person Conference: Austin DoubleTree | October 14 - 15, 2024

Virtual Conference: October 28 - February 28, 2025

Learn More

Texas schools will start the 2024-2025 school year with a new Texas Dyslexia Handbook.

Our 2024 Dyslexia Conference will be laser-focused on that transition!

August 28, 2024 ALTA Credit Update: CESD is pleased to announce that the Conference has been approved for 17 hours of ALTA CEs. Our thanks to the Texas Chapter of ALTA for co-hosting to make the credits possible.

28th Annual Section 504 Conference

In-Person Conference: Austin DoubleTree | November 18 - 19, 2024

Virtual Conference: December 2 - March 31, 2025

Learn More

The new Section 504 regulations are still pending, but there are plenty of compliance dynamics and issues on the minds of public educators - click above to learn what those topics are!

Why choose CESD?

Practical Approach

CESD strives to identify and present the latest information and legal changes that are most important to public educators with a straightforward approach.

Expert Speakers

The CESD Faculty is chosen from experts and skilled practitioners with a passion for what they do and a love for the students they serve.

Hybrid Conference

We provide both an in-person and a virtual version of both conferences. This allows attendees to participate in our conferences from wherever they are.

Amazing Venue

The Austin DoubleTree is the perfect environment for you to attend our conferences in a comfortable environment and enjoy the city of Austin in the evening.

23rd Annual Texas Dyslexia Conference

In-Person Conference: Austin DoubleTree | October 14 - 15, 2024

Virtual Conference: October 28 - February 28, 2025

Learn More

28th Annual Section 504 Conference

In-Person Conference: Austin DoubleTree | November 18 - 19, 2024

Virtual Conference: December 2 - March 31, 2025

Learn More

Learn more about the Section 504 Video Foundation Series

Have a look at our training videos by Dave Richards & Jose Martin that cover basic Section 504 topics.

If you're interested, check out the Video Library page for more information.

Go to Video Library