It’s the Law: The “New” Section 504

By Perry A. Zirkel Principal, September/October 2011 Due to Section 504’s broader definition of “disability” than that in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), school personnel often view Section 504 as a consolation prize for students not eligible under IDEA. They also often perceive Section 504 as “IDEA light” in terms of its requirements. Finally, they generally agree that it is a responsibility of general, rather than special, education.