What does Section 504 specifically require from schools regarding students with disabilities?

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is designed to ensure that students with disabilities have equal access to educational opportunities. Specifically, it requires schools to provide students with disabilities the same educational benefits as those afforded to non-disabled students. This means that schools must not discriminate on the basis of disability and must take necessary steps to accommodate the needs of these students to ensure they have an equal opportunity to participate in all school programs and activities.

While Individual Plans, funding for special education, and nutrition programs may be relevant in broader discussions about special education and student support, these elements are not the primary focus of Section 504. Instead, the emphasis is on the equality and non-discrimination that all students should experience in their educational environments. The essence of Section 504 is to prevent exclusion and ensure that students with disabilities are treated comparably to their peers, fostering an inclusive and equitable educational setting.