Section 504 is a federal statute which prohibits discrimination on the basis of a handicap in any program or activity that receives Federal Assistance. According to the law, a person with a handicap is one who:

1. has a mental or physical impairment which substantially limits one or more major life activity such as caring for one's self, performing manual tasks, walking, seeing, hearing, learning and working.

2. has a record of such impairment, or

3. is regarded as having such an impairment.

The Lynn Public Schools recognizes its obligations under the law and has a policy and program in place to ensure that no individual is knowingly discriminated against in any of the programs, practices, and Policies of the School Department.

Specifically, the School District has certain responsibilities under the Act. These responsibilities include the identification, evaluation, and the determination of whether or not a child is eligible to receive accommodations under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

The District 504 Coordinator has the overall responsibility of coordinating the school system's efforts to ensure full compliance. If you have any questions regarding Section 504, please contact your child's school principal or the District's Compliance Officer, Charlie Gallo, (781) 477-7220 ext. 3177.

Parents may also contact the US Department of Education's Office of Civil Rights at (617) 289-0111; TDD (877) 521-2172, with any questions.