Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act is a federal law that prohibits institutions that receive federal funds from discriminating against individuals with a disability. In the college and university setting, this means that if your university receives federal funding, the university cannot discriminate against you if you have a disability. In order to fulfill this obligation under Section 504, your college or university may be required to provide you reasonable accommodations. Reasonable accommodations include extended time to complete tests and assignments, priority seating in the front of class, among other things. Most colleges and universities have an office of disability services where you can request accommodations. In order to receive reasonable accommodations, you must inform your college or university of your disability by going to their office of disability services. If you do not go to the office of disability services you may not receive the accommodations you need, and you may not be able to protect your rights under Section 504.
