Student Support at MTPS

504 Information & Contacts

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is a federal civil rights law that protects qualified students with disabilities from discrimination and helps ensure equal access to educational opportunities.

Families who believe their child may need support under Section 504 should begin by contacting their child's school or the District 504 Officer.

Current District 504 Officer

Angelo M. DeStefano Jr.

Assistant Superintendent · District 504 Officer

Monroe Township Public Schools

128 Saybrook Avenue, Williamstown, NJ 08094

(856) 629-6400, ext. 1016

adestefano@monroetwp.k12.nj.us

Where should families begin?

If you believe your child has a disability that may require accommodations, related aids, services, or other support in school, contact your child's school and ask for the building's Section 504 representative.

You may also contact the District 504 Officer directly with questions about Section 504 or the district process.

Understanding Section 504

Section 504 focuses on equal access and protection from disability discrimination in programs and activities that receive federal financial assistance.

A Civil Rights Protection

Section 504 prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in programs and activities receiving federal financial assistance.

Who May Be Protected

Section 504 protects qualified students with a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities.

Individual Review

Eligibility and educational needs are determined individually through appropriate evaluation and placement procedures using information relevant to the student.

Individualized Support

When a student is eligible, Section 504 may require regular or special education, related aids and services, or modifications needed to provide appropriate access to education.

How the Process Begins

Families may raise a concern with their child's school when they believe a disability may be affecting access to school programs, activities, or educational opportunities.

Contact the School

Contact your child's school and ask to speak with the building's Section 504 representative. You may also contact the District 504 Officer.

Review the Student's Needs

The school follows appropriate evaluation procedures and considers relevant information when determining whether the student is eligible and what support may be needed.

Determine Appropriate Support

If a student is eligible, the school determines the aids, services, accommodations, or other supports needed to meet the student's individual educational needs.

School 504 Contacts

Contact your child's school and ask for the building's current Section 504 representative.

Staff assignments may change from year to year. Using the school office as the first point of contact helps ensure families are connected with the current Section 504 representative.