Section 504 Resources

Section 504 and ADA Nondiscrimination Notice

Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) does not discriminate on the basis of disability in its programs, services, activities, or employment. IPS is committed to providing qualified students with disabilities equal access to educational opportunities, services, and benefits, including a free appropriate public education (FAPE), as required by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Section 504 prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance. IPS provides protections against disability discrimination and, for eligible students, individualized accommodations and supports to ensure equal educational opportunity.

Important: This webpage addresses student Section 504 rights and procedures. Questions about employee accommodations or staff disability discrimination complaints should be directed to the district’s Human Resources office.

District Section 504 Coordinator (Students)

District Section 504 Coordinator: Antoinette Austin

Title: Social Services Coordinator

Email: austinantoinette@myips.org

Phone: 317.221.4000

Mailing Address: 120 East Walnut St. Indianapolis, IN 46204

Requests for an Impartial Hearing

District Director of Equitable School Supports: Dr. Tijana Davis

Email: davist@myips.org

Phone: 317.221.4000

Mailing Address: 120 East Walnut St. Indianapolis, IN 46204

The District Section 504 Coordinator oversees district compliance with Section 504 as it relates to student access, evaluation, eligibility, accommodations, procedural safeguards, and implementation support. Building-level Section 504 liaisons support school-based referrals, evaluations, meetings, and plan implementation.

Parent and Student Rights Under Section 504 (Procedural Safeguards)

Parents/guardians and eligible students have rights under Section 504. IPS provides notice of procedural safeguards and implements a system of safeguards that includes the following protections:

You have the right to:

Be informed of your rights under Section 504.
Request an evaluation if you believe your child may have a disability and needs accommodations or related aids/services.
Receive notice before the district conducts an initial Section 504 evaluation and before significant decisions regarding identification, evaluation, eligibility, or placement.
Provide or withhold consent for an initial Section 504 evaluation.
Examine relevant educational records related to your child’s Section 504 identification, evaluation, and plan.
Participate in meetings regarding your child’s evaluation, eligibility, and Section 504 Plan.
Receive an impartial hearing (with opportunity for participation and representation by counsel) if you disagree with district decisions regarding Section 504 identification, evaluation, or placement.
Seek review of hearing decisions through applicable review procedures.
File a complaint with the district and/or with the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights (OCR).
File a civil action as permitted by law.

IPS provides Section 504 procedural safeguards to parents/guardians and eligible students at the time of initial referral or evaluation, when significant decisions are made regarding identification, evaluation, eligibility, or placement, and upon request. Please see below for translated versions of the Indiana Department of Education Notice of Procedural Safeguards.

Student Section 504 Concerns and Grievance Procedure (Prompt and Equitable Resolution)

IPS encourages early resolution of concerns whenever possible. Many concerns can be addressed promptly by reviewing implementation of the student’s Section 504 Plan, convening a Section 504 meeting at the school of service, and making needed revisions.

If you believe IPS has discriminated on the basis of disability in connection with a student, or failed to follow Section 504 requirements, you may use the grievance process below.

Step 1: Optional School-Level Resolution

Contact your child’s school and request to speak with the:
- Building Administrator/Principal, and/or
- Building Section 504 Liaison (typically the School Social Worker or School Counselor)
Describe your concern in writing (email is acceptable), including:
- Student name
- School
- Description of the concern
- Date(s) of incident(s)
- Requested resolution
The school may schedule a Section 504 meeting to review records, discuss the concern, and determine whether changes to the plan, implementation, or supports are needed.

Step 2: District Section 504 Coordinator Review

If the concern is not resolved at the school level, submit a written grievance via Let’s Talk or to the District Section 504 Coordinator via the contact information provided above. Please include:
- Student name and school
- Parent/guardian contact information
- A detailed description of the alleged disability discrimination or Section 504 concern
- Names of individuals involved (if known)
- Relevant dates
- Any documents or records you want the district to review
- The resolution requested
The District Section 504 Coordinator (or designee) will review the grievance, which may include record review, interviews, and consultation with school staff and district offices.

Step 3: Written District Response

IPS will provide a written response after review, which may include:
- Findings
- Steps taken or planned to resolve the concern
- Any corrective actions, if applicable
- Information about additional options (including impartial hearing and OCR complaint)

Step 4: Request for Impartial Hearing

If you disagree with the district’s decision regarding a student’s Section 504 identification, evaluation, eligibility, or placement, you may request an impartial hearing at the district level.
Section 504 procedural safeguards include an impartial hearing with opportunity for parent participation and representation by counsel.
To request an impartial hearing: submit a written request to the Director of Equitable School Supports via Let’s Talk or via the contact information provided above.

Step 5: External Complaint Options

At any time, you may file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights (OCR), or pursue other remedies available under law.
OCR is the most common external enforcement pathway for Section 504 complaints.

Notice of Right to File with the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights (OCR)

Individuals who believe they have experienced disability discrimination by the district may file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights (OCR). OCR enforces Section 504 in programs and activities that receive federal financial assistance, including public school districts.

You may file an OCR complaint whether or not you first use the district’s grievance process.

OCR Complaint Information:

Complaints may be filed online, by mail, or by email with the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights (OCR). Information about filing a complaint is available at https://www.ed.gov/ocr.