Services for Protected Handicapped Students

In compliance with the state and federal law, the District will provide to protected handicapped students services or accommodations that are needed to provide equal opportunity to participate in and obtain the benefits of the school program and extra-curricular activities to the maximum extent appropriate to the student’s abilities. These related services or accommodations are provided without discrimination or cost to the student or family. In order to qualify as a protected handicapped student, the student must be of school-age with a physical or mental disability, which substantially limits or prohibits participation in or access to an aspect of the school program.

Services and safeguards for protected handicapped students are distinct from those applicable to exceptional students enrolled or seeking enrollment in special education programs. Protected handicapped students fall under Pennsylvania Chapter 15 of Title 22 of the Regulations of the State Board of Education, sometimes known by its federal name Section 504 of the 1973 Rehabilitation Act. In contrast, students with disabilities who qualify for special education services are covered by the Chapter 14 Regulations. For further information about the evaluation procedures and provisions of services to protected handicapped students, contact the student’s Building Principal.