Under Section 504, which of the following scenarios would qualify for protection?

• A. A student in a wheelchair with no other disabilities
• B. A student with a mild reading delay
• C. A student with minor behavioral issues
• D. A student with a temporary illness

Answer: (A)

Section 504 protections apply to students who have a disability that substantially limits one or more major life activities, and require accommodations to participate in school. A student in a wheelchair has a physical impairment that clearly limits mobility, a major life activity, so they qualify for protections and reasonable accommodations to ensure access to education (such as accessible classrooms, seating arrangements, and assistive supports).

The other scenarios don’t automatically indicate a disability under 504. A mild reading delay might affect learning, but it would depend on whether it substantially limits the ability to learn; a definitive determination would require evaluation. Minor behavioral issues aren’t themselves a guaranteed disability unless there’s an underlying impairment that substantially limits functioning. A temporary illness is not typically considered a disability under 504 because it doesn’t reflect a long-term impairment.