Education Rights Counsel

Olivia is a typical 8-year-old girl who loves the color purple, unicorns, and practicing the latest dance trends. Her energy keeps her parents on their toes. But at school, it was becoming a problem. Her grades were slipping.

When Olivia's teacher, Mr. Saldar, noticed that she couldn't stop wiggling one day, he asked her to walk an "important note" to the front office. The note wasn't actually important, but the walk to the office was exactly what Olivia needed in that moment.

Over time, Mr. Saldar noticed more things that seemed to challenge Olivia more than other students: working in groups, staying still during quiet times, focusing on classwork. He provided her with a fidget, continued to give her movement breaks, and adjusted her seating.

Then he talked to Olivia's parents. He told them he was happy to provide these supports in his classroom, but without a 504 plan, Olivia might not get the same accommodations the following year. The 504 plan, he explained, would make those supports a legal protection rather than optional.

Olivia's school team met and created a 504 plan. Her grades rebounded. Her confidence grew. And the supports that helped her thrive in Mr. Saldar's classroom now follow her, year after year.

Section 504 protections matter. Learn more at https://www.educationrightscounsel.org/news/202602-texas-v-kennedy.