A student is disabled under Section 504 if he/she has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities. Major life activities are listed in the Americans with Disabilities Act and include learning, reading, concentrating, thinking, speaking, sleeping, bending, caring for one’s self, lifting, walking, standing, hearing, seeing, etc. Included in the definition are major bodily functions such as respiratory, digestive, bowel/bladder, neurological, endocrine and many others.
Some of the impairments that would qualify a student for a Section 504 accommodation include:
Food allergies (milk, nuts, shell fish, gluten)
Chemical allergies (perfume, cleaning agents)
Obesity
Broken arm or leg
Gender identity disorder
Stuttering
Insomnia
Poor oral health
Nightmare disorder
Mild speech disorders (a kindergartner having trouble saying Rs or Ss)
Poor vision
Hearing loss
Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD mild to severe)
Incontinence
Eating disorders, including anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating, etc.
Any chronic illness, including urinary tract problems, asthma, diabetes, digestive problems, persistent cold, arthritis, blood disorders
Depression
Anxiety
Behavior disorder
(Source for behavioral and mental disorders: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition)
