Who is protected by Section 504?

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is designed to protect the rights of individuals with disabilities in various settings, including educational environments. It ensures that students with disabilities have access to a free appropriate public education (FAPE) and are not discriminated against based on their disabilities.

The correct answer highlights that students with ADHD, visual impairments, and psychiatric disabilities qualify under this protection. These conditions can substantially limit one or more major life activities, and as such, they fall under the definitions established by Section 504. The law prohibits discrimination and mandates accommodations and modifications in educational settings to provide equal opportunities for these students.

The other options do not accurately capture the scope of protection provided by Section 504. For instance, while special education services might pertain to some students under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Section 504 includes a broader range of disabilities beyond just those receiving special education. Similarly, students from low-income families or those with exceptional academic performance are not specifically protected under Section 504; the focus of the law is primarily on students with disabilities.