Homebound Instruction
Homebound instruction is designed to provide continuity of educational services between the classroom and home or health care facility, for students whose medical needs, physical and/or psychiatric, do not allow school attendance for a limited period. Homebound instruction may be used to supplement the classroom program for students with health impairments whose conditions may interfere with continuous daily school attendance (e.g., students receiving dialysis or radiation/chemotherapy; or students with other serious health conditions). The application for homebound instruction is posted on the APS website, https://www.apsva.us/homebound-instruction. Copies of the application may also be requested at schools. Applications are submitted to the student’s school for review before being forwarded to the Supervisor of Special Education for approval. For students with Individual Education Programs (IEP’s), an IEP team meeting will be held subsequent to approval for homebound instruction, in order to determine the level of service required. Eligibility for homebound instruction is reviewed every nine weeks.
Section 504
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 prohibits discrimination against persons with a disability in any program receiving federal financial assistance. The Arlington Public Schools are committed to a policy of avoidance and correction of any educational discrimination, assuring that students with disabilities have educational opportunities and benefits equal to those without disabilities. Under Section 504, a person is considered to be a person with a disability if they (a) have a physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more major life activities (such as caring for one’s self, performing manual tasks, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning or working), (b) have a record of such an impairment, or (c) are regarded as having such impairment. The list of disabilities and major life activities is not exhaustive. Further, the term “substantially limiting” should be interpreted loosely per federal guidance.
Arlington Public Schools will evaluate and provide a free, appropriate education to all students with disabilities. Parents are notified and encouraged to participate in all meetings pertaining to their students’ eligibility under Section 504. Parents should address questions and concerns about Section 504 to the Director of Counseling Services or to the principal of the school. Parents may appeal eligibility decisions by contacting the Section 504 Coordinator of Section 504 Compliance Officer in the Office of Student Services at 703-228-6061.