Department of Student Support Programs, Compliance & 504

Sanual Mixon
Director

Albert Kahn Building
7430 Second Ave, 3rd Floor
Detroit, MI 48202
Phone: (313) 873-7512

Compliance Supervisor
Phone: (313) 873-7513

Documents

• Compliance Guidebook
• Section 504 Handbook
• IDEA and Section 504: A Comparison
• Section 504 Questions and Answers

Mission

The mission of the Compliance and Section 504 Unit of the Office of Specialized Student Services is to support the delivery of educational programs and services to eligible students in compliance with the legal mandates of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the Michigan Administrative Rules for Special Education, Public Law 93-112 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

Goals

1. Resolve educational compliance issues, complaints and appeals in a sound manner for students while maintaining fiscally responsible actions in their resolutions; thereby avoiding the progressive steps that ultimately result in formal litigation which financially burdens the district.
2. Assure the IEP process is implemented via best practices that result in academic improvement while adhering to the federal and state laws and incorporating equitable standards and high expectations for all students.

Major Functions

1. Coordinate and collaborate both internal and external complaints and appeals.
2. Assist in the development and implementation of the district's special education compliance plan.
3. Provide professional development and individual support to parents, special and general education teachers, administrators and related service staff.
4. Maintain accurate required records at the local school level for compliance with federal, state and district mandates.
5. Collaborate with central and field staff to perform tasks related to monitoring and compliance, i.e., on-site visits, documenting corrective actions, in-service training and data management.
6. Coordinate compliance with IEP guidelines and procedures, as they relate to county/state complaints, due process procedures and hearings, and Section 504.
7. Provide interpretation of legal mandates for staff, parents and community.
8. Collaborate with the offices of Legal Affairs and Student Code of Conduct to ensure that due process procedures are disseminated, monitored and adhered to for Section 504 students.

Compliance Unit

1. Develop IEP guidelines and procedures consistent with requirements established by the state and W-RESA.
2. Monitor the district's MET and IEP processes as related to implementation issues and corrective actions.
3. Investigate formal complaints regarding the delivery of services to special education students and collaborate with central office and school staffs in implementing corrective actions.
4. Design and provide professional development for staff in areas related to federal and state legislation regarding special education.

Section 504

1. Provide supportive assistance to local school and central staff regarding the requirements of Public Law 93-112 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
2. Monitor the delivery of accommodations and services at the local school level including the development of initial and annual 504 plans, as well as 3-year evaluations to ensure compliance with federal, state and district regulations.
3. Assist in the resolution of problems and individual complaints regarding the delivery of services and/or accommodations for Section 504 students. If appropriate, provide support to the local school in developing appropriate corrective action plans.
4. Coordinate, develop and implement in-service training activities for staff members who are providing services to Section 504 students.