If you believe the school has violated Section 504 of the Vocational Rehabilitation Act, you may file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR). There is information about Section 504, including a comparison of the requirements of Section 504 to those of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), on TEA’s website here.
If you are not sure whether an OCR complaint is appropriate, or if you do not believe you know how to write a complaint, you can contact an attorney or learn more about filing complaints here. OCR complaints should be mailed to the regional Office for Civil Rights:
Site Director
U.S. Office for Civil Rights, Dallas Office
1999 Bryan Street, Suite 1620
Dallas, Texas 75201
E-mail: OCR.Dallas@ed.gov
The steps of the due process hearing process apply to requests for a hearing over a disciplinary removal and/or manifestation determination review. There is a difference, however, in how quickly everything must happen. Important deadlines and time requirements are shortened to expedite the resolution of the case.