4217 Policy – Effective Communications

In compliance with federal and state law, all Bellingham Public Schools-sponsored programs, activities, meetings, and services will be accessible to individuals with disabilities, including persons with hearing, vision, and/or speech disabilities. When communicating in this context with students, families, applicants, participants, members of the public, and their companions with disabilities, the district will take appropriate steps to ensure that any communications are as effective as communications with persons who have no disabilities. Such steps will include furnishing in a timely manner appropriate auxiliary aids and services when necessary to afford an individual with a disability an equal opportunity to participate in, and enjoy the benefits of, programs, activities, meetings, or services conducted or sponsored by the district. The information contained within the district’s website is a service that will be accessible to all individuals with disabilities.

A student with a disability that affects communication may be eligible for special education under the IDEA or may receive accommodations pursuant to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. In addition to ensuring that an eligible student receives a free appropriate public education under the IDEA of Section 504, schools will also consider whether the effective communication requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (Title II) warrant additional steps to meet the student’s communication needs.

For families, applicants, participants, members of the public, and their companions, the district’s website will provide information on how to request auxiliary aids and services. When necessary and upon request, such information will also be provided in an accessible format for the requestor at no cost. A form for requesting auxiliary aids and services will be available on the district website and at the district office. When determining an appropriate auxiliary aid or service, the district or school will give primary consideration to the auxiliary aid or service specifically requested by the person with a disability.

The superintendent is granted the authority to develop procedures to implement this policy.

Cross References:

Policy 2161 - Special Education and Related Services for Eligible Students

Policy 2162 - Education of Students with Disabilities Under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973

Policy 3210 - Nondiscrimination

Legal References:

Chapter 28A.642 RCW Discrimination prohibition

Chapter 49.60 RCW Discrimination Human rights commission

42 U.S.C. 12131-12134 Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) (Title II)

28 C.F.R. part 35 - Nondiscrimination on the basis of disability in state and local government services

29 U.S.C. 794 Section 504, Rehabilitation Act of 1973

34 C.F.R. part 104 Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973