Shreveport ADA Student Accommodations - School Law

Education Louisiana 3 Minutes Read ยท published February 10, 2026 Flag of Louisiana

Shreveport parents and students seeking ADA accommodations should begin with the local school system and federal protections. In Shreveport, the Caddo Parish School Board implements Section 504 and special education processes that work alongside federal ADA and IDEA rules to provide reasonable accommodations and services. This guide explains who to contact, how to request accommodations, key forms or referrals, timelines, and where to file complaints if the school fails to act. Read the concrete steps below and follow the official district and federal complaint procedures cited.

Start by contacting your childs school counselor or the districts Section 504 coordinator in writing.

Overview of legal framework and responsible offices

For Shreveport students the primary operational authority is the Caddo Parish School Board for public K-12 schools; federal enforcement is through the U.S. Department of Educations Office for Civil Rights (OCR) and the Department of Justice for ADA Title II matters. Requests typically proceed under Section 504 (non-discrimination) or IDEA (special education), depending on eligibility. The district publishes Section 504 and special education information on its official pages Caddo Parish School Board Section 504[1] and Caddo Parish School Board Special Education[2].

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement for wrongful denial of accommodations can come from district-level corrective actions, state education agency processes, and federal OCR investigations. Specific monetary fines for noncompliance in public K-12 schools are not specified on the cited pages; federal remedies commonly include mandated corrective action, injunctive relief, and sometimes compensatory services. The OCR complaint page explains administrative remedies and investigation steps U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights - complaint process[3].

  • Enforcer: Caddo Parish School Board officials and OCR for federal enforcement.
  • Remedies: corrective action plans, required policy changes, and required services for affected students.
  • Fines/penalties: not specified on the cited page.
  • Appeals/review: district-level appeals, due process hearings under IDEA, and OCR administrative complaint procedures with time limits described by OCR.
  • Inspection/complaint pathways: contact the school, district Section 504 coordinator, then file with the state or OCR if unresolved.
Administrative complaints to OCR generally must be timely and follow the agencys submission rules.

Applications & Forms

The district describes referral and evaluation routes for Section 504 and special education on its official pages. Specific downloadable district form names or fees are not specified on the cited pages; contact the district office to obtain any required referral or evaluation consent forms.

  • How to submit: request evaluation in writing to the school or district student services office; follow district instructions on intake and consent.
  • Deadlines: the district page does not list fixed filing deadlines; OCR administrative complaint timelines are provided on the federal page.

How to request accommodations

Follow a documented, stepwise approach so the district can process your request and create an accommodation plan or eligibility decision.

  1. Put the request in writing to the students teacher and school principal describing the disability and the accommodations needed.
  2. Request a Section 504 referral or special education evaluation from the schools student services office.
  3. Provide supporting documentation: medical records, assessments, or previous IEP/504 plans.
  4. Participate in eligibility meetings; if eligible, the team writes an accommodation plan or IEP.
  5. If denied, request written reasons, use district appeals, and consider OCR or state complaints.
Keep copies of all written requests, evaluations, and meeting notes for appeals or complaints.

FAQ

Who decides whether a student gets ADA accommodations?
The schools eligibility team (Section 504 team or IEP team) determines eligibility and reasonable accommodations; the district implements the plan.
Can I file a complaint if the school refuses accommodations?
Yes. Start with the district appeals process, then file an OCR complaint; federal procedures are described on the OCR website.
Are there fees to apply for accommodations?
The district pages do not list any application fees; fees are not specified on the cited district pages.

How-To

  1. Write a clear accommodation request explaining the disability and proposed supports.
  2. Send the request to the students school and the district student services office and keep delivery proof.
  3. Attend evaluation or eligibility meetings and provide documentation.
  4. If denied, file a written appeal with the district and consider an OCR complaint if unresolved.

Key Takeaways

  • Begin with a written request to the school and district student services.
  • Maintain records of all communications and evaluation documents.
  • Use district appeals and OCR complaint routes when necessary.

Help and Support / Resources


  1. [1] Caddo Parish School Board Section 504
  2. [2] Caddo Parish School Board Special Education
  3. [3] U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights - complaint process