(Section 504 of the Rehab. Act 1973, 45 CFR Part 84.)  Section  504 is a civil rights act prohibiting discrimination based on disability. It was enacted to eliminate barriers that exclude persons with disabilities. Section 504 applies to all agencies that receive federal funds, including public schools. In the Decatur County School System, all staff and administrators have the responsibility of ensuring that all students with disabilities are identified, evaluated and provided with needed accommodations and services, resulting in a free appropriate public education (FAPE).  Section 504 is enforced by the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Civil Rights.  Public school districts have the duty to provide FAPE to all qualified disabled students. FAPE must include an education designed to provide educational benefit despite the child's disability. It must be at no cost to the parent and it must be provided in an environment that affords the greatest exposure to nondisabled peers.