FTCE Exceptional Student Education (ESE) K-12 Practice Test

Which of the following is NOT a requirement for someone to claim discrimination under Section 504?

1. Having a physical or mental impairment

2. Having a substantial limit to one or more major life activities

3. Being regarded as having an impairment

4. Having a visible disability

The correct answer is: Having a visible disability

The correct choice indicates that having a visible disability is not a requirement for claiming discrimination under Section 504. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 protects individuals with disabilities from discrimination based on their physical or mental impairments. To qualify for protection under Section 504, an individual must demonstrate a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities. This selection of criteria does not stipulate that the disability must be visible; rather, it may be hidden or less apparent. The other options focus on specific criteria that are part of the legislative definitions and requirements to establish a claim of discrimination. Thus, the lack of necessity for a visible disability reinforces the understanding that disabilities can be both visible and non-visible but still subject to protection under Section 504.