Speaking as someone who continues to be under a section 504 in school, for those who dont know: A 504 document tells teachers and staff the needs of a student if their needs are atypical. This, for me, means breaks from class to prevent ant/or minimize panic attacks. For my friends who have undergone surgery, it means allowing them to use our schools elevators to move from level to level. It also means that they have passing period offset by a certain amount of time so the kids who use crutches or wheelchairs aren't run over in our massive school. A LOT of kids have 504s. My 504 coordinator and the work we've done for my 504 document have changed my life. I have gone from panic attacks almost daily in the middle of my class because of months overdue assignments, to being able to take breaks and consult with my teachers so we understand eachother better. Panic attacks daily, to once every few weeks. Chronic absence over said panic attacks leading to incomplete work, to turning in an assignment late every once in a while and only for my hardest classes. If you are not currently in a school with a 504, do not try to downplay their positive effect. This was a vital part of my progress in the development of my mental health, my self-image, and my (now positive) world view. It fills in the gaps that may be left by an uncaring and unyielding school system and workload.