Policy of Non-Discrimination

The Tiverton School Department shall not discriminate in admissions treatment or access to educational programs, activities, and facilities or in regard to employment opportunities on the basis of sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity or expression as required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Rhode Island General Law 28-5.1, Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action. 

Inquiries regarding activities relating to ensuring nondiscrimination should be directed to: 

                Diane E. Sanna

                Title IX Officer

                Tiverton Administration Office

                100 N. Brayton Road

                Tiverton, RI  02878

                Telephone:  401-624-8475

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act:

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is Congress’ directive to any organization to eliminate discrimination based on disability from all aspects of school operation.  It states: “No otherwise qualified individual with a disability shall solely by reason of her or his disability, be excluded from the participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program of activity receiving Federal financial assistance.”  Since the Tiverton School Department receives federal dollars, we are required to provide eligible disabled students with equal access (both physical and academic) to services, programs, and activities offered by our schools.  Information on the process for reviewing Section 504 eligibility is available in each school building as well as parents’ rights.  Parents have a right to file a complaint with the district if they feel their child’s rights have been violated.  Forms for filing a complaint and additional information on the process for addressing Section 504 parent complaints are available in each school office.

Inquiries or complaints regarding Section 504 should be directed to Tiverton High School to the attention one of the following persons:

                Steven M. Fezette, Principal                      (401) 624-8494

                John McKinnon, Assistant Principal            (401) 624-8494

                Elizabeth A. Farley, Director of Guidance (401) 624-6621

Benefits for Integrating Students

There are many reasons to provide opportunities for students with disabilities to learn and socialize with their non-disabled peers.  Integrating students is beneficial for all students, as well as their parents and teachers.

Providing positive experiences in integrated educational settings allows non-disabled students and adults to learn about disabilities and to become more accepting of individuals who are disabled.  Students with disabilities have the opportunity to develop their full potential and to become an integral part of society.  Therefore, integration expands and enhances the personal experiences of students, parents, and teachers.

Non-Disabled Students

Through positive interactions with students with disabilities, non-disabled students become more sensitive to the needs of others.  They will learn to appreciate individual differences at an early age and bring these values home.  In integrated settings, non-disabled students may have more chances to become leaders and teachers, thereby increasing their self-confidence.  The students also have the opportunity to form friendships with students who are disabled, and maintain these relationships throughout life.

Students with Disabilities

When students with disabilities are educated with their non-disabled peers they learn age-appropriate social skills by imitating non-disabled students.  Integrated settings provide a challenging environment for the student who is disabled.  Therefore the students learn more independent and developmentally advanced skills.  Also, by being with non-disabled students, the student who is disabled may develop a more positive self image by having the opportunity to do what other students do.  Special education teachers, occupational therapists, physical therapists, and speech pathologists provide services in the school and all students may benefit from this support.