What is a 504 Plan?
A 504 Plan is a framework designed under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 to ensure that a student with a disability identified under the law receives accommodations that will ensure their academic success and access to the learning environment. Unlike special education plans such as IEPs (Individualized Education Programs) . It is intended to provide equal access and opportunities to students who have disabilities that significantly impact one or more major life activities.
How do 504 plans support students in schools?
504 Plans support students by providing specific modifications, accommodations, or adaptations to help them access and benefit from their educational environment on the same basis as their non-disabled peers. These accommodations can include physical adaptations in the classroom, the use of special equipment, adjustments in teaching methods and test-taking settings. The goal is to minimize the barriers that students with disabilities might face that hinder their academic performance.
What are the key differences between a 504 plan and an IEP?
The key differences between a 504 Plan and an IEP (Individualized Education Program) primarily lie in their scope, legal framework, and specific provisions:
- Legal Framework: A 504 Plan is developed under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which prohibits discrimination based on disability in programs that receive federal financial assistance.
- Eligibility: Eligibility for a 504 Plan requires a student to have any disability that substantially limits one or more major life activities. An IEP requires a student to have one of the specific disabilities listed in IDEA.
- Educational Services: While IEPs are focused on providing individualized special education and related therapeutic services, 504 Plans are designed to provide supports that allow students to stay in the general education classroom.
- Plan Content: IEPs are generally more detailed and include specific educational goals. A 504 Plan is less prescriptive and focuses more on accommodations and modifications rather than on special education services.
