While IEPs are provided under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, 504 plans are provided under The Rehabilitations Act of 1973. This civil rights law ensures that students with disabilities are not discriminated against in any program that receives federal funds, like a public school. The law itself will protect people with disabilities outside of school as well, but inside school it takes the form of a 504 plan. A student with a 504 plan will also receive accommodations, but can not be given special education services. The purpose of this plan is to prevent discrimination against students with disabilities in public schools, and grant reasonable accommodations to them.
Who qualifies for a 504 plan?
Any student with a disability that impacts their access to education. Much like some IEPs, 504 plans are put in place to give students with disabilities access to the general education curriculum.
WHAT CAN I, THE GENERAL EDUCATION TEACHER, DO?
Provide accommodations listed in the 504 plan.
Understand the difference between a 504 and an IEP.
Ask your 504 leader for assistance if you need help.
Source Durheim, Mary. “A Parent's Guide to Section 504 in Public Schools.” Parenting, www.greatschools.org/gk/articles/section-504-2/.