The 504 Plan is a plan developed to ensure that a child who has a disability identified under the law and is attending an elementary or secondary educational institution receives accommodations that will ensure their academic success and access to the learning environment

504 Plan Basics

Students can qualify for 504 plans if they have physical or mental impairments that affect or limit any of their abilities to:

• walk, breathe, eat, or sleep
• communicate, see, hear, or speak
• read, concentrate, think, or learn
• stand, bend, lift, or work

Examples of accommodations in 504 plans include:

• preferential seating
• extended time on tests and assignments
• reduced homework or class work
• verbal, visual, or technology aids
• modified textbooks or audio-video materials
• behavior management support
• adjusted class schedules or grading
• verbal testing
• excused lateness, absence, or missed class work
• pre-approved nurse’s office visits and accompaniment to visits
• occupational or physical therapy

The goal of 504 plans is for students to be educated in regular classrooms along with the services, accommodations, or educational aids they might need. If students with these plans can’t achieve satisfactory academic success, as is determined by the school, then alternative settings in the school or private or residential programs can be considered.

504 Plans vs. IEPs

A 504 plan is different from an individualized education program (IEP). The main difference is that a 504 plan modifies a student’s regular education program in a regular classroom setting. A 504 plan is monitored by classroom teachers. A student with an IEP, as part of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA 2004), may receive different educational services in a special or regular educational setting, depending on the student’s need. IEP programs are delivered and monitored by additional school support staff.

Also, parental approval and involvement is required for an IEP, but not for a 504 plan. Full parental participation in the 504 plan process, however, is important for the student’s academic success.
It’s important to note that students with IEPs are also entitled to the additional protections and services offered by 504 plans. Students with IEPs might benefit from a 504 plan, for example, if they’re moving from a special education setting to a regular classroom.

Final note: A 504 program works with a student keeping the student in class; IEP’s takes the student out of the classroom. I prefer a student work in the classroom without being taken out