What is a 504 in education?
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.
What disabilities are covered under Section 504?
Some examples of impairments which may substantially limit major life activities, even with the help of medication or aids/devices, are: AIDS, alcoholism, blindness or visual impairment, cancer, deafness or hearing impairment, diabetes, drug addiction, heart disease, and mental illness.
What does Section 504 apply to?
The two main purposes of Section 504 are to prohibit disability discrimination and to provide FAPE to K–12 students with disabilities. Section 504 applies to public schools, as well as to most colleges and private schools. Most kids with learning and thinking differences are protected by Section 504.
What is the difference between a 504 and an IEP?
The basic difference between an IEP and a 504 plan can be summed up in one sentence: both plans provide for accommodations, but only an IEP provides for specialized instruction for students in grades K–12, while a 504 plan can serve students at both the K–12 and college levels.
How do you write a 504 plan?
If that’s you, here are seven steps to get your child a 504 plan.
- Document your child’s needs.
- Find out who the school’s 504 coordinator is.
- Write a formal request for a 504 plan.
- Follow up on your request.
- Go through the 504 plan evaluation process.
- Meet with the school to see if your child qualifies.
What are Section 504 requirements?
To be protected under Section 504, a student must be determined to: (1) have a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities; or (2) have a record of such an impairment; or (3) be regarded as having such an impairment.
Do you need a diagnosis for a 504 plan?
Section 504 requires a child to have an evaluation before receiving a 504 Plan. Decisions about who qualifies for Section 504 cannot be based solely on a single source of data (i.e. a doctor’s diagnosis or grades). A medical diagnosis is NOT required under Section 504.
Does ADHD qualify 504?
Students with ADHD are eligible for services and an individual accommodation plan under Section 504 if they have significant difficulty learning in school due to ADHD impairments.