Section 504 Plan

What is it?

Section 504 of The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is the part of the law that protects students and adults from discrimination in school as well as outside of school. Section 504 also removes barriers for those with disabilities in public schools. This part of the law requires schools to find and evaluate students to ensure that they are receiving free appropriate public education (FAPE) at no cost to the parents or guardians. The school must provide the necessary supports if deemed necessary by the evaluation. Section 504 also protects people from discrimination anywhere that receives federal funding such as public schools, most private schools and colleges, airports, national parks, etc.

Section 504 protects students that have a mental or physical impairment that impacts everyday life activities whether it be school related, eating, sleeping, walking, etc. Many accommodations can be used in a Section 504 plan. These accommodations will depend on the individual and their impairment as all disabilities and impairments are different.

What does this look like in the classroom?

There is no good explanation of what a Section 504 plan will look like in the classroom as every individual is different and this plan can include any impairment from food allergies to students with learning disabilities. A Section 504 plan covers a broad range of students and many accommodations are possible.

How is a Section 504 Plan different from an IEP?

A Section 504 Plan includes a blueprint for eliminating barriers for students with disabilities whereas an IEP is a plan for the special education services that will be provided.
A Section 504 Plan provides services and changes to the learning environment to allow students to participate in the general education classroom alongside their peers whereas an IEP provides special education services unique to that specific student. These services may occur in or out of the general education classroom.
A Section 504 Plan is part of The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 which is considered to be a federal civil rights law to stop discrimination against those with disabilities whereas an IEP falls under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) which is considered a federal special education law for children with disabilities.
All students covered by IDEA are also covered by Section 504. However, not all students that are covered under Section 504 are covered by IDEA.
Schools do not receive federal funding for Section 504 plans whereas schools do receive federal funding to support students covered by IDEA.