What is a 504 Plan?
A 504 Plan refers to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 which protects the rights of individuals with disabilities in programs and activities that receive Federal funding from the US DOE. Section 504 states “no otherwise qualified individual with a disability in the United States shall, solely by reason of her or his disability, be excluded from the participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance…”
What programs and activities receive Federal financial assistance?
The Office of Civil Rights enforces Section 504 in recipients like public school districts and higher education institutions. Under Section 504, school districts are required to provide a “free appropriate public education” (FAPE) to each qualified student with a disability who is in the school district’s jurisdiction, regardless of the nature or severity of the disability
What is FAPE?
FAPE consists of the provision of regular or special education and related aids and services designed to meet a student’s individual educational needs as adequately as the needs of nondisabled students are and is based upon adherence to procedures that satisfy Section 504 requirements.
What deems a student eligible for a 504 Plan?
A student must have a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, have a record of such impairment, or be regarded as having such impairment.
Does “qualified student with a disability” have different meanings based on educational level?
Yes. At elementary and secondary education level, a student with a disability is “of an age at which it is mandatory under state law to provide elementary and secondary educational services” or “a student to whom a state is required to provide a free appropriate public education under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)”. At the postsecondary level, a student must meet the academic standards requisite for admission or participation in the institution’s educational program/activity.
504 Accommodation Guide
What is the Difference Between a 504 Plan and an Individualized Education Program (IEP)?
Benefits of having a 504 Plan
With a 504 Plan, the student has access to accommodations that will provide an easier time learning in the classroom while also getting support services when needed. Some accommodations include extra time on assessments, a quieter work space, screen readers or audio recorders, and overall remove any barriers to the child’s learning ability. It is very important for the parent(s) or guardian(s) to stay involved in their child’s learning process to ensure success in this plan.
How To Request a 504 Plan
A parent or legal guardian will need to document their child’s needs and write a formal request to the school’s 504 coordinator. In order to obtain a 504 plan, there are two major requirements; the child has a disability, and that disability interferes with the ability to learn in a general education classroom. Then a 504 evaluation will take place where the school will review all the paperwork and observe and discuss the student. The school then meets with the team, and if the child qualifies for a 504 plan, one will be created by all team members to best meet the needs of the child.
