What is a 504 Plan?
A Section 504 Accommodation Plan is a formal document outlining accommodations and supports necessary for a student with a disability to access and participate in general education equally with their peers. Unlike an Individualized Education Program (IEP) under IDEA, a 504 Plan does not require the student to need special education services, only that they have a disability that substantially limits one or more major life activities. Examples of major life activities are breathing, walking, talking, hearing, seeing, sleeping, caring for one’s self, performing manual tasks, and working. Also included are major bodily functions such as immune system functions, normal cell growth, digestive, bowel, bladder, neurological, brain, respiratory, circulatory, endocrine, and reproductive functions.
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is a civil rights law designed to prevent discrimination against individuals with disabilities in programs and activities receiving federal financial assistance, including public schools. It was one of the first federal laws in the U.S. to protect the rights of individuals with disabilities.
Its role in the education setting was clarified in the 1990s, after the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA, 1990) and amendments to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act reinforced the importance of providing reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities.
504 Plans play a critical role in ensuring equitable education for students with disabilities by providing necessary accommodations that help students access and succeed in their educational setting. Section 504 law focuses on inclusion and non-discrimination, ensuring that all students, regardless of disability, have the opportunity to learn.
How to Ask About a 504 Plan
Identify the Need:
Determine if your student's disability, whether physical or mental, substantially limits a major life activity in the school environment.
2. Contact the School:
Inform the school's 504 coordinator or relevant staff member that you are requesting an evaluation for a 504 plan.
3. Formal Request:
Submit a written request for an evaluation, outlining your concerns and why you believe the student qualifies for a 504 plan.
The school will conduct an evaluation to determine the student's eligibility for a 504 plan. This may involve gathering information from teachers, parents, medical professionals, and other relevant sources.
5. Eligibility Determination:
A team, including parents, school staff, and potentially other professionals, will review the evaluation data and decide if the student meets the criteria for a 504 plan.
6. Plan Development:
If the student is eligible, the team will work with the parents to develop a 504 plan that outlines the necessary accommodations and modifications.
The 504 plan is then implemented, ensuring that the student receives the necessary supports to participate fully in school.
8. Review and Revision:
The 504 plan is reviewed periodically to ensure it continues to meet the student's needs.