504 Plan

A 504 Plan ensures that a child with a disability attending a school receiving public funds receives accommodations and services to help the child succeed in school. The name ‘504 Plan’ comes from Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, a federal law that protects the rights of individuals with disabilities from being denied benefits or being discriminated against at any program or activity that receives federal funds, including schools. Like IDEA, Section 504 ensures each child has the right to a free and appropriate education. Section 504 also provides for accommodations and services needed to meet each individual’s educational requirements. A 504 Plan is distinguishable from an IEP in that Section 504 is a broad federal law that protects all individuals with a disability, so it applies to a larger range of students while not providing as many rights as an IEP. The definition of disability under Section 504 is broader than under IDEA, so more students may qualify for a 504 Plan than may qualify for an IEP. Students receiving 504 Plans can receive any and all accommodations and services they need if their disability interferes with their learning in the general education classroom; these accommodations and services are provided as part of the general education curriculum, and not as special education services.