IEPs include accommodations, specialized instruction, and “related services” Accommodations also can be things to reduce distractions for kids with ADHD like noise-canceling headphones, frequent breaks, or a desk in the front row. These include equipment like a communication device, voice-to-text software, or books in Braille or online with voice output. These are adjustments in the classroom environment to help a child get past barriers caused by their disability. IEP: What services can they include? 504 Plans only include accommodations But if they also need specialized instruction like working with an education specialist, or a speech, occupational or other therapist, they should qualify for an IEP. If your child can make progress in school with only accommodations, then a 504 should be enough. (Not all the terms are what we like to use, but it’s good to note that mental health challenges can qualify a child for services.) In addition to the condition, the child must also be not making progress due to the disability, and require specialized services. IDEA lists 13 specific conditions that qualify, including autism, a learning disability and “emotional disturbance”. The criteria for disability is narrower and more specific for an IEP. But if your child may need specialized services, or if you don’t know the extent of the disability, the school will do an evaluation to see if your child qualifies. For example, if a child is easily distracted they could get a 504 plan that allows them to wear headphones during independent work time, or a desk at the front of the room. If the disability doesn’t require specialized services, you can usually work with the school quickly to put a 504 plan into place. IEP: Who qualifies?Īny child with a disability that limits their ability to learn in school should qualify for either a 504 Plan or an IEP. You should meet with the 504 or IEP team every year, but you can ask to meet anytime you need to.

For either a 504 or IEP, you will need to keep track of how consistently the school is doing what the document says. But unfortunately, since 504s are less structured, they are too often not upheld by schools. Whenever possible, students should get Special Ed services in the regular classroom with non-disabled peers.) Both 504 plans and IEPs are legal contracts between you and the school. (This does not mean they are in a specialized classroom. If your child has an IEP they are getting “Special Education”. Since the goal of IDEA is learning, not just accessing the curriculum, IEPs include specialized instruction and services, and often an adjustment of the regular school curriculum. ( Early Intervention, a program for children from 0-3, comes from the same law.) This includes students with disabilities. IDEA guarantees all students the right to learn in schools that get federal funding. IEPs are a feature of IDEA, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act The purpose of accommodations is to make sure that a student can learn from (“access”) all parts of the school day, despite their disability.Ī 504 Plan does not provide extra services or change the curriculum. The 504 plan describes adjustments – called accommodations – in the school setting. The concept is that kids in public school should have “equal access” to the regular school curriculum in the same way that ramps provide “equal access” to federal buildings. This includes public schools and others (like some charter schools) that get any federal funding. It ensures that they have equal access to all public services that get funding from the federal government. This is a civil rights law, and Section 504 protects the rights of people with disabilities. IEP: What laws govern them? 504 Plans are described in Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 My son’s story: an example of a 504 vs IEPĥ04 vs.Read on or jump right to the section you need: IEPs remove barriers and also provide specialized instruction and services to help a child develop the skills that their disability makes harder to learn.504 Plans describe adjustments in the school setting to remove barriers to the regular education in school.These are both plans that are specific to your child and describe ways to help them learn in school.īut what’s the difference between a 504 Plan and an IEP? Does your child have a disability and need some adjustments to help them in school? If so, you may have heard about an IEP (Individualized Education Program) or a 504 Plan.

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