504 vs. IEP: What is the Difference?

Guest Post from Heather Wright, IEP Coach and Advocate

I'm Heather, a special education advocate and certified special ed teacher. I get a lot of questions, from parents, about the differences between 504 plans and IEPs. The differences can be super confusing!

Let me break it down for you…

504 Plans: 

504 plans give accommodations to students under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (civil rights act). In order for a student to be eligible for a 504 plan, a student must have a “physical or mental impairment that substantially limits a major life activity.” This could be anything from ADHD to diabetes to anxiety and more.  A medical diagnosis might be required (check with your individual state).  

These plans are handled by the school's 504 coordinator. They allow students to access learning just like their peers without disabilities. General education teachers provide the accommodations - extra time, preferred seating, using a laptop are all examples of possible accommodations. 

504 plans are reviewed each year to make sure the accommodations are still right for the student. But you can request a meeting any old time if you have concerns!

IEPs:

Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) fall under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) which is special education law.  IDEA ensures that children with disabilities receive a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) to meet their unique needs, and prepare them for further education, employment, and independent living. IEPs are valid in public schools.

To be eligible for an IEP, a student has to meet the criteria for one of the 13 specific disability categories listed in IDEA (intellectual disability, hearing impairment, speech or language impairment, visual impairment, emotional disturbance, orthopedic impairment, autism, traumatic brain injury, other health impairment, specific learning disability, deaf-blindness, or multiple disabilities) AND a student's disability has to adversely impact their educational performance and require specially designed instruction. IEPs are created by a team - parents, teachers, specialists, and more. 

They outline super specific goals, special education services like speech or OT, and accommodations. Special education teachers provide the specialized instruction outlined in the IEP.

IEPs are reviewed annually and eligibility is reevaluated every 3 years. More frequent meetings can happen too if there are concerns. (You can request a meeting at any time…you don’t have to wait until the annual review!)

What About Funding Cuts?

You may have heard concerns about federal funding for special education and general education programs. While funding changes can affect how schools allocate resources, it’s important to know that your child’s legal rights under Section 504 and IDEA do not change.

Schools are still required by law to provide the services, accommodations, and support outlined in your child’s 504 Plan or IEP… even if budgets are tight.

If you ever notice services being reduced or delayed due to “staffing” or “budget” issues, that’s a good time to ask questions and request a meeting. You can always reach out to an advocate (like me!) for guidance if you’re unsure whether your child’s rights are being upheld.

Even during times of funding uncertainty, your child’s right to support doesn’t go away and you have the right to advocate for what they need.

I can help.

If you need any help understanding or advocating for your child's unique needs, just reach out! I'm always happy to explain and answer questions.

You aren’t alone!

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Carrie Bonnett is a veteran teacher and Executive Function coach based in Bend, OR. Carrie works with students and families (and adults, too). Her coaching empowers students to thrive in life and in school, helps parents and teachers to better support their children, and guides adult to get on top of all that life requires. In addition to coaching, she is also an adjunct instructor for early-career teachers at University of Portland in Oregon. For more information, visit www.carriebonnett.com