How do you explain 504 to a parent?

Section 504 is part of a federal civil rights law known as the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. This law specifically prohibits discrimination against students with disabilities and guarantees them a free and appropriate public education (FAPE).

How do I explain my 504 plan to my parents?

A 504 plan is geared toward ensuring a student has equitable access to a learning environment. An IEP focuses on educational benefits, and often includes direct services such as speech or occupational therapy. Both are free. Some students have both, and some just have one or the other.

What is a 504 plan in simple terms?

The 504 Plan is a plan developed to ensure that a child who has a disability identified under the law and is attending an elementary or secondary educational institution receives accommodations that will ensure their academic success and access to the learning environment.

Is there a downside to having a 504 plan?

A 504 plan does not allow for specialized instruction as an IEP does. Although parental consent is required to evaluate the child for a 504 plan, there is no requirement for parental consent for the accommodations to be put in place. States do not receive extra funding for students with 504 plans.

What is an example of a 504?

One way 504 plans do that is through accommodations. For example, they might give extended time on tests or the ability to leave the classroom for short breaks. It's less common, but some may also provide services like speech-language therapy or study skills classes. Schools typically create written 504 plans.

Getting 504 Accommodations: Insights from Parents

What is an example of a 504 learning disability?

Section 504 may include conditions such as (but not limited to) dyslexia, cerebral palsy, Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, hearing impairments, asthma, neurological impairments, asthma, neurological impairments, emotional illness, visual impairments, learning disabilities, ...

What is a 504 plan for behaviors?

A student's Section 504 plan could include: the behavioral supports that the student needs to address behavior interfering with their own or other students' ability to learn, and a description of specific disability-based behavior for which the student will not be disciplined under the school's code of conduct.

Why 504 is better than IEP?

The basic difference between an IEP and a 504 plan can be summed up in one sentence: both plans provide for accommodations, but only an IEP provides for specialized instruction for students in grades K–12, while a 504 plan can serve students at both the K–12 and college levels.

What is difference between 504 and IEP?

There are significant differences between a 504 Plan and an Individualized Education Program (IEP). A 504 Plan is developed for students who have a disability, that do not require special education services. An IEP provides a program specialized instruction and supports to access and progress in the curriculum.

Can anxiety be a reason for a 504 plan?

A 504 plan is created for a child identified with a disability that ensures they receive accommodations to be successful at school. Students with either physical or mental health conditions – including anxiety or depression – are eligible to develop a formalized 504 plan with their school system.

Can a teacher fail a student with a 504 plan?

Yes. 504 protection does not automatically dictate that a student will receive passing grades.

Is 504 or IEP better for ADHD?

If your child has ADHD and another disability, such as a speech impairment or dyslexia, it's more likely he'll be covered under IDEA. If your child has been denied an IEP, but his ADHD still limits his ability to learn in an educa- tional setting, he may qualify for accommodations or services under Section 504.

What to ask for in a 504 plan for ADHD?

Some common school accommodations for ADHD include providing more time to take tests, access to a low distraction environment, and extra help breaking down larger projects. These accommodations are not special privileges but tools that give all students the same chance of succeeding.

What do I put on a 504 for anxiety?

How do you explain what an IEP is to a parent?

An IEP, or Individualized Education Program, describes both a process and a writ- ten document. Once your child is found eligible for special education, you will participate in the process by attending an IEP meeting at your child's school at least once a year.

What are four common LRE scenarios?

Four of the most common types of LRE are general education classroom with support, partial mainstream/inclusion classroom, special education classroom, specialized program outside of the school district.

Is IEP or 504 better for autism?

Many students with autism benefit from individualized services and supports provided through an Individualized Education Plan, or IEP. For a small number of students with autism, a 504 plan may be sufficient.

Is a IEP or 504 better for dyslexia?

A: Yes, a student with dyslexia could have a 504 plan, and a 504 plan may include everything a student with dyslexia needs to be successful in school– with a few caveats. If the student needs evidence-based reading intervention, they should have an IEP and that service should be listed on the IEP.

Does depression qualify for a 504 plan?

A child can also qualify for a 504 plan if they have a diagnosis that affects their learning — and depression, anxiety, and OCD can all do that. Like anything else in an IEP or 504 plan, receiving mental health services will require a thorough assessment. You can make a formal request in writing for an assessment.

Is there a downside to having an IEP?

Disadvantages of an IEP

IEPs are sometimes the subject of criticism. Some of the most common complaints about IEPs are that they: Set unduly low expectations. Misrepresent the child's educational potential.

Why would a student be given a 504 plan rather than an IEP quizlet?

Section 504 has a broader definition of a disability than IDEA. (It says a disability must substantially limit one or more basic life activities, such as learning.) That's why a child who doesn't qualify for an IEP might still be able to get a 504 plan.

Which definition of a 504 plan is most accurate?

The 504 Plan is a plan developed to ensure that a child who has a disability identified under the law and is attending an elementary or secondary educational institution receives accommodations that will ensure their academic success and access to the learning environment.

Do 504 plans have goals?

As we have discussed in previous blog posts, independent education plans (IEPs) rely on individualized goals to help children learn. However, children with disabilities may also qualify for a 504 plan. Those plans provide accommodations, but they implement goals as well.

What does 504 mean in mental health?

The ED Section 504 regulation defines an "individual with handicaps" as any person who (i) has a physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more major life activities, (ii) has a record of such an impairment, or (iii) is regarded as having such an impairment.

What is an example of a 504 for ADHD?

Usually, the plan involves accommodations in the classroom — like extra time to complete assignments or a quiet place to take tests. But the plan may also include the use of assistive technology, such as computer-aided instruction, or access to therapy.