Does my child need a 504 plan or an IEP?

While IEPs and 504 plans are both used to support children with disabilities in the classroom, they do not pull authority from the same laws. An IEP is the method by which a child receives a free, appropriate public education (FAPE) and individualized special education services as described in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). To qualify for an IEP, a child must have one of 13 qualifying diagnoses. Through an IEP, your child can be provided accommodations and services like speech and occupational therapy, extra time to complete assignments, or preferred seating in the classroom.

504 plans are supported by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, a civil rights statute. It was written to prevent discrimination against people with disabilities. If a child has a disability and it impairs their ability to get an education, the school can give them accommodations and sometimes services that make their access to education the same as their non-disabled peers. Accommodations provided under a 504 plan are designed to give children with disabilities access to the learning environment, such as assistance carrying books, assistive technology devices, or materials with enlarged print are all examples of accommodations that can be provided through a 504 plan. To qualify, a child must have a disability that interferes with learning in their general education classroom.

For more information, see our article What’s the Difference Between a 504 Plan and an IEP?