Section 504 Plan VS. IEP | Special Education Decoded

In this episode, we focus on the differences between a 504 Plan and an IEP or Individualized Education Plan...

** ONE-ON-ONE IEP ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE*

Specifically… we will focus on the following 4 aspects -
1. Laws governing each of the legal documents
2. The eligibility process
3. The accommodations that are given with each
4. Differences between the two documents after high School

Let’s dive in and help shed some light on a couple more special education acronym’s The 504 Plan and the IEP…

Let’s define the two terms we will be discussing.

The 504 Plan
● A 504 is a plan that is developed to help ensure that a child who has a disability identified under the law receives accommodations or modifications.
● In simple terms… the 504 plan is a blueprint for how the school will;
○ Provide support for children with a disability.
○ Remove barriers often found in a school system.

An IEP (Individualized Education Plan)
● An IEP is a plan or program developed to ensure that a child who has a disability identified under the law receives;
○ Specialized instruction
○ Accommodations
○ Other related services

Now that we have defined the terms let’s talk about the Laws and how they were established.

Section 1: Laws Governing The 504 Plan And An IEP

● 504 Plan
○ Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act
■ Federal Civil Rights Law Halting Discrimination Against People With Disabilities

● An IEP (Individual Education Plan)
○ IDEA (The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act)
■ Federal Education Law For Children With Disabilities

Section 2: Eligibility Of The 504 Plan And An IEP

● The 504 Plan
○ A Child With ANY Disability That Interferes With Their Ability To Learn In A General Education Classroom.
○ Very Broad Definition Of “Disability.”

● An IEP or Individualized Education Plan
○ A Child Must have one or more of 13 disabilities; Including;

■ Specific Learning Disability (SLD)
■ Other Health Impairment
■ Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
■ Emotional Disturbance
■ Speech Or Language Impairment
■ Visual Impairment (Including Blindness)
■ Deafness
■ Hearing Impairment
■ Deaf-Blindness
■ Orthopedic Impairment
■ Intellectual Disability
■ Traumatic Brain Injury
■ Multiple Disabilities

○ The Disability MUST Affect The Child’s Educational Performance
■ An eligible child must need specialized instruction to make progress in school

Section 3: Accommodations In The 504 Plan And An IEP

● The 504 Plan
○ Primarily Used When Children Can Function Well In Regular Education Classrooms
■ Academics Aren’t A Concern
○ Accommodations Could Include
■ Social Skills Assistance
■ Additional Time In Less Distracting Environments For Tests
■ Physical Breaks
■ Preferential Seating
○ Less Restrictive Than An IEP
○ Does Not Include Specialized Instruction

● An IEP (Individualized Education Plan)
○ Includes The Same Accommodation’s As The 504 Plan
○ Additionally, An IEP Does Include Specialized Instruction, Such As;
■ Self-Contained Classroom Option
■ Different Therapy Options Available

Section 4: The 504 Plan And IEP After High School

● The 504 Plan
○ Continues After High School
■ Into College Years
● However, it will not be called a “504 Plan…”
● Children are still covered under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act
● Precise accommodations are dependant upon the college

● An IEP
○ Does not continue after high school graduation
○ Can continue until age 22 OR graduation from High School

And that is the difference between a 504 and an IEP. I truly hope this video helped you understand more about 504s or, at the very least, opens up your mind to ask more questions for your child!

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[marcellemonchanin]

Excellent video for folks like me; a current Spec Ed program student! Thank you!

[chriscrawford]

Great refresher. I just received my permanent CA M/M credential last September. I do question about an IEP not helping with accommodations post HS. As long as you present a copy of your HS IEP to a JC/College, you will be granted accommodations based on my transition cred class work assignment . I debriefed a student service manager at my former JC.

[eulaliamateo]

I’m learning so much from watching all your videos. I’m going through so much and feel a little stress because I can’t find a 1 on 1 help that can guide me understand my son’s IEP. Thank you for what you do 🙏🏼

[darthviseus]

Info definitely helped I have a meeting tonight with my sons school to go over 504 and iep options.

[Bridgingthegapstudents]

What do you mean services stop when students graduate after high school? They can rec'd services in college...their IEPs can provide vocational services for transition...

[annettesereno]

I was a special ed teacher and wondered about the difference. one child is been punished withholding recess can the mother request this not not be used in an IEP

[arminsalek]

Excellent video! Wish I watched this before my first year as a classroom teacher.

[CrisEdwards]

This is very helpful. I really appreciate your explaining this! Thank you!

[jentorchh]

This was so helpful. Thank you so much!

[deborahjones]

Is there an i e p manual if not there should be. God bless.

[felizcalleja-waldron]

Thank you 🙏🏼 for all this information 👍👍🙏🏼

[MsVMirka]

I’m so confused. My son is diagnosed with ADHD, and a specific learning disorder with severe impairment in reading. He is in 2nd grade and currently has an IEP for the specific learning disorder diagnosed at the school. The other diagnosis we’re evaluated outside of the school by a neuropsychologist. Should he continue with the IEP or will he need to switch to a 504 plan?

[lightskinprivilege]

Thank you so much, I feel so much better and have a better understanding on what a 504 plan is now.

[Irishjay-gupb]

Thank you for sharing this information!

[raulphrahman]

Just need help to remove my IEP although I passed high school and need to get rid of it?

[lilapodlewski]

right to revoke consent? elaborate, please.

[coco]

Thank you so much. Do the IEPs and 504 plans work in international schools?

[tangiechapman]

I had a IEP but I never take it to College at all

[veronicawebb]

Do they require records for 504's as they do IEP's?

[lisagovea]

Very helpful, didn't know the 504 plan existed until my daughter told me one of her son's had this plan and to look it up to get more info.