IEP vs. 504 Plan: What Is the Difference Between IEP and 504 Plan?

What is an IEP? What is a 504 Plan? Are they different? Learn about the differences between IEPs and 504 Plans, the laws behind each one, and the accommodations under each plan.

Watch as parent advocate Amanda Morin explains the differences between an IEP and a 504 plan. For example, an IEP is governed by special education law while a 504 Plan is governed by civil rights law. “A 504 Plan, or an IEP, can meet your child’s needs,” says Amanda.

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[bucket]

I have adhd and Tourettes which makes school really hard for me and I got on an iep and it is so amazing. So glad that I have support like this.

[danielbarrera]

Beautifully explained. I have a BA & MA in special education and this has been the first time I hear someone explains the difference in a short and clear synopsis (under 3 min). Thanks

[englishwithaltini]

Thank you sooo much for this! I've worked in education for over 5 years and am JUST now having a clear understanding of the differences between the two. I tutor a student with ADHD and I'd like to mention the benefits of getting a 504 plan to the parents without offending them.

[dfayetingle]

Thank goodness! I’m getting switched to an iep next year and I now knows the difference!

[mrgrizzgaming]

I have high functioning autism and type 1 diabetes which is a autoimmune disease and I have both a IEP and a 504 plan I had to kinda fight my high school for the 504 plan I had to have my endocrinologist call the school to educate them of the federal and state laws good thing now I have every thing situated and it's my last year of high school yay

[ayeitzmylee]

I have ADHD, ODD, Anxiety, Segmental NF1 and Learning Difficulties. I have always had an IEP for my behavior and learning help. I always wondered what the difference was between them. Thank you a lot!

[LuttoCorvo]

I have ADHD, Dyscalculia and I have a hard time understand what the teacher and extra help teacher wans me to do.
I am always called lazy but energetic and I don't know what do to.
If it's written or said, i feel like i still can't understand what to do
my mum wants me to get tested for another disability but i don't know if i have another one.

[counselingwithcrafts]

Dyslexia doesn't fall under an IEP in all districts. Some districts categorize dyslexia under 504 services. Parents should engage in the intervention process at their child's school to see how their particular district offers services - whether under section 504 or IEP.

[CSDAdvocacy]

Have you read Section 504 of the rehabilitation act? It calls for related services and specialized instruction. And comprehensive evaluation of the child’s individual need is the key to developing appropriate services under either 504 or IDEA. Then we all know what the child needs.

[GSU_Panther_Nation]

That is why it is of best interest to have a child with a disability to get into a 504 Plan, where only the accommodations are saught in a regular classroom, as often as necessary without neglecting learning as a whole. An IEP that has the student in a resource room defeats this purpose, as resource room students show little to no progress in their learning, as those types of students show no interest in their studies

[lucyalvarez]

Great job i took so much from this short video.

[jai-lnstafford]

Honestly while i was in middle school to junior high i was always on a 504 plan and it really didn't help me that much, but it wasn't until I had to repeat 7th grade that's when i finally got on the iep and it helped to many of my benefits.

[jantzenallen]

My son is in the 8 th grade, just received his 3 rd semester report card. Iam. concerned, He is in IEP, for two areas.I go by and pick him up, bout 3 weeks ago, His IEP Teacher, Said, He is doing good, She said he is having trouble paying attention some days, I explained, That i had to reapply for his Medicaid, In Alabama, Also right behind this, He got the flu, very sick! Now they sending papers home, Stating he had 3 D's, and, an F. Math he had a 69, My lord, Why cant they. have compassion, he needed 1 point. Science, a 65, When he told me they want help him! Concerned parent, , very disappointed! He cant hold his head up, Because he knows. They are not doing their job, He wants to Learn, He has ADHD, With Tourettes, Has a Physicatrist, goes to therapy, It really hurts ! Mom of a good Son.

[jasmynpolitethebraillefana]

I've had many IEPs as a visually impaired person.

[HamiltonIsLife]

So like 504 is more physical and IEP is more mental ?

[wilderfraidany]

My dad made go through a 504 plan even though I do not have a disability, he lied to the school

[rachaelanton]

Would IEP help high functioning autism

[jshir]

How the Law Should Be: 1. The School Should Need to have at Least 2 faculty members who independently come to the conclusion that a student has ADHD, learning disability, mental illness, etc  2. The school Should first consult w/ the student for his/her opinion and then need the Permission of the Parents/Guardian to administer an IQ test or psychological evaluation. 3. The school Should have to Consult with the Student's Doctor before making any kind of diagnosis or prescribing treatment such as forcing the student into therapy or drugs under threat of expulsion.  4. The Parents should have the Right to a 2nd Opinion from a 3rd party doctor if they disagree w/ the school psychologist's findings.