Section 504

Section 504 is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination of disabled students, aligned with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Schools are obligated to comply with the Section 504 requirements and have designated coordinators at each school to handle referrals, evaluations, and the oversight of 504 accommodations.

There are similarities and differences between a 504 Plan and an IEP. To be eligible for a 504 Plan, a student must have a disability that impacts their education. To be eligible for an IEP, a student must meet eligibility criteria of one of the 13 disability categories of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). In both cases, a team of people meet to review existing data and determine eligibility.
 
An IEP supports access to the learning environment as well as curriculum, so its components include present levels, goals, accommodations, and services. A 504 Plan supports access to the learning environment and typically only includes accommodations, although in some cases services may be provided. Both plans are reviewed annually and have triennial reevaluations.