504 Plan

A 504 plan comes from Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, a civil-rights law separate from the one that creates IEPs. It is a written list of accommodations for a student whose disability substantially limits a major life activity — things like extra time on tests, preferential seating, breaks, or access to an elevator. Its job is to level the playing field so your child can reach the same material as everyone else.

The key difference from an IEP is that a 504 plan usually does not include specialized instruction or measurable annual goals. It changes how your child accesses learning, not what they are taught. Because the eligibility rules are broader, some students who do not qualify for an IEP still qualify for a 504 plan — a common path for children with ADHD, diabetes, anxiety, or a physical condition.

If you think your child needs a 504 plan, you can ask the school in writing to evaluate for one. The plan should name each accommodation clearly and say who is responsible. Review it each year, and remember that a 504 plan carries real legal weight — the school is required to follow it, and you can raise concerns if a teacher does not.