What is a 504 Plan?
A 504 plan allows students with disabilities to access general education classwork. This is for students who have a disability that significantly impacts a major life activity. This can cover a wide range of issues, from a food allergy to a physical injury to ADHD.
Examples include allowing additional time for testing or homework, specifying the location a student needs to sit in a classroom, or changes to a classroom to allow easier physical access for that student. 504 plans exist because of federal civil rights law. Section 504 comes out of the 1973 Federal Rehabilitation Act and prohibits discrimination against anyone with a disability. This is a part of civil rights. Section 504 accommodation plans are not considered special education.
What is the difference between an IEP and a 504 Plan?
An IEP is governed by special education law and involves related services/modifications and/or accommodations. It must be a written document, signed by all involved on the IEP team. The special education department of your school district will be involved with creating and implementing an IEP. A 504 plan involves disability law and involves accommodations. A 504 is created and administered by staff at your student's school. School site administrators can provide additional information on 504 plans.