A 504 plan falls under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Section 504 is a federal law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in any program receiving federal assistance. Section 504 includes students with physical limitations, learning problems, and attention issues who meet certain criteria.

The Act defines a person with a disability as anyone who:

--Has a mental or physical impairment which substantially limits one or more major life activities (major life activities such as caring for one's self, performing manual tasks, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning, and working);

--Has a record of such impairment; or

--Is regarded as having such an impairment.

In order to fulfill its obligation under Section 504, the school district recognizes a responsibility to avoid discrimination in policies and practices regarding its personnel, students, and their parents. No discrimination against any person solely due to his or her disability will knowingly be permitted in any of the programs and practices in the school system.

Much like an IEP, a 504 plan can help students with disabilities learn and participate in the general education curriculum. A 504 plan outlines how a child’s specific needs are met with accommodations and other services. 504 services help “remove barriers” to learning and ensure that all students have equal access to their education.

A student with a 504 plan usually spends the entire school day in a general education classroom. Students who need program modifications would typically fall under Special Education and have an IEP, not a 504 plan.