504 Plans

Kali Hite, Guidance and 504 Coordinator grades PK-4 603-269-5161 ext 309 khite@mybes.org

Sara Newell, Guidance and 504 Coordinator grades 5-8 603-269-5161 ext 311 snewell@mybes.org

What is a 504 plan?

A 504 plan is a blueprint for how the school will provide supports and remove barriers for a student with a disability, so the student has equal access to the general education curriculum.

Some kids with learning and attention issues don’t need specialized education or Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) for specialized instruction, but they might still need supports or services at school. Depending on their challenges, they may be able to get that help through a 504 plan. Learn more about the differences between IEPs and 504s here.

504 plans are designed to help kids with disabilities learn alongside their peers. They do this by removing barriers to learning.

504 plans aren’t the same as IEPs. They’re each covered by different laws and work in different ways. But the end goal is the same: to help students be successful in school.

504 plans are formal plans that schools develop to give kids with disabilities the supports they need. These plans prevent discrimination and protect the rights of kids with disabilities in school. They’re covered under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, which is a civil rights law.

These plans aren’t part of special education, so they don’t provide specialized instruction, like IEPs do. But a central purpose of 504 plans is to give kids with disabilities access to the same education their classmates are getting.

What goes into a 504 plan?

504 plans often include accommodations. These can include changes to the environment, changes to instruction, or changes to how curriculum is presented. Accommodations don’t change what kids learn, just how they learn it. The goal is to remove barriers and give kids access to learning.

Accommodations address specific challenges. A child with ADHD who’s easily distracted might get seating at the front of the class. A child with dyslexia might be allowed to use text-to-speech technology. And a student with slow processing speed might get extended time on tests.

Some students may be able to get related services under a 504 plan. These could include occupational therapy or a study skills class that focuses on organization. Some students might also get supports for social and emotional issues or for behavior challenges through a 504 plan.

What is the process for attaining a 504?

The process for getting a 504 plan is much different, and simpler, than the process for getting an IEP. Kids don’t need to get a full evaluation to get a 504 plan, although many do. In fact, schools often suggest a 504 plan if a child doesn’t qualify for special education but needs support.

With 504 plans, schools look at information about a student from a few different sources. One source might be a medical diagnosis. Schools might also look at the student’s grades, test scores and teacher recommendations.

Parents or schools can request a 504 plan through one of the school guidance counselors who are the 504 coordinators, or through the Director of Student Services. The request must be made in writing. The school will then hold a meeting to decide if the child qualifies, and what supports are appropriate.