OSPI states under their section on IEPs that "An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is a written statement for a student eligible for special education that is developed, reviewed, and revised in accordance with state and federal laws." (Individualized Education Program (IEP), n.d.)

Students receive individualized instruction in reading, writing, and math according to their needs. The emphasis is on learning real-life and pre-vocational skills, such as reading schedules, directions, and recipes; measuring and calculating with the use of money, etc. Students also learn communication, problem solving, and social skills through role playing, games, social stories, and real-life scenarios. Hands-on activities such as cooking and gardening are also used to practice application of academic skills. Additional communication and occupational therapy may be provided in the student’s setting as need arises.

Additional information can be obtained here.

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is a federal civil rights law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability. The law applies to public elementary and secondary schools and other federally funded institutions.

Under Section 504, denying a disabled student a free appropriate public education constitutes disability discrimination. In a school setting, Section 504 applies to students who:

1. Have a physical or mental impairment

2. that substantially limits one or more major life activities and

3. because of the disability, require accommodations, special instruction, and/or services in order to participate in and/or benefit from school as adequately as their non-disabled peers.

OSPI states under their section on 504 plans that "a 504 plan allows students with disabilities to access the accommodations, aids, and services they need to access and benefit from education. Section 504 requires that public schools provide a free appropriate public education (FAPE) to every student with a disability - regardless of the nature or severity of the disability." (Section 504 and Students with Disabilities, n.d.)

Additional information can be obtained here.