504 plans - Parents

How do you know if your child needs an IEP or a 504?

Both provide accommodations. Sometimes they provide similar accommodations. The difference is that an IEP allows for specialized instruction. A student with diabetes might need a 504 plan. A student who has a physical disability and needs accommodations moving around the school and being excused from gym would qualify for a 504 plan. Students with mental health challenges might want a 504 plan to help them access their coping skills while in school.

Here's how to get a 504 plan for your child

• Document your child's needs and challenges - this can include getting a diagnosis from a doctor or mental health professional

• Find out who is in charge of 504 at your child's school

• Write a formal request

  • • Sample 504 request letter

• Follow up

• Go through the evaluation process

• After the evaluation, meet with the school to see if your child qualifies

• Work together to create the 504 plan

Here is more information on 504 from the Michigan Alliance for Families

Things that will make a 504 meeting go more smoothly

• Get an invite. Unlike an IEP, you aren't legally required to be invited to the 504 meeting.

• Get all your child's records including a past 504 plan, report cards, work, and your own notes and observations.

• Think about what accommodations might help your child.

• Help the team get to know your child. You know your child better than the other people on the team.

• Ask for clarification. You aren't expected to know everything, so ask questions.

• Make sure the plan is complete and specific.

• Ask for a copy of the plan.

References

Lee, A. M. I. (n.d.). Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Understood. Retrieved June 20, 2022, from https://www.understood.org/en/articles/section-504-of-the-rehabilitation-act-of-1973-what-you-need-to-know

Steps for getting a 504 plan for your child. Understood. (n.d.). Retrieved June 20, 2022, from https://www.understood.org/en/articles/7-steps-to-getting-a-504-plan-for-your-child

Stanberry, K. (n.d.). How to have a productive section 504 plan meeting. Understood. Retrieved June 20, 2022, from https://www.understood.org/en/articles/7-tips-for-a-successful-504-meeting