When you have a child with special needs, it is essential to be aware of the different programs and services available for their education. When pursuing your child’s best education, you may become aware of two programs: the 504 Plan and an IEP. Both of these are very similar in that they will help your child obtain a fair education, but some key differences should be noted between the two.
What exactly are 504 Plans and IEPs? The 504 Plan was established by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, a civil rights act that guarantees individuals with disabilities are not discriminated against. Effectively, this means that schools must provide accommodations for individuals with disabilities, as they have the same right to an education as any other citizen. An IEP, or Individualized Education Plan, is ensured by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. An IEP (Individualized Education Program) designs a specific instructional plan for students with disabilities. A 504 plan does not specify any instruction like an IEP does; it only guarantees that schools will accommodate children with disabilities.
There are different qualifications for the protections that these two plans grant. A 504 Plan very loosely defines groups that can benefit from their protections, describing a disability as ”something that substantially limits one or more basic life activities.” An IEP is much more precise in who can qualify, specifying 13 different categories: autism spectrum disorder, deaf-blindness, deafness, emotional disturbance, hearing impairment, intellectual disability, multiple disabilities, orthopedic impairment, speech or language impairment, traumatic brain injury, visual impairment, specific learning disability, or other health impairment. While students with disabilities can generally qualify for both, there is a possibility that a child may only qualify for one. Many disabilities, such as Autism, can qualify under both of these protections, but there are some, such as ADHD, that may not qualify for an IEP but do qualify under the 504 Plan.
The differences between a 504 Plan and an IEP become more apparent when we examine them in the classroom. A 504 Plan focuses more on providing accommodations for students and tearing down any barriers that can prevent a fair education. This can include requiring the school to allocate more time to complete coursework, provide preferential seating in the classroom, and utilize technologies to assist instruction, such as auditory supplements. An IEP, on the other hand, specifies the instruction that a student will receive in their education. It presents a plan that considers the student’s disability and the most effective way to educate around that disability. Special education teachers and less-restrictive environments can be provided through an IEP.
While it may not seem relevant to a parent, it is helpful to know how funding works between these plans and the schools. A 504 Plan does not provide additional funds to schools, but it may instead penalize them if they do not comply with its services. IEPs, however, can provide additional funding to schools that enroll students benefiting from an IEP, with the intention that this money will directly assist in the programs and services outlined in the IEP.
It’s easy to confuse the 504 Plan and the IEP, as they both cover students with disabilities and provide services & programs to supplement their education. Regardless of this confusion, it’s essential to understand the differences so that you can navigate these programs effectively and determine how they can best support your child’s academic opportunities.
