504 Plan vs.

IEP
Emily Acord
What is an 504 Plan?
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of
1973 is a federal civil rights law that made
it so that schools could not discriminate
against students with disabilities. Therefore,
a 504 plan is a blueprint that states what the
school will be doing to support and not
discriminate students with disabilities.
How does a 504 plan work?
504 plans provide changes to the learning
environment so that students can learn with
their classmates.

Eligibility
In order for a student to get a 504 plan they
must have a disability that interferes with
their ability to learn in a general classroom
setting.
What is an IEP?
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act is a federal education law that applies to
students with disabilities. The IEP stems from this act and is a plan for the individual
students experience in education.
How does an IEP work?
IEP’s provide individualized special
education to meet the students unique
needs.

Eligibility
The student must have one or more of the
13 disabilities listed by IDEA that affects
their educational performance and/or ability
to learn and benefit from general education
curriculum.
Similarities of 504 plans and IEP’s
● Provided to students at no cost to the families
● Consent must be given to evaluate a student
● Improve educational experience of students with disabilities
● Provide accommodations for the students educational needs
● Both plans are created by a specific team that will be working with the individual
student and updating parents
Source
IEP vs. 504 Plan: What's the Difference? | Understood - For learning and thinking differences

Difference Between 504 and IDEA Part I.pdf