A 504 plan in education accommodates cognitive, physical, emotional or medical conditions that limit life activities and may affect academic progress. School personnel and families can consider this route to receive educational support when students with learning or healthcare issues do not meet special education criteria for services under the Individuals with Disability Act or desire a more independent program to access educational opportunities. Students considered for 504 plans can receive services at all levels of education including college.
Considering a 504 Plan
Parent and teacher observations may reveal learning or behavioral patterns that seem to interfere with a student’s cognitive development, emotional growth or acquisition of academic content. To determine underlying causes of these patterns and determine appropriate educational supports, an interdisciplinary meeting according to IDEA guidelines can be requested. Information discussed comes from staff observations, content assessments, the student’s developmental and school history, as well as any medical or behavioral information parents provide. One meeting outcome may be to implement non-special education supports, such as guidance counseling, and monitor student progress for a predetermined time period before considering formal assessment. Alternatively, the team may immediately refer the student for a full educational evaluation to see if results warrant special education services under IDEA or 504 criteria, according to Understood.
Eligibility for IEP Services or a 504 Plan in Education
Special education evaluations include diagnostic, educational, social and behavioral measures to examine factors impacting learning. Students found eligible for support services under IDEA criteria will receive them through an IEP, which outlines the learning or behavioral interventions designed to improve educational outcomes. For students who do not qualify for IDEA programs, the same assessment results can be used to determine 504 eligibility, which has much broader acceptance criteria. 504 eligibility requires documentation of non-transient impairments that substantially affect one or more major life activities involving such areas as mobility, stamina, attention, concentration, decision-making, reading, writing or math computation. Underlying conditions related to these impairments can include:
- Asthma
- Food Allergies
- Chronic Fatigue
- Auto-immune Disorders
- Diabetes
- Hearing Impairments
- Vision Impairments
- Chronic Depression
- Mental Health Disorders
- Attention Deficits
- Metabolic Disorders
- Developmental Behavior Disorders
- Traumatic Brain Injuries
- Autism Spectrum Disorders
- Neurological Impairments
504 Plan Services and Accommodations
Since 504 plans are not funded through IDEA, 504 case managers may be classroom teachers, administrators, guidance counselors or other assigned personnel. Plans are annually revised by the case manager, instructional and support staff, administrator, parents and student. The plan includes modifications, accommodations and strategies to be implemented in learning and non-learning environments that assist student functioning. For example, students with diabetes may be allowed to have a snack during specified class times to regulate their blood sugar and concentration. Accommodations can be grouped under:
- Health Procedures and Medications
- Attention and Behavior
- Socialization and Self-esteem
- Behavioral Interventions
- Preferential Seating
- Classroom Learning
- Non-classroom Activities
- Environmental Access
- Learning and Organization
- Content and Skills Acquisition
- Test, Assignment or Homework Modifications
- Grading Adjustments
- Technology Devices
- Paraprofessional Assistants
- Communication Between Home, School and Community Agencies
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504 plans can provide necessary supports for students who do not qualify for IDEA special education services. They can also encourage greater independence by keeping students in mainstream educational settings. For non-IDEA students who still need assistance to access curricular studies, a 504 plan in education may provide the supports to achieve educational milestones.