What’s The Difference Between An IEP And A 504 Plan?

There is a bevy of resources available to students with behavioral and learning deficiencies. These are certainly helpful, as they can make a world of difference for struggling children; however, navigating this complex landscape can be overwhelming. 

You may have heard the terms Individualized Education Plan(IEP) and 504 Plan. These programs serve as the foundations of special education and accommodations for students with disabilities. 

There’s a lot to unpack with both, and below we highlight similarities and differences. 

The Basics

As we’ve previously discussed, an IEP documents the special education instruction, supports, and services that students with disabilities are legally entitled to receive by their school district. 

A 504 Plan provides students with disabilities with accommodations to improve their academic functioning. 

IEP’s are guided by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and 504’s by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Eligibility 

A student receives an IEP when an evaluation administered by a team of qualified professionals determines that they are eligible for special education and related services. 

A 504 Plan is developed for a student who doesn’t meet the standards for special education but still requires accommodations for certain disabilities. 

Components 

A student on an IEP is entitled by law to receive the following special education services:

• Modification of curriculum
• Classroom accommodations
• Specialized instruction
• Related services: occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech therapy and/or counseling

The IEP is structured with the following components: 

• Present Levels of Performance
• Goals
• Benchmarks & Objectives
• Least Restrictive Environment
• Assistive Technology
• Description of Special Education Services 

The 504 Plan can provide the following accommodations:

• Extended time or small group administration for statewide testing
• Routine breaks
• Use of fidgets
• Modifications to homework assignments

Special Education & Disability Criteria 

This is where things get confusing because there is crossover between conditions that fall under special education and disabilities. 

There are 13 disability categories that fall under IDEA that guide IEPs:

1. Specific Learning Disability 
2. Other Health Impairment 
3. Autism Spectrum Disorder
4. Emotional Disturbance
5. Speech or Language Impairment 
6. Visual Impairment 
7. Deafness
8. Hearing Impairment
9. Deaf-Blindness
10. Orthopedic Impairment
11. Intellecutal Disability
12. Traumatic Brain Injury 
13. Multiple Disabilities 

Disabilities that guide 504 Plans include:

• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
• Asthma
• Allergies
• Blindness or Visual Impairment
• Deafness or Hearing Impairment
• Diabetes
• Epilepsy
• Heart Disease
• Mental Illness

Where to Start

The IEP process starts with an evaluation for special education and concludes with a written plan containing services and supports. Since this post is meant to give the 30 thousand foot view, we won’t get into the weeds. What you need to know is that the first step is determining eligibility for special education services, which begins with an evaluation conducted by either your school district or a private provider. 

The 504 Plan process is different and simpler. It, too, begins with an evaluation to determine disabilities and to rule out IEP eligibility, but the method varies by school district. 

We will dive deeper into these processes in a future blog post. 

Lastly, it’s important to note that creating IEP’s and 504 Plans is a collaborative effort between parents/guardians and students and the school district staff. You are your child’s best advocate, and the laws governing services under these plans are meant to protect the best interests of students and families. 

We’re Here to Help

Cognitive Solutions LC has a team of highly qualified and credentialed Learning Specialists who work with children and families to improve academic performance and provide guidance on IEP’s and 504 Plans. For more information, please contact us at (773) 755-1775 or email info@helpforld.com.