The Similarities and Differences Between an IEP and 504 Plan
There are several key similarities between a 504 Plan and an Individualized Education Program (IEP), even though they differ in scope and detail. Here's what they have in common:
Purpose:
Both plans are designed to support students with disabilities, ensuring they have access to education and can succeed in school.
The goal of both is to remove barriers to learning and provide students with the support they need.
Federal Protections:
Both the 504 Plan and the IEP are grounded in federal laws that protect the rights of students with disabilities.
504 Plan: Under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
IEP Plan: Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
These laws ensure students receive accommodations or modifications to help them access the general education curriculum.
Written Plans:
Both plans are written documents outlining the specific accommodations, modifications, and/or services the student will receive.
They ensure that educators and staff are aware of the student’s needs and the necessary support they require.
Accommodations:
Both plans can provide accommodations to help the student succeed. Accommodations may include extended time on tests, preferential seating, modified assignments, or assistive technology.
Parental Involvement:
Both plans involve parental participation to some extent, though an IEP requires parents to be active participants in the planning process, while a 504 Plan strongly encourages it.
Non-Discrimination:
Both the IEP and 504 Plan are designed to protect students from discrimination based on disability.
Schools must ensure that students with either plan have the same opportunities as their peers without disabilities.
Review Process:
Both plans are subject to periodic review and updates to ensure that the student's needs are being met. An IEP is reviewed at least annually, while a 504 Plan is typically reviewed periodically, often annually as well.
Access to General Education:
Both plans aim to allow students to access the general education environment. For a 504 Plan, the focus is on accommodations to make this possible, while an IEP includes both accommodations and, when necessary, special education services.
Eligibility Determination:
Both require a formal process for determining eligibility. In both cases, there needs to be evidence that a student has a disability that impacts their ability to access the education system, though the specific criteria differ.
Legal Recourse:
Families can pursue legal recourse if they believe the school is not following through on the requirements of either plan. This might involve complaints to the Office for Civil Rights (for a 504 Plan) or due process hearings (for an IEP).
In essence, both the 504 Plan and the IEP are designed to ensure students with disabilities have equitable access to education and support, with the IEP offering a more structured and specialized approach.
