What Providers Need to Know About 504 Plans

504 Plan

504 Plan

A 504 plan is different from an IEP in several key ways. An IEP protects students’ educational rights under the Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act, and dictates a student’s special education services. To qualify for an IEP under IDEA, a student must meet the criteria for one of the 13 eligibility categories. A medical diagnosis is helpful but not required, because eligibility is based on how the disability affects the student’s educational performance.

A 504 plan, on the other hand, protects students’ rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and determines in-school accommodations that are not considered special education services. 504 plans apply to students with a broader range of diagnoses, compared to IEPs. For example, a student with a physical disability, ADHD, or a severe food allergy may have a 504 plan to ensure their needs are accommodated in school. 

Check out this helpful video from Understood.org to learn more!

• Has a medical diagnosis that may impact their day-to-day functioning at school

• Needs specific accommodations to access the school environment or participate in class

• Could benefit from assistive technology (e.g., screen readers, speech-to-text software, noise-canceling headphones)

• Experiences symptoms (e.g., fatigue, pain, anxiety) that interfere with learning

Yes! Our Navigators are well-equipped to support families with 504 plans. However, we ask that you wait until the patient has a medical diagnosis to support their 504 request before you refer them to us.

In rare cases, yes. But a medical diagnosis is very helpful in establishing a 504 plan. Requesting a 504 plan for a student without a formal diagnosis would require additional evidence and documentation of their needs.