Power in Every Mind

What is a 504 Plan?

A 504 Plan is a formal school-based support plan that provides accommodations for students with disabilities so they can access education on an equal basis with their peers. 504 Plans are governed by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, a federal civil rights law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in public schools and schools receiving federal funding.

A 504 Plan outlines:

• A student’s disability-related needs
• Accommodations and supports the school must provide
• How the school will ensure equal access to learning

A 504 Plan is not:

• Special education
• An IEP
• A diagnosis
• A one-time or permanent document

It is a living plan that can be updated as a student’s needs change.

Who can get a 504 Plan?

A student may qualify for a 504 Plan if they have a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, such as:

• Learning
• Reading
• Concentrating
• Thinking
• Communicating
• Walking
• Seeing
• Hearing

Common conditions that may qualify include:

• ADHD
• Dyslexia
• Dyscalculia
• Processing deficits
• Anxiety or depression
• Autism spectrum disorder
• Chronic medical conditions (diabetes, epilepsy, migraines)
• Temporary disabilities (injury, concussion)

Unlike an IEP, a student does not need specialized instruction to qualify for a 504 Plan. The student needs accommodations, not special education services.

What is included in a 504 Plan?

A 504 Plan typically includes:

• A description of the student’s disability
• How the disability affects access to learning
• Specific accommodations, such as:
  • Extended time on tests or assignments
  • Preferential seating
  • Reduced distractions
  • Breaks or movement opportunities
  • Access to notes or outlines
  • Assistive technology
• Who is responsible for providing each accommodation
• When and where accommodations apply (classroom, testing, homework)

504 Plans usually do not include:

• Academic goals
• Specialized instruction
• Related services like speech or occupational therapy

How do I request a 504 Plan?

Step 1. Make a written request
Parents can request a 504 Plan at any time by submitting a written request to:

• The school principal
• The school counselor
• The school’s 504 coordinator
• The district’s student services office

You do not need:

• A medical diagnosis (though it can help)
• Teacher permission
• To wait for academic failure

The request should:

• State that you are requesting a 504 evaluation
• Describe the disability-related concerns
• Explain how the condition affects school functioning

504 Plan Timeline: What Happens and When?

Step 2. School review and consent
After receiving a request:

• The school reviews available information
• The school may request additional documentation
• Parental consent may be requested (requirements vary by district)

There is no federally mandated timeline, but schools must act within a reasonable time.

Step 3. Evaluation (if needed)
A 504 evaluation may include:

• Review of grades and attendance
• Teacher input
• Parent input
• Medical or psychological documentation (if available)

Schools may not require outside evaluations if existing data is sufficient.

Step 4. Eligibility determination
The school team determines whether:

• The student has a disability under Section 504
• The disability substantially limits a major life activity
• Accommodations are needed for equal access

Parents are members of the decision-making team.

Step 5. 504 Plan meeting
If eligible:

• The team develops a written 504 Plan
• Accommodations are agreed upon
• Parents receive a copy of the plan

Accommodations should begin promptly after the plan is finalized.

What if my child already has a 504 Plan?

504 Plans are continual, not one-time. A 504 Plan is meant to evolve as a student’s needs change.
Key points:

• Plans should be reviewed at least once a year
• Parents can request changes at any time
• Accommodations can be added, removed, or modified

There is no limit to how often a 504 Plan can be updated.

Annual review and reevaluation. Although not required by federal law, best practice is:

• Annual review of the plan
• Reevaluation when:
  • Needs change
  • Accommodations are not working
  • The student transitions to a new school level

Parents can request reevaluation at any time.

What if the 504 Plan is not working?

Parents can:

• Request a 504 meeting to revise accommodations
• Ask for documentation on implementation
• File a complaint with the school district
• File a complaint with the Office for Civil Rights (OCR)

Schools are legally required to implement the plan as written.

How is a 504 Plan different from an IEP?

504 Plan

• Accommodations only
• Civil rights law (Section 504)
• No specialized instruction
• Less formal process

IEP

• Specialized instruction + services
• Special education law (IDEA)
• Formal goals and progress tracking
• More structured process

A student can move from a 504 Plan to an IEP if needs increase.

What else should I know about 504 Plans?

A. 504 Plans are legally binding

Schools must follow them.

B. Accommodations must be individualized

Not generic or “standard packages.”

C. Grades alone do not disqualify a student

A student can earn good grades and still need accommodations.

D. 504 Plans apply to testing

They can include accommodations for state and standardized tests.

E. 504 protections continue through high school

They also apply in college, though the process changes.

What can I do to support my child with a 504 Plan?

Step 1. Document concerns

Keep emails, reports, and examples of difficulty.

Step 2. Communicate regularly

Check that accommodations are being implemented.

Step 3. Teach self-advocacy

Help your child understand and request their accommodations.

Step 4. Prepare for transitions

Request meetings when changing schools or grade levels.

Step 5. Seek help if needed

Advocates and legal resources can support families.

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Additional Resources

Educational and legal information sites:

U.S. Department of Education – Section 504

• Explains civil rights protections and school responsibilities

Office for Civil Rights (OCR)

• Handles complaints and the enforcement of 504 protections

Understood.org – 504 Plans

• Plain-language guides to requesting and using 504 Plans

Wrightslaw – Section 504

• Detailed explanations of rights, timelines, and enforcement

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