Section 504 is
a civil rights law that protects the rights of individuals with disabilities
. It is a protection from discrimination, which provides for an appropriate education in the least restrictive environment based on the student's unique needs.
How do I qualify for a 504 in California?
- Suffer from a disability that severely hinders their ability to carry out essential life activities such a seeing, walking, or reading.
- Have an officially documented physical or mental impairment.
- Have a ‘non-temporary' disability.
What is a 504 plan and who qualifies?
Who qualifies for a Section 504 Plan? A
qualified individual with a disability
is a student who: has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities; and. has a record of such an impairment or is regarded as having such an impairment.
What diagnosis qualifies for 504 plan?
A student is eligible for Section 504 if the child has
a physical or mental condition that substantially limits a “major life activity
.” Major life activities for a child in school include learning and/or activities in addition to walking, talking, breathing, caring for oneself, etc.
What is the difference between an IEP and 504 plan?
The basic difference between an IEP and a 504 plan can be summed up in one sentence:
both plans provide for accommodations
, but only an IEP provides for specialized instruction for students in grades K–12, while a 504 plan can serve students at both the K–12 and college levels.
Is there a downside to having a 504 plan?
Pitfall #1:
Not exploring
what's possible with a 504 plan.
They may not explain that it can provide accommodations , modifications and special services like those in an IEP . Prepare in advance by learning as much you can about your options.
Is a 504 considered a disability?
Section 504 protects qualified individuals with disabilities. Under this law, individuals with disabilities are defined as
persons with a physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more major life activities
.
Can you get a 504 plan for anxiety?
Yes
. A student may qualify for a 504 plan if anxiety gets in the way of the student participating at school. The 504 plan aims to remove barriers caused by the anxiety.
Is ADHD covered under Section 504?
Federal Law Protects Students from Disability Discrimination
Regardless of how well he or she performs in school, a student who has trouble concentrating, reading, thinking, organizing or prioritizing projects, among other important tasks, because of ADHD may have a disability and
be protected under Section 504
.
Who qualifies for an IEP in California?
In general, to qualify for special education in California, (i)
the child must have one or more eligible disabilities
; (ii) the disability must negatively affect her/his educational performance; and (iii) the disability must require special education and related services.
What is a 504 Behavior Plan?
504 plans are
formal plans that schools develop to give kids with disabilities the support they need
. That covers any condition that limits daily activities in a major way. These plans prevent discrimination. And they protect the rights of kids with disabilities in school.
How often do you review a 504 plan?
The 504 plan should be reviewed
at least annually
to determine if the accommodations are up to date and appropriate, based on the student's needs. Any 504 plan team member, including the parent, may call for a 504 plan review at any time if there is an educational concern or change in the student's needs.
Does a 504 plan cover behavior?
IDEA provides
special protection
for students who are on an IEP or 504 plan. The child's behavior is not excused, but the school does have an obligation to find a way of reducing the behavior. … The school may not remove the child from school in a way that prevents the student from receiving educational services.
Is IEP or 504 better?
A
504 Plan
is a better option when the student is able to function well in a regular education environment with accommodations. The 504 is generally less restrictive than the IEP, and it is also less stigmatizing. An IEP is a better option for students with a disability that is adversely impacting education.
Can you have both IEP and 504?
Answer:
It's possible to have both an Individualized Education Program (IEP) and a 504 plan
, but it would be unlikely for your child to need both. Here's why: Everything that's in a 504 plan can be included in an IEP. The IEP can also provide services and supports that would not be available in a 504 plan.
Does a 504 plan follow to college?
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
still protects students from discrimination when they get to college
. However, they won't get a 504 plan like they had in high school. In other words, a your daughter's 504 plan doesn't “travel” with her to college.