Section 504, without the jargon

Written 504 plans

Schools commonly use a written document, often called a Section 504 plan, to record what a student will receive. The federal Section 504 regulations do not require a particular written plan or form, so what these documents look like differs from district to district. Section 504 is also not an accommodations-only framework.

Who may qualify

A student may qualify under Section 504 when the student has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities. Learning does not have to be the substantially limited major life activity. A medical diagnosis on its own does not automatically determine what school services are needed.

What services may include

Depending on the student's individual educational needs, this can include accommodations, regular or special education, related aids or services, or other disability-related supports.

Possible categories of accommodation

These are illustrative examples, not entitlements. What is appropriate is decided based on the individual student's needs.

Who makes decisions

Section 504 evaluation and placement decisions must be made by a group of persons knowledgeable about the student, the meaning of the evaluation data, and the placement options. IDEA's IEP team requirements do not automatically apply to Section 504, and district procedures for meetings and written plans vary.

Reevaluation

Federal Section 504 rules require periodic reevaluation, and reevaluation before a significant change in placement. They do not require the same annual-plan-review structure IDEA sets for IEPs. Ask your school how it schedules reviews and what documentation you will receive.