How to Get a 504 Plan

1. If you think your child would benefit from a 504 plan, it’s helpful to have a diagnosis or documentation of their disability.
2. Contact your school’s 504 coordinator to request a 504 plan.

•

How do you get a 504 in college?

Under Section 504, colleges are required by law to provide reasonable accommodations to students who they determine to have disabilities. “Reasonable” means that the school does not have to change the fundamental nature of a program or be subjected to undue financial hardship.

How do I formally get a 504 plan?

If that’s you, here are seven steps to get your child a 504 plan.

1. Document your child’s needs.
2. Find out who the school’s 504 coordinator is.
3. Write a formal request for a 504 plan.
4. Follow up on your request.
5. Go through the 504 plan evaluation process.
6. Meet with the school to see if your child qualifies.

Who can request a 504 plan for a student?

The issue can be raised by a parent or legal guardian, teacher, physician, or therapist. A 504 plan can help when a student returns to school after a serious injury or illness, or when a student isn’t eligible for special education services or an IEP, but still needs extra services to succeed academically.

Does a 504 plan hurt college admissions?

Colleges don’t know whether a student applicant has an IEP or a 504 plan. They will only know if the student shares this information. In fact, colleges aren’t allowed to ask students who apply whether they have a disability. High schools won’t forward IEPs or 504 plans to colleges, either.

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.

Is 504 or IEP better for college?

Answer: The short answer is there are no IEPs or 504 plans in college. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the law that provides students with IEPs, no longer applies to them once they graduate from high school. Colleges have to provide accommodations under Section 504.

Do you need a diagnosis for a 504?

Section 504 requires a child to have an evaluation before receiving a 504 Plan. Decisions about who qualifies for Section 504 cannot be based solely on a single source of data (i.e. a doctor’s diagnosis or grades). A medical diagnosis is NOT required under Section 504.

How do I qualify for a 504 in California?

504 Plan Eligibility

1. Suffer from a disability that severely hinders their ability to carry out essential life activities such a seeing, walking, or reading.
2. Have an officially documented physical or mental impairment.
3. Have a ‘non-temporary’ disability.

What should I ask for in a 504 plan?

During the 504 plan meeting, share what you know about your child’s personality, interests, strengths, and struggles. Describe how your child manages homework and studying for tests. Also, tell the team about any activities outside of school. This will give the school insight into your child’s abilities and interests.

How do you write a 504 letter request?

To address these concerns I am requesting that [student name] be considered for an accommodation plan pursuant to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. Thank you in advance for your collaborative efforts to provide [student name] with the accommodations [he/she] needs to access an appropriate and quality education.

Who develops a 504 plan?

A 504 plan is created by a team of people who are familiar with the child and who understand the evaluation data and special services options. This might include: The child’s parent or caregiver. General and special education teachers.

How long does it take to get a 504 plan?

How long does it take to get a 504 Plan? I would say plan on 60-90 days. Keep in mind, you can put in some measures at home on your own. Section 504 Plans are very common for disabilities like ADHD and Anxiety, and there are supports you can do while you’re waiting for a 504 plan.

Is ADHD a 504 or IEP?

Children with ADHD often receive services under Section 504 because the requirements for IDEA are more stringent. ADHD falls into the classification of Other Health Impaired (OHI).

Is a 504 Plan permanent?

This plan is called a 504 plan because it is authorized by section 504 of another Federal law, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Whereas the disabilities enshrined in IDEA are permanent in nature, 504 plans are allowed to address temporary as well as permanent disability conditions.

Why is an IEP bad?

Not having a decent education can stop your child from getting into college or getting a job. Therefore, if your child needs an IEP and not a 504 Plan in order to benefit from their education, not having an IEP could stop your child from getting into college or a job because they failed to receive a proper education.