Both IEPs and 504 plans can provide assistance to children who need it at no cost to the family, but there are some key differences to know.
Individualized Education Program (IEP)
An IEP is provided through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). It offers individualized special education and services to K-12 students who are unable to learn or adequately perform in a general setting. This difficulty must be connected to one of 12 disabilities:
- Intellectual disability
- Specific learning disability
- Emotional disturbance
- Speech or language impairment
- Hearing impairment, including deafness
- Visual impairment, including blindness
- Deaf-blindness
- Orthopedic impairment
- Traumatic brain injury
- Autism
- Other health impairment
- Multiple disabilities
Potential assistance includes specialized instruction, curriculum modifications, and classroom accommodations (e.g., preferential seating, extended time, etc.). An IEP may also include occupational, physical, or speech therapy, as well as counseling.
The student’s family and school staff write the IEP. They are reviewed annually and re-evaluated every three years to determine whether the child continues to qualify. However, families can request an IEP be reevaluated once per year to potentially see if their child qualifies for additional services. It is important to note that an IEP will not transfer to college.
504 Plan
A 504 plan is offered through Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. It also provides accommodations and modifications, but will not cover specialized education or any form of therapy. The definition of disability is much broader under Section 504, which generally makes a 504 plan easier to obtain than an IEP. Unlike an IEP, a 504 plan can extend to and be transferred to college. 504 plans are generally reviewed annually, but the laws vary by state.
Obtaining an IEP or 504 Plan
The process to achieve assistance from either of theses options can often be challenging, depending on the school. If your child is struggling, a formal evaluation and diagnosis from a professional can help your family achieve the support it needs.
Reference:
American Academy of Pediatrics. (2017). IEPs vs. 504 plans: Pediatrician’s office often first stop for families navigating educational issues. Retrieved from https://www.aappublications.org/news/2017/01/09/IEP010917