Every student has their own particular educational needs, but students with disabilities often have specialized needs. Fortunately, in the United States, two major federal laws ensure that these students receive these accommodations: Individualized Educational Programs (IEPs) and 504 plans. These programs can help disabled students get their education in a way that’s equitable and accessible. However, these two programs have important differences for parents, students, and educators to know if a program is right for them.
What Are IEPs and 504 Plans?
The 1990 Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) includes the specifications of the IEP. An IEP is a written document, and it is more or less a roadmap for the special education services a student might need. Further, it ensures that the family does not have to pay extra money. An IEP includes educational goals for the student, curriculum information and modifications, classroom and testing accommodations, and special services.
The 1973 Rehabilitation Act conceived the 504 plan. Like an IEP, it provides accommodations and services for the student at no cost to the family, though a 504 plan is generally less specific than an IEP and doesn’t even have to be written. 504 plans typically include the accommodations required and information to ensure people follow the plan.
Who Can Get an IEP or 504 Plans?
To qualify for an IEP, a student has to fall into at least one of 13 categories: specific learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, emotional disturbance, speech or language impairment, visual impairment, hearing impairment, deafness, deaf-blindness, orthopedic impairment, intellectual disability, traumatic brain injury, other health impairment, or multiple disabilities. A family can request an independent evaluation from the school district if necessary, and students have to be evaluated every three years. People reevaluate the program itself annually.
The qualifications for a 504 plan are broader. The disability simply has to impact at least one major part of the student’s life, which can range from walking or breathing to speaking or reading, to self-care ability. A 504 plan can even be created for a student that has sustained a temporary injury. Similar to an IEP, however, people reevaluate the 504 plan annually, and the student every three years.
An IEP and a 504 Plans Involve Certain People
Each program requires a team to create and carry out the educational plan. However, an IEP has a larger team: the student’s caregiver(s), a general education teacher, a special education teacher, a psychologist, and a district representative. A 504 plan’s team just requires the caregiver(s), general and special education teachers, and the school principal.
How Does Each Plan Handle Changes and Disputes?
Both plans require that caregiver(s) are notified of changes to accommodation plans. However, 504 plans do not explicitly require parental consent, though most districts will seek parental consent regardless. An IEP centers caregiver(s) more thoroughly and requires parent input for many aspects.
To settle a dispute, both plans offer mediation and, if necessary, the ability to sue. However, caregiver(s) with an IEP can make a due process complaint, have a resolution session, make a civil lawsuit, and make a complaint. 504 plans offer alternative resolutions, hearings, and the ability to make a complaint to the Office for Civil Rights.
Conclusion
Are you seeking a special education plan for your child? A one-on-one learning environment can be extremely helpful for students with special needs. Tenney School can work with you to help your child succeed educationally. Contact us to learn more about how your child can learn and thrive in our individualized academic environment.