What is a 504 Plan and how is this different from an IEP (or Special Education)?

The following is from the University of Washington:

504 Plan Defined The 504 Plan is a plan developed to ensure that a child who has a disability identified under the law and is attending an elementary or secondary educational institution receives accommodations that will ensure their academic success and access to the learning environment.IEP Defined The Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) is a plan or program developed to ensure that a child who has a disability identified under the law and is attending an elementary or secondary educational institution receives specialized instruction and related services.Subtle but Important Differences
Not all students who have disabilities require specialized instruction. For students with disabilities who do require specialized instruction, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) controls the procedural requirements, and an IEP is developed. The IDEA process is more involved than that of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and requires documentation of measurable growth. For students with disabilities who do not require specialized instruction but need the assurance that they will receive equal access to public education and services, a document is created to outline their specific accessibility requirements. Students with 504 Plans do not require specialized instruction, but, like the IEP, a 504 Plan should be updated annually to ensure that the student is receiving the most effective accommodations for his/her specific circumstances.
For more information, consult Interrelationship of IDEA and Section 504.

Waverly-Shell Rock Community Schools

Middle School Counseling

Stephanie Bochmann

School Counselor

Michele Doyle

School Counselor

Erin Hubbard

Student/Family Services Coordinator

Individual Counseling

Group Counseling

7-8 Advisory

Classroom Guidance

504 Plans