What is the difference between an IEP and a 504?
A lot actually! It is important to understand the difference between these two plans. When your child's school recommends one or the other, you want to make an informed decision on which would be best for your child.
IEP
Established as a basic principle of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act - IDEA
Overseen by US Department of Education, Office of Special Education and Rehabilitation Services.
Students must qualify in one of the 13 categories established by IDEA AND show that their disability impacts their ability to access the curriculum.
Covers students from birth through age 21.
Legally requires a written plan.
Parents are legally required to participate in the IEP process.
Initial evaluation must include appropriate standardized evaluation and must be completed every three years.
Must be updated annually.
Measurable goals must be written based on student need. Progress must be monitored.
Modified or specialized curriculum can be used to allow student to make meaningful progress
Classroom accommodations should be made to allow students to participate with their nondisabled peers to the maximum extent possible given the individual’s unique set of circumstances.
Services are provided to ensure students make meaningful progress towards goals based on their eligibility. Related services, such as occupational, speech, and physical therapies can be provided.
504
Established to stop discrimination based on disability in Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
Overseen by US Department of Education, Office of Civil Rights.
Students can have any disability AND show that their disability impacts their ability to access the curriculum.
Covers individuals their entire life.
Plan is usually written, but not legally required.
Parents are not legally required to participate, but best practices include involving parents.
Law does not give guidance on evaluation other than that it should be done ‘periodically’.
No requirements to update annually.
No goals or progress monitoring.
Assignments can be modified, but a completely different curriculum cannot be used.
Classroom accommodations should be made to ‘level the playing field’ for the student to access the general education curriculum.
No services are provided.
