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Section 504


What is Section 504 and how does is it different from special education?

When someone refers to Section 504, they are referring to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Section 504 bans discrimination on the basis of physical or mental disability in federally-funded programs, such as public education. Hence, Section 504 is a civil rights law, created to protect individuals with disabilities from discrimination. It is intended to “level the playing field” for individuals with disabilities by eliminating disability-related barriers. In addition to mandating that students with disabilities be able to participate in school (i.e. provides access), it also requires a free, appropriate education to all eligible children.

Students who are eligible for special education services are also covered under Section 504; however, not every student who is covered under Section 504 is eligible for special education services. Generally, special education provides services for students with a disability that adversely affects his/her educational performance, while Section 504 protects a student with a disability that does not adversely affect his/her educational performance.

  • Section 504 Plans, unlike the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), do not require schools to provide individualized educational programs (IEP).
  • Section 504 Plans offers fewer procedural safeguards for both students and parents than IDEA.
  • Section 504 Plans (Accommodation Plans) focus on providing accommodations and modifications to students with disabilities (e.g. shortened assignments, notes provided, preferential seating, frequent breaks, tests given orally).

Resources on Section 504 (for more information):

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