Understanding IEPs and 504 Plans

A comparison between 504 Plans and IEPs

               The main goal of both the 504 plan and the Individualized Educational Program (IEP) is to help students participate in the general education curriculum. While the 504 plan stems from Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, IEPs are guided by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). IEPs are created for students that have one of thirteen disabilities, including blindness, deafness, and autism. IEPs are very detailed and have measurable goals and may recommend students to either be in a normal classroom, a special ed classroom, special school, home, hospital, institution, or another setting. 504 Plans, on the other hand, cover a more broad variety of physical and mental disabilities, as long as the disability significantly impairs the student's ability to learn or concentrate. Also, 504 plans layout a general outline as guidelines for teachers to follow rather than a step by step process with goals, as is seen with IEPs. Regardless of their differences, IEPs and 504 plans are designed to help students make the most of their education. To learn more about these educational plans, access the links found in the reference section.

References

A Guide to the Individualized Education Program. U.S. Department of Education. Retrieved from https://www2.ed.gov/parents/needs/speced/iepguide/index.html

Stanberry, K. (N.D.). Understanding 504 Plans. Understood. Retrieved from https://www.understood.org/en/school-learning/special-services/504-plan/understanding-504-plans

University of Washington. (2017, June 28). What is the difference between an IEP and a 504 Plan? Retrieved from http://www.washington.edu/doit/what-difference-between-iep-and-504-plan#header