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Section 504

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Section 504 is a federal civil rights law that bans disability discrimination in programs that receive federal funds, including public schools.

Topic: IDEA, law and procedure

In plain terms

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 protects students who have a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits a major life activity, such as learning, reading, concentrating or breathing. Its definition is broader than IDEA's, so some students who do not qualify for an IEP qualify for a 504 plan. Schools must provide FAPE under 504 too, often through accommodations.

How it shows up in an IEP

A student with an IEP is already protected by Section 504, so the IEP covers those needs. A 504 plan, by contrast, usually lists accommodations without annual goals or progress reports, which is a key difference when a family is weighing the two.

Example

A student with diabetes does well academically but needs snack breaks and blood sugar checks, so the team writes a 504 plan rather than an IEP.

Not the same as IEP

An IEP includes specially designed instruction, measurable goals and progress reports under IDEA. A 504 plan provides access through accommodations and services under civil rights law. Read the definition of IEP.

The rule

Federal reference: 34 CFR §104.33, 29 U.S.C. §794.

Related terms

  • ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act)The ADA is a federal civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in public services, employment and public places.
  • IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act)IDEA is the federal law that guarantees eligible children with disabilities a free appropriate public education and sets the rules for IEPs.
  • AccommodationAn accommodation changes how a student learns or shows learning, without changing what the student is expected to learn.
  • Other health impairmentOther health impairment is an IDEA category for health problems that limit strength, energy or alertness and adversely affect educational performance.
  • FAPE (Free Appropriate Public Education)FAPE is the right of every eligible child with a disability to special education and related services, at no cost, designed around the child's needs.

This page describes special education terms and federal rules in general terms and is not legal advice. Our editorial policy explains how IEP Atlas writes and reviews content. Browse all 244 terms.