Iep and 504 plan? (need to know)?

Question

What the differences?

Answer 1

504 is mandated by the American Disabilities of America  (ADA)

It gives accomodations and modifications in schools  to children with disabilities. Some schools say the child has to 'officially' have a disablity, but some say it's ok if they don't. I'm not sure which one is legal.

It does things like give a child more time on tests, more time at lockers, shortened homework, sit at front of class, etc.

IEP is 'individual education plan' that is given to a child thru special education services. I child has to 'qualify' for special ed in order to get the IEP.  The IDEA law mandates special ed in schools. It stands for 'individuals with disabilities education act'.  

The best site about IDEA law is  www.wrightslaw.com

I have to warn you though, that there is LOTS of info on this site about corruption all over the USA about how schools violate this law and hurt the children AND their parents.

IEP's give differentiated instruction, specialized programs, etc to help children that have problems with reading, writing, comprehension, math, spelling, etc.  504 does NOT do this.

IEP has more legal rights and protections for children and their parents than 504 does, but it does no good because so many schools do not get 'punished' for doing wrong and not following the laws.

Answer 2

this is a good website that describes both plans

http://www.apfed.org/downloads/IEP_and_5...

Answer 3

An IEP stands for "individual educational plan" which is formulated for those with special needs in the academic setting which is designed to assist them with their unique needs in the educational setting, to prepare them for independent living, further education, or employment.

Section 504 is a civil rights law and the purpose is to protect people with disabilities from discrimination. However less is expected of the school team when a child is on 504, than when they have a literal IEP. Schools often use this when the child does not exhibit a discrepancy between achievement and ability.

You would first want a comprehensive evaluation of a child outside the school setting before proceeding with either.

Good Luck!

Answer 4

An IEP (Individualized Education Plan) is a written plan that details what goals and objectives that a child will be working on.  It is a legal document that must be followed by the school system that the child will be attending.  Also listed on this document are the related services that the child will receive, such as therapy or busing.  For a child to receive special education services and an IEP, they must qualify for services by being in one of the categories of disabilities; autism, cerebral palsy, deaf, blind, Emotional Disturbance, Mental Retardation, Multiple Disabilities, traumatic brain injury, or other health impaired.  

A 504 Plan is a part of the Americans with Disabilities Act, and is a more legally binding than an IEP.  Children with 504 Plans do not qualify for special education services, but have needs that require special accomodations.  Examples of this would be a child with ADHD who has trouble with concentration and movement.  Accomodations that could be made would include things like extra time on tests, or the availability to get up every 10 minutes to move around and get the wiggles out.  Or, a child with a vision disability who needs to sit in the front of a classroom.  Any child with a documented difficulty in the classroom (diagnosis that is given by a doctor, but doesn't qualify for special services) can receive a 504 Plan.  

Answer 5

An IEP is an Individualized Education Plan.  Any student with a disability which affects their education to the degree that the curriculum needs to be modified should have an IEP.  

A 504 plan is for students with disabilities who require some accommodations to be able to access the regular curriculum, but can learn the same curriculum as everyone else.  A student with any documented disability may qualify for a 504 plan.