504 Plan vs. IEP: What’s the Difference?
- Jenny Webb
- Mar 4
- 1 min read
When advocating for a child’s educational needs, families often hear about 504 Plans and Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)—but what’s the difference?
504 Plan: Access & Accommodations
A 504 Plan falls under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, a civil rights law ensuring students with disabilities have equal access to education. It provides accommodations like extended test time, preferential seating, or assistive technology. However, it does not offer specialized instruction.
Who Qualifies?
Students with a disability that substantially limits one or more major life activities.
Conditions like ADHD, anxiety, or physical impairments may qualify.
IEP: Special Education Services
An IEP is governed by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and provides a personalized education plan with goals, specialized instruction, and related services (e.g., speech therapy, OT).
Who Qualifies?
Students with one of 13 disabilities outlined in IDEA (e.g., Autism, Learning Disabilities, Speech Impairments).
The disability must impact the child’s educational performance and require specialized instruction.
Key Differences
Feature | 504 Plan | IEP |
Law | Section 504 | IDEA |
Purpose | Equal access | Specialized education |
Includes | Accommodations | Accommodations + specialized instruction |
Eligibility | Broad definition of disability | Must fit IDEA disability categories |
Review | As needed | Annual review + reevaluation every 3 years |
Which One Does My Child Need?
If your child only needs accommodations, a 504 Plan might be enough.
If they need specialized instruction, they likely need an IEP.
Both plans help ensure students with disabilities succeed, but knowing the difference empowers families to advocate effectively. If you're unsure which is best, request an evaluation and collaborate with the school team.
