Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
Frequently Asked Questions About 504 Plans
What is a 504 plan?
A 504 plan is a legally binding document that falls under the provisions of the
Rehabilitation Act of 1973. In terms of educational purpose, it is designed to plan an
instructional program to assist students with special needs who are attending their schools
regular education program. The 504 plan should not be confused with the Individual Education
Program (IEP), but in some cases students transitioning from special education to regular class
placement may qualify under the conditions of 504.
What makes a student eligible for consideration of a 504 plan?
The student must be identified as disabled as outlined under Section 504. Does the individual
have a physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more of such person's
major life activities; or have a record of such an impairment; or is regarded (perceived) as having
such an impairment. If the answer is "yes" to one or more of the above statements, the individual
may qualify for the provisions under Section 504. This would be especially true, if the individual
does not qualify for special education services under IDEA (formerly PL 94-142).
What are "major life activities?"
Basically, major life activities include some of the following: caring for one's self, the
performance of manual tasks, breathing, seeing, hearing, walking, working and learning. If any
of these activities are substantially limited due to a disability, the individual may be
accommodated under a 504 plan.
When should a possible 504 referral be considered?
A 504 plan should be considered appropriate when the individual meets the 504
criteria as having a disability and the individual is not being referred for special education
services. Other questions to ask might include: 1) Is the student being considered for expulsion?
2) Is retention being considered? 3) Is the student returning to school after a serious injury? 4)
Was the student referred for special education services and found not to qualify? 5) Is the student
"at risk" of dropping out of school? The team should ask some of these questions to help
determine the appropriateness of a 504 plan.
Is there a process that will help place a student on a 504 plan?
Basically, there are four steps involved in the development of a 504 plan.
1. The student is referred by a teacher, parent/legal guardian, school support staff, physician, or
therapist. It is possible for the student to initiate a self-referral.
2. A 504 plan meeting is scheduled and held.
3. A 504 plan is developed for the student.
4. The team sets a plan review date.
Who are the people involved in the 504 process?
The student (where appropriate), parent/legal guardian, teacher(s), principal, district
administrator(s), support staff (school nurse, paraprofessionals, speech and language therapist,
etc.).
Who becomes responsible for the conditions of a written 504 plan?
All parties who sign off on the 504 plan are legally accountable for implementing and
providing accommodations to the student as outlined in the 504 plan. A person who
disagrees with the plan and refuses to sign my still be obligated to make the
accommodations as outlined in the 504 plan. The 504 plan may be altered by sending a written
notice to all persons who attended the first planning meeting in an effort to
schedule a time for a plan review. Ideally, the plan should be reviewed and possibly
modified at the scheduled time for review as indicated in the original 504 plan.
What are some types of accommodations that might be included in a 504 plan?
There are any number of possible accommodations that might be included in a 504 plan. Here
are some examples:
A student may have his/her test questions modified (length of test or different questions)
A student may have a special seating assignment to accommodate need(s)
A student may be permitted to have an extra set of texts (a school set and a home set)
A student may be permitted to leave the classroom for certain activities
A student may be permitted to use a private rest room (mobility and dignity issues)
There are many possible accommodations that a team may consider appropriate for an
individual student. It is important to keep in mind that all participants within the scope of the 504
planning meeting share equal value when making recommendations. Any member of the 504
team may be required to carry out certain portions of the 504 plan to be assured that
accommodations become a reality.