Parent Resources

504 Rights: Dogwood

504 Rights Heber School

504 plans can include those with:

• attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

• autism spectrum disorder (ASD)

• diabetes

• epilepsy

• hearing problems or vision impairment

• chronic health conditions, such as asthma or allergies

• mental health conditions, such as anxiety or depression

A student returning to school after a serious illness or injury also might get a 504 plan.

Did You Know....

Both an IEP and a 504 plan can provide accommodations and supports for students with disabilities. Section 504 has a broader definition of a disability than Special Education. That's why a child who doesn't qualify for an IEP might still be able to get a 504 plan.

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (“Section 504”) is a civil rights law that prevents discrimination against students with disabilities. Under this provision, any school that receives federal funding must ensure that all students with disabilities are guaranteed a free appropriate public education and provide services or accommodations needed for students to access their educational program. Section 504 is not a Special Education Law.

What is a 504 Service Plan?

A 504 plan refers to the accommodation methods and strategies designed by the District team to comply with this law. To make sure a plan adequately meets the needs of the student, 504 plans are developed by a team consisting of a school administrator, school psychologist, teacher, and the student's parents/legal guardians.

504 Plan Eligibility

Eligible students include those who:

• Have a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits their ability to carry out essential life activities such a seeing, walking, or communicating.

• Have an officially documented physical or mental impairment.

• Have a 'non-temporary' disability. Students with an impairment that isn't permanent or long-lasting will not be considered eligible.

Despite this broad definition, simply having a disability does not immediately qualify a student for a 504 plan. The school must determine how significantly a student's disability impacts his or her ability to learn. A referral should be considered for the following reasons:

• Marked decline in grades

• Not responding to general education interventions (SST, counseling, etc.)

• Failing to achieve passing grades

• Failing to advance from grade to grade

• Chronically absent from school

• Returning to school after a serious illness or injury (i.e. cancer, concussion), either from a hospital or home/hospital instruction

• A life threatening health condition

• A temporary impairment that will be substantially limiting for an extended period of time

• An impairment that is episodic or in remission that is substantially limiting when active

• Taking new medication or has stopped taking medication

• Experiencing negative social, emotional and/or behavioral issues at school

• Engaged in serious disciplinary misconduct

If your child has a physical or mental disability diagnosis or if you have concerns regarding your child's educational progress, contact the site administrators to see if your student may be eligible for a 504 plan.