Difference Between IDEA and Sec. 504

As an educational benefit law, IDEA offers additional services and protections for those with disabilities that are not offered to those without disabilities. ... However, a Section 504 Plan provides accommodations based on the child's disability and resulting weaknesses, but does not require academic improvement.

1. Who is eligible for protection under Section 504 but not under IDEA?
2. Is there a downside to having a 504 plan?
3. What is one important difference between of Section 504 and the ADA?
4. Does a 504 require a medical diagnosis?
5. Does ADHD qualify for a 504 plan?
6. What qualifies as a 504 disability?
7. How long is a 504 plan good for?
8. Is a 504 Plan permanent?
9. What are reasonable accommodations under Section 504?
10. Is Section 504 A civil rights law?
11. Which of the following persons are protected under section 504?

Who is eligible for protection under Section 504 but not under IDEA?

This means that one child who has ADD or asthma or AIDS may be eligible for special education services under IDEA (which makes a child eligible for protections under 504) while another child who has ADD, asthma or AIDS may not be eligible for services under IDEA, but is protected from discrimination under Section 504.

Is there a downside to having a 504 plan?

There really is no disadvantage. The only possible disadvantage may be that there is usually more money tied into Special Education so she may receive more services under an IEP but in her case I'm not even sure what she'd classify under.

What is one important difference between of Section 504 and the ADA?

Section 504 is a civil rights law. The purpose of Section 504 is to protect individuals with disabilities from discrimination for reasons related to their disabilities. ADA broadened the agencies and businesses that must comply with the non-discrimination and accessibility provisions of the law.

Does a 504 require a medical diagnosis?

There is no legal basis under 504 to require a medical diagnosis. However, evaluation processes would typically need to be more thorough and involved if this information does not exist.

Does ADHD qualify for a 504 plan?

Students with ADHD are eligible for services and an individual accommodation plan under Section 504 if they have significant difficulty learning in school due to ADHD impairments.

What qualifies as a 504 disability?

Section 504 protects qualified individuals with disabilities. Under this law, individuals with disabilities are defined as persons with a physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more major life activities.

How long is a 504 plan good for?

The law doesn't require an annual 504 plan re-evaluation. It only requires “periodic re-evaluation,” which is generally every three years or so. If there are significant changes in your child's needs or placement in school, then you may want to consider asking for a re-evaluation, in addition to a review.

Is a 504 Plan permanent?

This plan is called a 504 plan because it is authorized by section 504 of another Federal law, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. ... Whereas the disabilities enshrined in IDEA are permanent in nature, 504 plans are allowed to address temporary as well as permanent disability conditions.

What are reasonable accommodations under Section 504?

Question: What is a reasonable accommodation under Section 504? Answer: A reasonable accommodation is a change, adaptation, or modification to a policy, program, service, or workplace which will allow a qualified person with a disability to participate fully in a program, take advantage of a service, or perform a job.

Is Section 504 A civil rights law?

OCR, a component of the U.S. Department of Education, enforces Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, (Section 504) a civil rights statute which prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities.

Which of the following persons are protected under section 504?

Section 504 protects only children and students from age 3 to 21 from discrimination. However, states may choose to extend protection to students for birth to age 2.