Section 504 of the U.S Rehabilitation Act of 1973 created and extended civil rights to people with disabilities. Section 504 helps to provide opportunities for children and adults with disabilities in education, employment and various other settings.

In public schools, or publicly funded private schools, it can be used to help students with physical or mental impairments by providing appropriate accommodations that make it possible for that child to benefit fully from the educational services that are provided to all general education students (note: a 504 plan is not the same as an Individualized Education Program (IEP) that required for special education students).

Any student with a physical, emotional or behavioral disability, or who is recovering from a chemical dependency, or who has an impairment (e.g. Attention Deficit Disorder) may be eligible for a 504 plan.
There are 4 steps involved:

1. A referral is made, usually by a teacher, support staff, parent/legal guardian, physician, or therapist.
2. A meeting is held which typically includes the parents, school principal, classroom teachers, and other school personnel (such as the school nurse, guidance counselor, psychologist, or social worker). Academic and medical records are reviewed and the parents are interviewed regarding their concerns.
3. Planning for reasonable accommodations begins if the team determines the child is eligible to have a 504 plan put in place. Depending upon the nature of the child’s disability these accommodations may include:

   preferential seating
   extended time on tests and assignments
   reduced homework or classwork
   a second set of textbooks to keep at home
   verbal, visual, or technology aids
   behavior management support
   adjusted class schedules or grading
   verbal testing
   excused lateness, absence, or missed classwork
   pre-approved nurse’s office visits

4. 504 plans should be reviewed at least annually to determine if the accommodations are up to date and appropriate, based on the student’s needs. Any 504 plan team member, including the parent, may call for a 504 plan review at any time if there is an educational concern or change in the student’s needs.

For additional information The Statewide Parent Advocacy Network (SPANNJ) offers this Guide to Services for Children With Disabilities as well as a side-by-side comparison between Section 504 and IDEA (special education).