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Heber Elementary School District

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SECTION 504 PLAN

SECTION 504 PLAN

Parent Resources

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.

A graphic comparing the differences between IEP and 504 plans for students with disabilities.

Section 504 Service Plans

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.

A group of diverse children hold hands, with the text 'Learning Knows No Bounds' below them.

 

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.