504 Plan

What is Section 504?

Section 504 is a part of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 that prohibits discrimination based upon disability. Section 504 is a civil rights statute that requires the needs of students with disabilities to be met as adequately as the needs of the non-disabled are met. Students may be eligible to recieve accommodations under Section 504 if they have a qualifying disability.

 

504 Plan or IEP?

The 504 Plan is a plan or program developed to ensure that a child who has a disability receives accommodations that will ensure equal access to the learning environment.

The Individualized Educational Program (IEP) is a plan or program developed to ensure that a child who has a disability receives specialized instruction and related services.

The Difference…

Not all students with disabilities qualify for Special Education Services. In order to qualify for Special Education, a student must require specialized instruction and related services.  

Those students with disabilities who do not qualify for Special Education may still be eligible to receive accommodations under a 504 Plan if they have a disability that substantially limits one or more major life activities.

504 Plan Accommodations

There are many types of accommodations that may be provided through a 504 Plan.  Some examples include:

  • Preferential Seating
  • Extended Testing Time
  • Large-Print Materials
  • Access to Assistive Technology
  • Small-Group Testing
  • Typed Responses
  • Oral/Typed Instructions
  • Allow Frequent Breaks

District Curriculum Accommodation Plan (DCAP)

Students who do not qualify for an IEP or 504 Plan may also be able to access certain accommodations through a district curriculum accommodation plan, also known as a DCAP.  The DCAP allows the district to provide specific accommodations to a student based on their unique learning style and academic needs.

Eligibility

At Northampton High School, 504 Plans are overseen by school administrators rather than Special Education staff.  If you would like to know if your child qualifies for a 504 Plan, contact the student’s grade administrator to set up a meeting.