This article defines 504 accommodation plans and indicates who should consider them.
What is a 504 accommodation plan?
A 504 accommodation plan is part of a federal law that allows children with special needs such as chronic health conditions to better access learning experiences at school. It is different than an IEP plan. A 504 plan provides additional assistance in the classroom as well as modifications and services that ensure a child’s access to education is equal to the other students. The law was designed to protect the rights of individuals with disabilities in programs and activities that receive federal financial assistance from the U.S. Department of Education. Section 504 provides: “No otherwise qualified individual with a disability in the United States . . . shall, solely by reason of her or his disability, be excluded from the participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.”
The Section 504 regulations require a school district to provide a “free appropriate public education” (FAPE) to each qualified student with a disability who is in the school district’s jurisdiction, regardless of the nature or severity of the disability. Under Section 504, FAPE consists of the provision of regular or special education and related aids and services designed to meet the student’s individual educational needs as adequately as the needs of non-disabled students are met.
Who should consider a 504 accommodation plan?
Anyone with a chronic condition who receives education from any federally-funded program should consider setting up a 504 accommodation plan. This provides a safety net for the student and ensures minimal disruptions in a student’s education regardless of their condition, which may result in time missed or other school-related disruptions.
What can BioMatrix do to help with 504 accommodation plans?
BioMatrix can provide help with understanding the 504 accommodation plan and work with you and your school to put a 504 plan in place.
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