A 504 plan and an Individualized Education Program (IEP) are both educational plans designed to support students with disabilities, but they differ in scope and implementation. A 504 plan, mandated under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, provides accommodations and modifications to ensure that students with disabilities have equal access to education. These accommodations might include adjustments to the learning environment, such as preferential seating or extended time on tests, without fundamentally altering the curriculum. On the other hand, an IEP, mandated under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), is a more comprehensive plan tailored to meet the unique educational needs of a student with a disability. It includes specific goals, objectives, and services, such as specialized instruction or related services like speech therapy, to support the student’s academic progress. Both plans are developed through collaboration between parents, educators, and other relevant stakeholders.
