Winter 2020

I.E.P. &
Section 504
Accommodations
two sides of the same coin?
I.E.P. (which stands for stands for
Individualized Education Program)
is likely the most used acronym for
parents of the school-aged special
needs population, as it is the
gatekeeper to special education
services in the public-school
system; nobody can enter without
one. However, it is not the only
avenue to accommodations for
children who need them. Section
504 also can come into play for
students who don’t qualify for
an IEP.
The following is excerpted from a
podcast by Catherine Whitcher:
www.catherinewhitcher.com/
blog/podcast504vsIEP
• With an IEP, the basis is IDEA law.
• An IEP has eligibility categories;
a 504 plan looks at additional
supports, accommodations and
modifications to meet a child’s
needs rather than eligibility
categories.
• An IEP stops at age 22; 504 plan
has no age limit and can follow
into college and the workplace.
• An IEP addresses a child’s
deficit with specific goals and
specialized instruction; a
504 plan addresses only
accommodations, modifications
and supports needed for equal
access in the workplace or
school setting.
• Both IEP and Section 504 need
a thorough annual review and
can be changed as often
For a 504 plan, you’re dealing
with the section 504 of the
rehabilitation act of 1973.
• Both IEP and Section 504 have
as needed.
M
accountability systems set up
and are enforceable.
www.catherinewhitcher.com/
blog/podcast504vsIEP
Catherine Whitcher offers a
Master IEP Coach program; please
visit www.masterIEPcoach.com
for more information.
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