504 Process

What is a 504 Plan?

A 504 Plan, established under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, is designed to prevent discrimination against individuals with disabilities in schools and other facilities that receive federal funding.

504 Plans provide services and support to help students with disabilities learn alongside their peers in general education settings. While both 504 Plans and Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) offer educational support, they fall under different laws. IEPs are governed by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), while 504 Plans are part of the Rehabilitation Act.

How 504 Plans Help Students

504 Plans offer reasonable accommodations to help students with disabilities succeed. These accommodations may include:
· Services
· Assistive materials or technology
· Adjustments to the learning environment

Examples of accommodations include:

· Using dictation or speech-to-text technology for students with dyslexia or visual impairments
· Providing enlarged text for students with low vision
· Reducing written homework for students with disabilities affecting writing
· Ensuring access to wheelchair-friendly restrooms

Many students with disabilities can benefit from the support provided through a 504 Plan.

What Are My Rights Under a 504 Plan?

In Georgia, all children are entitled to a free and adequate education. Students with 504 Plans or IEPs have the right to a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) under federal law, which ensures they can access the same educational opportunities as their peers.

Your child may be eligible for a 504 Plan if they:

1. Have a disability, have a record of a disability, or are regarded as having a disability, and...
2. Their disability substantially limits their ability to learn in a general education classroom.

Eligibility for a 504 Plan does not depend on academic performance. Even students with good grades may qualify if their disability affects a major life activity at school. All services provided under a 504 Plan are free of charge.

Parent/Guardian Rights:

· Consent or deny the evaluation of your child.
· Receive notice of any changes to the 504 Plan.
· Review the 504 Plan annually, with re-evaluations conducted every three years (unless you agree otherwise).
· Access all records related to your child.
· Challenge any decisions regarding the 504 Plan.

The 504 process is designed to ensure equal access to educational opportunities for students with disabilities, promoting both academic and personal growth.

How to Start the 504 Process

If you believe your child may benefit from a 504 Plan, please contact Ms. Wyatt at [email protected] to begin the process.

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