504 Plan Basics
What is a 504 Plan?
A 504 Plan is a school-based plan that provides accommodations so a student with a disability has equal access to learning and school activities. It’s based on Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, a federal civil rights law.
504 vs. IEP — what’s the difference?
- 504 Plan: Access supports (accommodations). Student does not need special education services to qualify.
- IEP: Specialized instruction under IDEA. Includes goals, services, and accommodations.
Who Qualifies?
A student qualifies if they have a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities (e.g., learning, reading, concentrating, breathing, walking, hearing, communicating, or major bodily functions).
Common examples: ADHD, anxiety disorders, depression, diabetes, epilepsy, asthma, hearing/vision impairments, chronic illness, mobility impairments, Tourette syndrome, traumatic brain injury.
What’s in a 504 Plan?
- Classroom accommodations: extended time, reduced distractions, breaks, alternative seating, chunked assignments, copies of notes.
- Testing accommodations: small-group or separate setting, extended time, calculator or formula sheet as appropriate, read-aloud directions, word processor for writing.
- Health & safety: care plans, nurse access, restroom/water access, blood sugar checks, emergency protocols.
- Access & technology: audiobooks, speech-to-text, text-to-speech, large print, organizational tools.
- Activities & transportation: field trip access, PE modifications, safe arrival/dismissal procedures.
How to Request a 504 Plan (Alabama)
- Write a request to the principal or school counselor stating you’re requesting a 504 evaluation for your child. Include concerns and any relevant diagnoses.
- Provide documentation that supports the need (e.g., medical notes, prior evaluations, treatment plans). Schools can also gather data from teachers and assessments.
- Eligibility meeting: The school convenes a 504 team (which includes you) to determine eligibility under Section 504.
- Plan meeting: If eligible, the team drafts a written plan listing accommodations and who is responsible for them.
- Get a copy of the finalized plan and ask how it will be shared with all teachers and staff.
- Review annually (or sooner if needs change). You can request a review at any time.
Your Rights Under Section 504
- Equal access to instruction, activities, and school facilities.
- Participation in sports and extracurriculars with reasonable accommodations.
- Notice and participation in meetings about identification, evaluation, and placement.
- Review and request changes to the 504 Plan when needs shift.
- Grievance and complaint options if the plan isn’t followed (local grievance, state/district 504 coordinator, or federal OCR complaint).
Sample Accommodations
- Extended time on tests and assignments (e.g., +50%).
- Testing in a quiet/low-distraction room; preferential seating.
- Check-ins for organization; planner or digital reminders.
- Breaks to regulate (movement, water, restroom as needed).
- Alternate presentation of materials (audio, large print, notes).
- Health-related supports (snacks/water, nurse access, emergency plan).
- Reduced homework volume focusing on mastery vs. repetition.
- Use of assistive tech (speech-to-text, text-to-speech, calculator as appropriate).
Resources & Next Steps
- Alabama State Dept. of Education — Section 504 info (district policies vary).
- U.S. Dept. of Education, Office for Civil Rights (OCR) — guidance and complaint process.
- Advocacy Nonprofits — legal/advocacy help and parent organizations.