Here’s Tuesday Tip # 2 — Why do we have 504 meetings? What is their purpose?

These Tips are taken from my book, IEP and Section 504 Team Meetings… and the Law (available on Amazon and at Corwin).

Enjoy! Corwin

Tuesday Tip #2

Why do we have 504 team meetings? What is their purpose?

Please see Tip #1 about the IDEA’s meetings!

Section 504 is an anti-discrimination law. It’s part of the 1973 Rehabilitation Act.

These meetings have one purpose — to develop a plan so the school district does not discriminate against a student with a disability. How? By providing that student with the same opportunity to access, participate, and learn as nondisabled peers have. How much opportunity does the law require? The same as average nondisabled peers get.

504 plans often include accommodations, adaptations, services, therapies, and even placements — whatever it takes to provide that opportunity.

A few contrasts with the IDEA. Note: there are many others!

• Section 504 is an “opportunity” law while the IDEA is a “benefit” or “progress” law.
• Section 504 is regular education; the IDEA is special education.
• Both laws provide a FAPE. The IDEA law includes the FAPE requirement; the Section 504 law does not, but…