Reviewed by Dr. Elizabeth Long, Ph.D. — Director of Special Education, 32 years in public schools.
| Section 504 | IEP (IDEA) | |
|---|---|---|
| Law | Civil rights law | Special education law |
| Provides | Accommodations/access | Specialized instruction + accommodations |
| Diagnosis required? | No | No (uses disability categories, but eligibility is functional) |
| Written plan required? | Yes, but format/detail less prescribed | Yes, highly structured and federally regulated |
_This is general information, not legal advice — 504 practices vary by district, so pairing this with your school's specific policies (and a conversation with your 504 coordinator) is always the right next step._
Dr. Long's Assistant answers your specific questions in plain language — built from Dr. Long's expertise, plus state and federal law read at the source — never the open internet.
Get started →This is educational information, not legal advice. IDEA, Section 504, FERPA, and state rules may differ by situation.
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