Reviewed by Dr. Elizabeth Long, Ph.D. — Director of Special Education, 32 years in public schools.
An IEP is created under IDEA for students who need specially designed instruction because of a disability. A 504 plan is created under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, a civil-rights law that requires schools receiving federal funding to provide reasonable accommodations so a student with a disability has equal access to education. Both guarantee a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) — IDEA through individualized special education services, and Section 504 through accommodations and access to general education. A student's needs, not a diagnosis alone, determine which law applies.
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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