They’re not modification and that’s an important difference. Unlike IEPs, which might require specialized instruction, “504 plans are accommodation-only. Generally, Korte said, it’s disabilities that don’t rise to the level of meeting a disability criteria under IDEA, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, for which a student would typically receive special education services under an individualized education plan, or IEP (though students may have services under both plans). “The criteria in the law is that it has to be a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits a major life activity,” said Daron Korte, assistant Minnesota Department of Education Commissioner overseeing special education, compliance and assistance, rulemaking, and health, nutrition and youth development.Ĭommon conditions for which students receive 504s include ADHD, depression, traumatic brain injury, broken limbs and heart defects. The law doesn’t define disability strictly, instead focusing on its effects. 504 plans are named after a section of federal law - Section 504 of the 1973 federal Rehabilitation Act - which prohibits discrimination against students based on a disability in school districts that receive federal funding.

504 accommodation plan mn