Section 504 (504)
A civil rights law that prevents discrimination against people with disabilities. A 504 Plan provides accommodations in school for students who have a disability but may not need the specialized instruction provided through an IEP.
504 in context
Section 504 comes up across the IEP process — in your IEP document, during meeting prep, and in the federal rights that protect your child. Rules and timelines can also vary by state — find your state's parent training centers and dispute options in our State IEP Guides.
If this term affects your child's annual goals, test whether they are measurable using our free IEP Goal Checker or follow our step-by-step IEP Annual Review Checklist.
Related Terms
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
A federal civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in all areas of public life, including schools. ADA works alongside IDEA and Section 504 to protect your child.
Accommodations
Changes in how your child learns or is tested that don't change what they learn. Examples include extra time on tests, preferential seating, audio books, or having instructions read aloud.
Individualized Education Program (IEP)
A written plan created for your child that describes their current abilities, sets learning goals, and lists the special education services they will receive. It's a legal document that the school must follow.
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Write Your First Letter — Free →This glossary is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Definitions are simplified for parent-friendly understanding and may not reflect the full legal text. Consult a qualified attorney or advocate for advice about your specific situation.