Empowering Parents Through Knowledge: Everything You Need to Know about IEPs and 504 Plans

One of the most anxiety provoking experiences for parents of students with a disability,

or mental health diagnosis, is an IEP (Individualized Education Plan) or 504 meeting. The

primary purpose of these meetings is to create an education plan for the student to level the

playing field so the student has an equal opportunity to learn and demonstrate their knowledge.

The difference between a 504 and an IEP, is what type of support your student requires.

A 504’s primary purpose is to remove physical and environmental barriers for students who

need accommodations to access standard classroom curriculum. Some common diagnoses for

a 504 may include: ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, or Sensory Processing Disorder. An IEP

provides specialized instruction and related services for students who need modified learning

goals. The IEP would provide specialized instruction for those students whose disability

adversely affects educational performance. Some common diagnoses may include: Autism,

Learning Disabilities (such as dyslexia, dysgraphia, or dyscalculia), Speech/Language

Impairments, and Emotional Disturbances.

Some of the most common accommodations include:

● Sensory Breaks to get a drink of water, walk to the office, or sit outside the door for a few

minutes

● Alternative location during assemblies, pep rallies, or a noisy lunchroom

● One or two identified staff members as a “go to” when anxiety is high

● Preferential seating away from distractions

● Written directions, or notes, when they are verbally given

● Use of post-it notes to put on the corner of desk in order to ask for help when asking for

help is difficult

● Chunk larger assignments into smaller steps with due dates along the way

● Extended time on tests and assignments

● Use of a calculator on tests

● Help with organization

● Permission for fidgets, headphones, or other devices to help the student get through the

school day

Another helpful tool is to prepare a “Snapshot” for your student with their diagnoses, a

picture, and a recap of accommodations for the student to provide to teachers at the start of the

school year and to substitute teachers. Often accommodations are not passed on or identified

till a few weeks into the start of the school year and the substitute may not be aware of

accommodations.

Nurture Nest is available, and willing, to help parents and students navigate the 504/IEP

maze. Case managers are available to attend meetings and work with the therapist to

recommend accommodations that may be helpful. Together we can make this your child’s best

year of school yet.

Written by: Julie Donahue, CSW