504 Handbook [WA State]:
Everything you always wanted to know about Section 504 Plans ! This is the Puget Sound Education Service District (PSESD) template which most school districts in WA utilize in developing their own policies and procedures. Think of this as the "504 Bible", for all 504 Coordinators take their lead from this handbook. The sixty-plus pages provide everything on 504 Plans including the all-important accommodation list for most disabilities:
(i.e. ADD/ADHD, Autism ...).
As you discover within the document above, both the IEP and 504 Plan processes are now in alignment and follow a similar course of action. Both address disability and its impact on learning. An evaluation is at the core of both procedures. So how does one determine if a child is requiring an IEP or a 504 Plan?
Fundamentally, the primary difference between a 504 Plan and the IEP is based upon the following question: "Does the student need Specially Designed Instruction" in support of learning?" This is one of the key elements of a well developed Evaluation:
If "yes", then the team needs to explore an IEP.
If "no", then the team needs to develop a 504 Plan with specific and relevant accommodations.
When dealing with intervention models, there are never black and white - definitive approaches for every child is unique. Nevertheless, the Evaluation guides your team's decisions and as always, "mutual understanding" remains the most important part of this discussion.
If you are needing support as you face the prospect of a 504 Plan, please give us a call or contact us through email! One should never go into this process alone or unprepared!