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For K-12 parents, your child may have been granted an IEP (Individualized Education Plan) or a 504 plan. These are two different protocols that both intend to provide the services and resources that best match a student’s specific academic needs and allow them to have access to an appropriate education. If your child is enrolled in college, accommodations may have been granted through the Office of Disability services. Here is a quick overview on all 3 processes.
Individualized Education Plan (IEP)
The IEP is provided under the Individuals With Disabilities Act (IDEA). An IEP is developed to provide a child with specialized instruction. In the IEP process, the child is evaluated by a “child study” or “IEP” team. You, as the parent, are a member of this team, and so is your child. After evaluation and collaboration with the other team members, an educational program is designed specifically for your child. The goal of an IEP is to provide measurable actions that are intended to meet the needs of the student through specialized education. The IEP outlines a set of actions that are designed to achieve the goal. Every member of the child’s team should have a clear understanding of the intended outcomes of an IEP.
504 Plan
A 504 plan is provided under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. The plan does not provide for specialized education, but instead provides a plan for accommodations that allow for the student to have access to an appropriate education. A 504 plan is coordinated by the 504 plan administrator at your child’s school or in the school district. There is not a formal child study team, and a parent may or may not participate in the 504 plan meetings.
College Accommodations
College is yet another process. IDEA does not protect students at the college level, so your child’s IEP does not transfer to college. Your child’s 504 Plan will not transfer directly to college either. Accommodations at college are provided under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1980. Each college has its own set of requirements, but in general, colleges require an application for accommodations accompanied by a psycho-educational evaluation. The college’s Office of Disability (or Special) Services then determines the needs of the student and provides a set of accommodations that may be used in each class. The major difference between the accommodations provided in college versus those provided in high school is that the student is expected to self-advocate once the services are determined. The student must meet with each of their professors and discuss how their accommodations will be provided in each individual class.
If you would like to hear more about the accommodations and modifications programs available to your child in school, feel free to contact me.