Section 504 is a federal law that requires public schools to provide accommodations to students with disabilities so they have equal access to learning opportunities. Schools meet Section 504 requirements by creating 504 plans for students with physical or mental impairments that affect their learning but do not qualify them for special education. Unlike IEPs, 504 plans provide accommodations like changes to instruction, peer assistance, and more time on assignments, rather than personalized instruction. The goal of 504 plans is to support students' success and preparation for after school through overcoming barriers to learning without changing curriculum expectations.

1. SECTION 504
COMPLIANCE IN
PUBLIC SCHOOLS
PatrickVan Amburgh

2. Introduction
■ A graduate of Springfield College in Massachusetts, PatrickVan Amburgh
holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in
education. His professional background includes serving as a high school
guidance counselor and a teacher. As a guidance counselor at Palmer High
School, PatrickVan Amburgh was a member of the IEP and 504 teams.
A major component of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Section 504 is an
antidiscrimination statute that protects students with disabilities. All
programs and organizations that receive federal assistance are required to
comply with the statute, including public schools.
In a school setting, educators meet Section 504 compliance requirements
through a 504 plan, a school-created guide to ensure that students with
disabilities have equal access to learning opportunities. Schools typically
create 504 plans for students with physical or mental impairments that
affect their ability to learn but do not make them eligible for special
education services.

3. Section 504 Compliance
■ Unlike an IEP (individualized education program) that provides
personalized instruction as part of a school’s special education
activities, a 504 plan provides accommodations to help
students overcome their individual barriers to learning.
Accommodations under 504 plans may include instructional
changes, peer assistance, positive reinforcements, and
extended time for assignments and exams.
These accommodations do not change the things students are
taught or expected to learn.The ultimate goal is to provide the
support students with disabilities need to attain academic
success and prepare for life beyond school.