If you're not sure whether a child may qualify for an IEP or a 504 plan, you can contact the school's special education department for assistance. The degree of impairment will vary and may present as poor test scores, significant difficulty completing class assignments or homework assignments, or behavioral issues affecting the student's ability to learn. To qualify for support for a child with ADHD under Section 504, governed by federal laws and part of the Disabilities Act, there typically must be evidence that a child's symptoms are significantly impacting their educational performance in the public education setting. How A Child Qualifies For 504 Accommodations These accommodations help ensure a least restrictive environment for students, promoting positive behavior and equal opportunities alongside non-disabled students. Accommodations established under a 504 plan, such as extended time for tests, preferential seating, or clear and simple directions, are considered learning support services and are normally designed to manage symptoms in the educational setting, as opposed to outside of it. Section 504 offers a broader scope of coverage for various disabilities that require support. Most students with ADHD, however, qualify for services and support under a 504 plan. Often, a child will need to have a learning disability in addition to ADHD to qualify for an IEP. ADHD may not be eligible for an IEP if the school decides that a child's symptoms don’t rise to the level of a disability under the IDEA. When special education is requested, the school often evaluates the child to determine whether accommodation is necessary. Services are often held outside of the classroom with a special education instructor or occupational therapist.

Children with qualifying conditions, such as intellectual developmental disorders and speech and language impairments, may be eligible for specialized instruction and independent skills training. IEPs are used for students who have one of several different categories of learning disabilities. An individualized education plan (IEP) is a special education plan governed by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). You may have heard the terms IEP and 504 and wondered how they differed. Seeking educational support services for a child can be confusing at first. Getty/AnnaStills Differences Between An IEP And A 504 Plan The 504 plan identifies the child’s specific areas of concern and proposes solutions to eliminate or significantly reduce them. To address a student’s needs, a team of people will typically create a 504 plan-a written list of accommodations meant to help the child succeed in school.

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