What are your rights in the 504 plan process?

If your child has a 504 plan or is being evaluated for one, you have legal rights. Here are the most important ones to know.

The right to free appropriate public education (FAPE)

Kids with disabilities have the right to a free appropriate public education. The school must meet your child’s educational needs just as it meets the needs of other students.

The right to accommodations and modifications

A 504 plan can include accommodations, which are changes in school and the classroom that allow your child to take part in learning. For example, to meet the needs of a child who struggles with writing, an accommodation might be a computer for typing. A 504 plan may also modify or change what your child is expected to learn. This is called a modification.

The right to instruction and services

To give your child an education comparable to that of other students, a 504 plan may include specialized instruction. The plan can also provide related services, like speech therapy, occupational therapy, or even counseling.

The right to notice

Schools must tell families about significant educational decisions that impact their kids. You have the right to know about things like identification, evaluation, and classroom placement.

The right to challenge a school’s decision

If you disagree with a school’s decision about your child’s education, you have the right to challenge it. You can ask for a hearing where an impartial officer decides your case. You can also file a complaint with the federal Office for Civil Rights.

Learn the steps to take to get a 504 plan for your child. And read about your options for resolving disagreements with the school about 504 plans.