504 myths

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• Myth #1: Not as good as an IEP

  Myth: A 504 is not as good as an IEP.

  Fact: A good plan is the one that fits a child’s needs. A child with a disability who is falling behind their peers may need specially designed instruction through an IEP. But another child with the same disability may only need accommodations through a 504 plan to keep up with their peers. And some kids with disabilities may not need a formal plan at all.

• Myth #2: Only gives accommodations

  Myth: A 504 plan can only give accommodations, not services.

  Fact: Some people think that a 504 plan can’t include services. But that’s not true. A 504 plan can include school services. For example, some 504 plans offer things like speech therapy or study skills support. It’s less common, though. And the services that a 504 plan offers may not be the same as those available in an IEP.

• Myth #3: No 504s in gifted classes

  Myth: Students can’t get 504 accommodations for gifted or advanced classes.

  Fact: There are many kids with 504 plans who are in gifted or advanced classes. (You may hear kids called “twice-exceptional” when they are gifted and have a disability.) A child with a 504 plan in a gifted or advanced class has the same rights as in other classes — the right to equal access to learning. This may mean accommodations, like text-to-speech technology or extra time for assignments.