How to Get a 504 Plan at School

A 504 plan at a school provides protections under the Americans with Disabilities Act for anyone with an identified disability. Not everyone with an identified disability requires these services at school. Those that do can request the school develop a 504 plan for them. The 504 plan will provide accommodations that the school is legally required to follow. A parent or teacher can also put in a request for a 504 plan.

Instructions

1. Take a copy of any evaluation reports to the school to prove the student needs the extra support the 504 plan would give him. The plan applies when a student is unable to perform "major life activities" without the extra accommodations. These activities include walking, seeing, hearing, speaking and learning. Some evaluations can be done by the school. For example, the school can evaluate the student for dyslexia.

2. Meet with the school's designated 504 coordinator to develop a plan to accommodate the student. The coordinator will conduct an evaluation with the student, the parent, teachers and support staff to help form the plan. The school will write the plan and explain how it will provide for the student's needs.

3. Review the plan with the student and teacher. The school is legally responsible to implement the plan as written. However, if the student still can't function under the plan, a request can be made for adjustments. The same people who took part in the first meeting should review that request.

References

• Parental Advocate