This comprehensive infographic from Therapy Source, Inc. provides an overview of the difference between a 504 and IEP plan.

1. 504 vs. IEP
What every educator - and parent
- should know.
504 IEP
VS
Legal basis is the Individuals
with Disabilities Education Act
(IDEA), a federal civil rights law
to stop discrimination against
people with disabilities.
Legal basis is Section 504 of the
Rehabilitation Act of 1973, a
federal special education law for
children with disabilities.
Offers individualized special
education and related services
to meet an eligible student’s
specific needs.
Offers support, services, and
adjustments to the regular
classroom environment to allow
students to learn alongside their
classmates.
Overseeing agency is the U.S.
Department of Education: Office
of Special Education and
Rehabilitation Services.
Overseeing agency is the U.S.
Department of Education: Office
of Civil Rights.
Must fit one of the 13 IDEA
disability eligibility categories.
Has a broader definition of a
disability than IDEA.
Has goals and
progress monitoring.
Does not have goals or
progress monitoring.
Schools are required to invite
parents to be a part of the IEP
Team when developing a plan.
Schools are not required to seek
parental input to develop a plan.
If a change in the IEP is
needed, a prior written notice
is required.
If a change in the 504 is needed,
the school need only contact the
family.
Must review the plan annually.
The child must be reassessed and
requalified every three years.
No requirement to
review annually.
The student is eligible to receive
specially designed instruction
and services such as speech
therapy, specialized instruction,
occupational therapy, etc.
The student is not eligible to
receive additional services; not a
special education program.
Students with IEPs are
covered until the age of 21
and are eligible to remain in
high school until this time.
No age limits, and 504 plans can
transfer to college.
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