Well, the 504 plan is for students who have a disability but do not require special education services. And IEP, on the other hand, provides a program of specialized instruction and various supports to help this student get through a curriculum. For an IEP, the student does not have to have a diagnosed disability.
Section 504 is not limited to specific disability categories and does not require evidence that the disability adversely affects the student's educational performance, however the definition states that in order to be eligible for an accommodation plan, the student must “have a physical or mental impairment which ...
IEP: Best for students needing specialized instruction and services. For example, a student with autism who speech therapy and social skills training (1). 504 Plan: Ideal for students who need accommodations but can stay in regular classes.
In Florida special education is called Exceptional Student Education or ESE. Every child with a disability who is eligible under IDEA and ESE has an Individual Education Plan or IEP. The IEP is an individualized written plan that supports the need for specialized supports and services.
IEPs are annual and provide additional intentional interventions through specialized instructional goals and objectives. 504 plans provide accommodations without the need for specialized instruction and do not need to be updated every year.
Students are eligible for 504 plans if they have a disability that limits daily life activities such as self-care, walking, seeing, breathing, hearing, speaking, or learning. Students who need a 504 plan can include those with: attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
If a student qualifies for a 504 plan for anxiety, the school then puts in place supports and accommodations to help. This might mean frequent breaks, a quiet test room, or something else — whatever helps the student fully participate at school.