Special Education vs. Accommodations: Do you have an IDEA or a (504) plan?

<p>If you have a child with a disability, the two most important terms you need to know are 504 Plan and IEP. But they are not interchangeable. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, or IDEA, is the law that governs special education. Special education is for students who require specialized instruction. On the other hand, the Americans with Disabilities Act, or the ADA, offers what we call 504 plans, which provide accommodation for a child with a disability, but no specialized instruction or goals and objectives.</p> <p>Today we discuss where 504 Plans and IEP come from, why we have them, and what the differences are (hint: there are a ton!). Join me as we demystify the differences between accommodations and special education services.</p>