Can someone please explain the difference between the two? We have just been given a 504. We think it will eventually turn into an IEP due to speech issues. The school is going to do RTI first.

DS has the following diagnosis: Autism Spectrum Level 1, anxiety and depression


Thanks,
Sheila

IEPs provide actual service hours from people like special ed teachers, speech therapists, occupational therapists, adapted phy ed teachers, and there are academic goals that are measured and changed periodically. For instance "Student will stay on task 80 percent of the time vs. the 50 percent he is now on task." Or "Student will be able to maintain a back and forth conversation with peer on 2/3 trials." (something like that). With a 504, it's basically just a lit of accommodations and modifications that will be provided to the student. Accommodations and modifications are also in an IEP.

Here is a brief roundup of some resources which may be helpful to you in understanding both IEPs and 504s, and their differences... as well as providing tips and advice on enforcing them:

1) Wrightslaw website, including
- the book From Emotions To Advocacy (FETA),
- webpage "Key Differences between IDEA and 504", from their website's section called "Ask the Advocate",
- webpage "IEP development Pop-up",
- webpage "IEP special factors Pop-up",
- webpage "IEP disputes Pop-up".

2) Understood.org website, including
- "The Difference between IEPs and 504 Plans",
- search results for IEP,
- search results for 504.

3) Twice Exceptional (2e) Newsletter, now 2e News.