Section 504 Plans
Section 504 Plans: Information for Families
Albany Unified School District is committed to ensuring that all students have equal access to a quality education. For students with a disability who do not require special education services but do need support to access their education, a Section 504 Plan may be the right tool.
What Is a Section 504 Plan?
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is a federal civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities. A Section 504 Plan outlines specific accommodations, supports, and services a student needs to have equal access to their education alongside their peers.
Unlike an Individualized Education Program (IEP), a 504 Plan does not provide specialized instruction. Instead, it focuses on removing barriers so a student can fully participate in the general education setting.
Who Qualifies for a 504 Plan?
A student may qualify for a 504 Plan if:
- The student has a physical or mental impairment.
- The impairment substantially limits one or more major life activities (such as eating, breathing, learning, concentrating, or caring for oneself), and
- The student requires Section 504 services in order for their educational needs to be met as adequately as those of non-disabled peers.
Conditions that may lead to a 504 Plan include, but are not limited to: ADHD, anxiety, diabetes, asthma, food allergies, chronic illness, physical disabilities, and other health or mental health conditions.
A medical diagnosis alone does not automatically qualify a student — the district's 504 team evaluates whether the condition substantially limits a major life activity in the school setting.
504 Plan vs. IEP: What's the Difference?
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How Does the Process Work?
1. Referral Any parent/guardian, teacher, or staff member can request a 504 evaluation. Parents may submit a request in writing to their student's school site or to the district's 504 Coordinator.
2. Evaluation The school gathers relevant information which may include medical documentation, teacher input, grades, attendance, and observations to determine whether the student meets 504 eligibility criteria.
3. Eligibility Meeting A team that includes the parent/guardian, along with relevant school staff, reviews the information collected and determines eligibility together.
4. Plan Development If the student is found eligible, the team collaborates to write a 504 Plan outlining specific accommodations tailored to the student's needs.
5. Implementation and Communication The plan is shared with all relevant staff who work with the student, so accommodations are applied consistently across classes and settings.
6. Annual Review 504 Plans are reviewed at least annually to ensure they continue to meet the student's needs, and can be revisited sooner if circumstances change.
Parent and Guardian Rights
Under Section 504, parents/guardians have the right to:
- Be notified before any evaluation or significant change in placement
- Participate in eligibility and planning meetings
- Review their student's educational records
- Request a re-evaluation if circumstances change
- Disagree with a decision and request a review through the district's dispute resolution process, including the right to a hearing
How to Get Started
If you believe your student may require a 504 Plan, we encourage you to reach out to your school site's principal or counselor to discuss the process.
For more information about Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, visit the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights website.