What is the difference between an IEP & 504?

•Section 504 is a part of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 that applies to persons with disabilities. Section 504 is a Civil Rights Act that protects the civil rights of a person.

•An IEP is part of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) 2004 and it provides an Individualized Educational Program (IEP) for students who qualify for Special Education.

•To be eligible for a 504, the child must have a physical or cognitive impairment that substantially limits one or more of a person’s major life activities (caring for oneself, performing manual tasks, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning or working).

•To be eligible for an IEP, the child must meet the criteria for 1 of the 13 Disability categories AND have the need for specialized instruction.

•A 504 provides Accommodations and minimal services only to assure access to the curriculum and the benefits that typical students are able to access.

•An IEP is an Individualized Educational Program that provides goals, accommodations, modifications and related services.

•The chain of command for a 504 is first the 504 coordinator on campus (who is usually a vice principal or counselor), then the principal, the superintendent of the district, and finally the Civil Rights office Denver, Colorado (OCR).

•The chain of command for an IEP is first the child’s teacher, then the Special Education case manager, school psychologist, Special Education Director of the District and finally the Department of Education for the state you live in.

•Both meet once a year to review however, for both you can call a meeting anytime you feel adjustments need to be made.

•Both can work for boys with DMD depending on the person's type and level of needs.