Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973

Section 504 is a federal law that protects students from discrimination based on disability. This law applies to all programs and activities that receive funding from the federal government including Washington public schools.
To qualify for section 504, a disability must substantially limit one or more basic life activities. This can include learning, reading, communicating, and thinking.
Section 504 requires districts to provide accommodations that remove any barriers that stand in the way of students demonstrating what they know and what they can do.
Section 504 includes accommodations and supports, but not Specially Designed Instruction (SDI), specific to the disability.

Individual with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is a federal SE law for students with disabilities.
To qualify for SE services, a disability must affect the student’s educational performance and/or ability to learn and benefit from the general education curriculum.
The Individualized Education Program (IEP) creates a plan for a student’s SE experience at school.
SDI, related services, accommodations, and modifications are identified to meet each student’s unique needs. These services are provided at no cost to families.

Comparing Section 504 and IDEA
Section 504	IDEA
Civil rights law Disability substantially limits one or more basic life activities Plan to provide support and remove barriers Services, changes to the learning environment, accommodations, and supports	Federal special education law Disability must affect the child’s educational performance Plan for a student’s special education experience Specially Designed Instruction (SDI), related services, accommodations, and modifications

Next: Individualized Education Program (IEP) Process