Disability Identification Considerations: IEP versus 504 Plans

IEP versus 504 Plans

Twice-exceptional children are identified as such with either an Individual Educational Plan (IEP) or a 504 in addition to their gifted identification. In the state of Colorado, more students are identified as twice-exceptional with a 504 than with an IEP (almost 2 to 1), so it is important to understand how a 504 can support your gifted students.

Just to clarify for you, Section 504 is part of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 that guarantees specific rights in federally funded programs and activities to people who qualify as disabled.

Section 504 states:

"No otherwise qualified individual with a disability in the United States...shall, solely by reason of his or her disability, be excluded from the participation in, be denied benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance...."

Both Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and 504 plans can offer formal help for K–12 students with learning and attention issues. They’re similar in some ways but quite different in others.

The Understood Team provides a great chart to show the difference between and IEP and a 504. Take a few minutes to review this document.

Many twice-exceptional students are identified as gifted with a learning disability but are receiving accommodations through a 504 plan. Why? Later we will take a look at the three conceptual groupings of twice-exceptional students that help you understand why 504 plans are more common than IEPs for 2e students. For now, here are some potential signs that a gifted student may need a 504 plan (credit Slater, A., 2020. Educating Twice-Exceptional Students in Compliance with IDEA and Section 504) :

Poor organizational skills
Trouble completing assignments
Time-management problems
Difficulty understanding or following directions
Distractibility or difficulties with focus
Frequent medical-related absences

Note:

For more information about 504 plans please visit the US Dept. of Education - resources on Section 504 of the Americans with Disabilities Act [ADA])