What is the main purpose of a 504 Accommodation Plan?

The main purpose of a 504 Accommodation Plan is to adapt education for eligible students under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. This federal law is designed to prevent discrimination against individuals with disabilities in programs and activities, including public education. Students who qualify for a 504 plan may not require special education services but still need accommodations to ensure they have equal access to education.

These accommodations can include modifications to the classroom environment, teaching strategies, or assessment methods tailored to meet the unique needs of the student. The focus of a 504 plan is on providing the necessary supports to help students succeed in the general education setting without altering the curriculum itself significantly.

In contrast, other options refer to different frameworks: special education services under IDEA are targeted specifically for students with disabilities who need individualized education programs (IEPs), which include detailed goals and objectives. The creation of IEP goals is specific to IDEA and does not apply to 504 plans. Lastly, while assessing student behavior can be an important part of the overall educational process, it is not the primary purpose of a 504 Accommodation Plan, which is focused on providing access and support rather than behavior assessment.