504 Plans and IDEA InformationUpdated June 28, 2008
Teachers are constantly faced with decisions about educational plans for students with disabilities. The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 provides certain education remedies (504 plans) for such students. The concept and practice of "inclusion" has resulted in new challenges for teachers, administration, and parents to provide effective educational experiences for all students, regardless of their learning or physical disabilities. Perhaps one of the most misunderstood provisions of the law is that of the integrity of the curriculum for such students. There are, to be sure, many opinions and practices in the development and implementation of individual 504 plans. A building consensus supports the idea that the curriculum (what is intended that students learn) is not to be altered or modified for students who otherwise qualify for 504 plans. What this means, in a practical sense, is that teachers and administrators must provide instructional and environmental accommodations for these students, but that the curriculum is the same for all students.
The following links provide useful, and therefore practical information about 504 plans and IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) provisions. Many of them are links to pages of school systems that deal with these issues on a continuous basis. Their experiences give great insight into this area of teaching, learning, and the law. I have tried to exclude sites that are purely commercial or that offer specific products. If you have suggestions for other links, please send email to Dr. Robert Kizlik.
The PARK Project
IEPs vs. 504 Plans
Special Education Resource Page
ADHD: A Path to Success
Office of Special Education Programs Technical Assistance and Dissemination (TA&D) Network
The HEATH Resource Center of the American Council on Education
The National Information Center for Children and Youth with Disabilities
Questions and answers about Section 504 and ADHD
What is IDEA?
IDEA Overview
Developing an IEP
Glossary of Special Education Terms
Council of Educators for Students with Disabilities
Frequently Asked Questions
An Oregon Court Case (interesting reading for parents and teachers)
Family Village School (IEP Links)
Comparison of IDEA, Section 504 and the ADAAdditional sites are added as appropriate
"Anything not understood in more than one way is not understood at all."
Okay, now for something to read that might give you a chill or two....click here for my novel, What Waits Within
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Bob Kizlik
