• Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is a national law that protects qualified individuals from discrimination based on their disability. The plan is designed to assist students with special needs who are attending their schools' regular education programs. The 504 plan should not be confused with the Individual Education Program (IEP).

    The student must be identified as disabled, as outlined under Section 504. Does the individual have a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more of such person's major life activities, or have a record of such an impairment, or is regarded (perceived) as having such an impairment? If the answer is "yes" to one or more of the above statements, the individual may qualify for the provisions under Section 504. This would be especially true if the individual does not qualify for special education services under IDEA.