504 Plans

What is an Educational 504 Plan?

The intent of a 504 Plan is to give students with disabilities equal access to their education, by mandating appropriate accommodations and adaptations in the school setting. Students on 504 plans are protected by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.  These plans are appropriate for students who have impactful disabilities, but are not in need specially designed instruction (ie: special education).   504 plans must be updated at least one time per year by a student’s educational team. These plans are legally binding documents.  Click here for more comprehensive information from the Federal Government.

To access Blaine County School District's 504 Plan Handbook, please click here.

Who qualifies for a 504 Plan?

In order to qualify for a 504 plan a student must be diagnosed with, have record of, or be regarded as having a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activity

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act defines a physical or mental impairment as any physiological disorder or condition, cosmetic disfigurement, or anatomical loss affecting one or more of the following body systems:

• Neurological

• Musculoskeletal

• Special sense organs

• Respiratory (including speech organs)

• Cardiovascular

• Reproductive

• Digestive

• Genito-urinary

• Hemic and lymphatic

• Skin

• Endocrine

• Mental or psychological
  (ie: mental retardation, organic brain syndrome, emotional or mental illness, and specific learning disabilities)

Major life activities may include:                            

• Self care

• Performing manual tasks

• Walking

• Seeing

• Hearing

• Speaking

• Breathing

• Learning

• Working

• Eating

• Sleeping

• Standing

• Lifting

• Bending

• Reading

• Concentrating

• Thinking

• Communicating

• Performing bodily functions

What are adaptations, modifications, and accommodations?

Please click here for more information about adaptations, modifications, and adaptations.

I am attending a 504 Plan meeting soon.  How can I prepare?

Parents are encouraged to read the BCSD 504 Handbook before a 504 Plan meeting.   You may also prepare for a meeting by completing our 504 Plan Parent Input Form and returning it to your child's 504 case-manager.  See below:

• 504 Input Form in Word (editable)

• 504 Input Form in PDF

Does a student in special education need a 504 Plan?

Students who are on Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) do not need separate 504 Plans.  Like 504 Plans, IEPs document the required accommodations and adaptations necessary for student success.