What is required under Section 504?

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is designed to prevent discrimination against individuals with disabilities and to ensure their rights to equal access to educational opportunities. Under this law, schools are required to develop a plan to provide accommodations or modifications that allow students with disabilities to participate fully in their education.

The reason a plan, but not an Individualized Education Program (IEP), is required is that Section 504 addresses a broader range of disabilities than those covered under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). While an IEP is specific to special education services and requires a specific set of criteria to qualify, a Section 504 plan can be implemented for students who may not meet those criteria but still require accommodations to access the same educational opportunities as their peers.

This allows for flexibility in addressing the needs of students with disabilities, as Section 504 is focused on ensuring access and participation rather than on educational programming tailored specifically for a disability. Thus, the correct answer highlights the importance of having a plan in place to meet the needs of these students without mandating an IEP.