In the realm of education, ensuring equal access and opportunities for all students is not just a moral obligation—it’s the law. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 A civil rights law that protects individuals with disabilities from discrimination. Section 504 requires schools to provide accommodations and modifications to ensure that students with disabilities have access to education comparable to that of non-disabled students. is a pivotal piece of legislation that guarantees just that.
In this post, we’ll break down what Section 504 requires, how it differs from an Individualized Education Program (IEP), and how the shift to online IEP platforms affects compliance. We’ll also highlight how software solutions support school districts in staying compliant, efficient, and student-focused.
Understanding Section 504
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is a federal law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance. This includes public schools, colleges, and universities. Under Section 504, an “individual with a disability” is defined as someone who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, such as walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, or breathing.
One crucial aspect of Section 504 is that it protects not only those with current impairments but also individuals with a record of such impairments. This ensures that no one is denied the benefits of, or subjected to discrimination under, any program or activity receiving federal funds.
The Role of IEPs
An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is a legally binding plan created for students who qualify for Special Education services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). IEPs play a vital role in ensuring that students with disabilities receive the education and support they need. An IEP is a personalized plan developed for each eligible student, outlining their specific needs, goals, and accommodations. IEPs are especially important for students with disabilities, as they help to level the playing field and provide the necessary resources to succeed academically.
With the rise of digital tools in education, online IEP platforms have become essential. They offer a convenient way for educators, parents, and students to collaborate on the educational journey of each student. However, to ensure compliance with Section 504, it’s essential that online IEPs adhere to all federal regulations.
504 Plan504 Plan A plan developed under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act to ensure a student with a disability receives accommodations that ensure their academic success and access to the learning environment vs. IEP: Common Questions
What is the difference between an IEP and a 504 Plan?
- An IEP is for students who qualify for Special Education under IDEA. It includes specialized instruction, related services, and measurable goals.
- A 504 Plan, on the other hand, is for students who may not need specialized instruction but do require accommodations to access the general education curriculum. These might include extended test time, preferential seating, or assistive technology. 504 Plans are governed by Section 504, not IDEA.
Can a student have both a 504 Plan and an IEP?
Generally, no. A student with an IEP already receives accommodation and services under IDEA, which provides broader support than a 504 Plan. The IEP must include any accommodation that would be covered under Section 504, making a separate 504 Plan unnecessary.
Do schools need separate systems for managing IEPs and 504 Plans?
While it’s not legally required to have separate systems, it’s highly recommended to use platforms designed specifically for each process. IEPs and 504 Plans involve different eligibility criteria, documentation, and compliance requirements. Tools like GoIDEA (for IEPs) and Go504 (for Section 504 accommodations) help districts stay organized and compliant by clearly separating these two workflows—while still supporting unified student records and data reporting.
Ensuring Accessibility and 504 Compliance in Online IEP Platforms
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act mandates that students with disabilities must not be excluded from or discriminated against in any program receiving federal funds—which includes all digital tools used in schools. As online IEP platforms become central to student planning and data management, it’s essential that they meet the additional functional needs for 504 compliance.
So in this regard, what should districts look for in an online IEP platform?
Key Features to Prioritize in an IEP Platform:
- Accommodation Tracking: Even though IEPs are governed under IDEA, every IEP platform must also support the documentation and monitoring of accommodations, many of which align directly with Section 504 requirements. A robust system should allow educators to easily input, review, and update accommodations and services—without barriers.
- Integrated Collaboration Tools: The IEP process should be a shared effort among educators, parents, specialists, and in some cases, students. A compliant platform must facilitate secure communication and real-time collaboration across teams, helping ensure that the student’s plan reflects their actual needs and context.
- Regulatory Alignment: To reduce legal risk and administrative strain, your IEP system should support compliance not only with IDEA but also with Section 504 and the ADA. This means audit-friendly documentation, timely updates, and clearly structured workflows for eligibility, services, and reevaluation.
💡 Recommended reading: IEP Paperwork Challenges and the Benefits of IEP Software
504 + IEP Platforms: Why Integration Creates More Value
While Section 504 and IDEA are distinct legal frameworks, students often exist at the intersection of both. A student might begin with a 504 Plan and later require an IEP—or vice versa. That’s why having dedicated platforms that work together seamlessly doesn’t just streamline operations—it amplifies student support.
A 504-focused platform like Go504 enables schools to manage accommodation planning, documentation, and compliance for students who need support but may not qualify under IDEA. With features such as customizable forms, centralized tracking, and compliance alerts, Go504 simplifies plan creation and ensures up-to-date records.
On the other hand, IEP software like GoIDEA supports the more structured and service-intensive needs of students who do qualify for Special Education under IDEA. It manages the entire IEP lifecycle, from eligibility and goal-setting to service tracking and Medicaid billing—ensuring legal compliance and accountability at every step.
Together, these two systems create more than just parallel processes—they form a unified ecosystem that empowers districts.
Conclusion
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is a cornerstone of ensuring equal educational opportunities for students with disabilities in the United States. By investing in platforms that meet the highest standards for accessibility, documentation, and integration, districts empower educators and protect student rights.
Go Solutions is proud to support this mission through Go504 and GoIDEA—giving districts the flexibility to manage both 504 and IEP workflows efficiently, accurately, and confidently.
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