504 Accommodations List
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is a federal law that ensures students with disabilities receive necessary accommodations to access education on an equal basis with their peers. These accommodations help students overcome barriers in school due to their disabilities without altering the curriculum.
Common 504 Accommodations: Here are some commonly provided accommodations under a 504 Plan:
Classroom Accommodations:
- Preferential seating
- Additional time for assignments and tests
- Access to a quiet testing environment
- Use of a scribe or speech-to-text technology
- Permission to record lectures
- Frequent breaks during instruction
- Access to class notes from the teacher or a peer
- Use of a calculator for math assignments
- Modified homework expectations
Testing Accommodations:
- Extended time on tests
- Testing in a separate, distraction-free environment
- Use of assistive technology (e.g., text-to-speech software)
- Alternative test formats (e.g., oral responses instead of written)
- Small group or one-on-one testing settings
Behavioral and Social Accommodations:
- Behavioral intervention plans
- Social skills training or peer mentoring
- Access to a counselor or social worker
- Positive reinforcement strategies
- Alternative seating arrangements
- Clear and consistent routines
Medical and Health Accommodations:
- Permission to take medications at school
- Access to the nurse’s office as needed
- Dietary accommodations (e.g., allergies, diabetes care)
- Flexible attendance policies for medical appointments
- Allowing water bottles or snacks in class for medical needs
Technology Accommodations:
- Access to audiobooks or digital textbooks
- Use of speech-to-text or text-to-speech software
- Adaptive computer equipment (e.g., enlarged keyboards, screen readers)
- Access to communication devices for nonverbal students
How to Request a 504 Plan:
- Contact your child’s teacher or school counselor.
- Submit a written request for a 504 evaluation.
- Participate in the evaluation process and provide medical documentation if required.
- Collaborate with the school team to develop the 504 Plan.
- Review and update the plan annually.