A 504 plan and an IEP are both legal documents that provide support and accommodations to students with disabilities, but they differ in key ways:

The 504 plan eliminates barriers and provides equal access to education for students with disabilities. It falls under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which prohibits discrimination based on disability. An IEP, on the other hand, is designed for students who qualify for special education services under IDEA. It is a more comprehensive plan that outlines specific educational goals, services, and accommodations for students with qualifying disabilities.

To qualify for a 504 plan, a student must have a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, such as learning. One example would be ADHD. To become eligible for an IEP, there must be an evaluation, and it is based on the student meeting the specific criteria for one or more of the 13 disability categories outlined in IDEA, and the disability must adversely affect educational performance.

Both 504 plans and IEP aim to support students with disabilities; the key differences lie in the eligibility criteria, the scope of services, and the legal framework that governs them. The choice between a 504 plan and an IEP depends on the student's individual needs.