Welcome to Season 4 of The Special Ed Strategist Podcast! In this episode, Wendy Taylor, your host and Special Ed Strategist, dives deep into an important but often under-discussed topic: Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. This solo episode breaks down everything you need to know about how 504 Plans differ from IEPs, how they work, and how you can effectively advocate for your child's rights in the public school system.

Key Takeaways:

Section 504 is a federal civil rights law that ensures students with disabilities receive accommodations in the general education environment, removing barriers to learning. It’s designed to prevent discrimination and allow students to have equal access to education.

While an IEP provides specialized instruction, a 504 Plan focuses solely on accommodations to support students in the general education classroom without modifying the curriculum.

Learn about the thorough evaluation process schools use to determine eligibility, which involves gathering input from multiple sources to assess if a student's disability impacts their ability to succeed in the classroom.

Wendy emphasizes the importance of starting the process with a formal written request and staying actively involved as a parent to ensure the accommodations are implemented properly.

Parents have legal rights, including participating in meetings, accessing educational records, and appealing decisions if necessary.

Dr. Jane McGuire – Expert on Section 504 and accommodations.

Dr. Michael Harris – Specialist in educational law and student rights, offering guidance on navigating the complexities of 504 plans.

Follow Wendy and Learning Essentials on social media to stay up-to-date with tips, strategies, and new episodes!

Instagram: @LearningEssentials

LinkedIn: Wendy Taylor

Facebook: Learning Essentials

Website: Learning Essentials EDU

Catch new episodes of The Special Ed Strategist wherever you listen to podcasts!

Apple Podcasts: Review the podcast

Stay informed, stay engaged, and keep advocating for your child's educational needs. Until next time!