Common 504 Interventions

Since our director, Ann Dolin, M.Ed, was a special education teacher here in Fairfax county, many families seek her advice when it comes to setting up IEP or 504 plans for their children. Individualized Education Plans (IEPs)are designed to provide accommodations or modifications for students who have severe learning differences or other impairments that affect their academic success, such as learning disorders, Down's Syndrome, or Autism. Sometimes, though, students who would benefit from educational accommodations do not qualify for special education services. For example, a student with severe AD/HD would be unable to receive services under the umbrella of special education. There is an answer, however.

Section 504 Plans are designed to facilitate support for children at school who do not meet the criteria for special education, but are still severely impacted in a main area of life. This could include breathing, performing mental math equations, seeing, hearing, speaking, etc. Attention deficits can qualify a student for a 504 plan if the disorder's manifestations prohibit learning. Deficits in auditory and visual processing can also qualify students for 504 plans. Talk to your child's teacher if you feel a 504 plan might be appropriate. You can also phone Ann for additional information.

Some common interventions provided in a 504 Plan include:
*providing frequent breaks
*administering tests or assessments untimed
*extending due dates on homework or projects
*providing peer tutors or pre-written notes
*the use of technological devices, such as calculators, laptops, etc.
*allowing students to present information orally instead of in writing, or vice versa
*scheduling student-teacher "check-ins"
*using behavior contracts or behavior modification plans
*self-monitoring
*breaking down tasks
*eliminating some or all homework assignments
*modifying assignments to allow students to effectively show their subject mastery

The list can really go on and on! If you feel that your child would or should qualify for a 504 plan, contact the school before classes begin in the fall. It can be a lengthy process to evaluate a student for possible services and it's better to get the ball rolling early.