Dyslexia: 504 plan or IEP?

There are two different ways you can get a legally-binding educational plan for your dyslexic child. One is called a 504 plan and the other is an IEP - an Individualized Education Plan. How do you know which one is right for your learner?

Background on IEPs and 504 plans

504 plans are called such because they are based on Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. This Act is a federal civil rights law that bans discrimination based on a person’s disability by entities that receive federal funding. Check out the Department of Education FAQs for more information. https://www.ed.gov/laws-and-policy/individuals-disabilities/protecting-students-with-disabilities

An IEP falls under the Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act (IDEA) that was passed in 1975.  According to the Department of Education, IDEA  "guarantees access to a free appropriate public education (FAPE) in the least restrictive environment (LRE) to every child with a disability." An IEP is the gateway into special education. 

What type of plan is better?

The type of plan your child should have is based entirely on their individual needs, and one is not “better” than another. This is where that initial qualifying meeting is important.  After your child is evaluated for a learning disability (or ADHD or any other educational challenges), the school will hold a meeting to decide if your child qualifies for a 504 plan or an IEP based on the findings of the evaluation. Read more about the qualifying meetings and IEP/504 meetings you need to attend as a parent of a dyslexic child.

Being found to have dyslexia (or ADHD or dysgraphia) does not automatically qualify a child for one of these plans. It has to be demonstrated that the disability is affecting their ability to learn or function in school in order to qualify for one of these plans. 

Does dyslexia need modifications or accommodations or both?

This is really where the answer lies as to what type of plan best suits a dyslexic learner. 

A modification is a change to the curriculum or the way it’s being taught.

An accommodation is a change to the learning environment to support learning without changing what is being taught.

A 504 plan can only provide accommodations, but an IEP can provide both modifications and accommodations. 

Things may change over time

Your child may initially qualify for an IEP, but as they make progress over time less and less modifications are needed. The school may suggest a change from an IEP to a 504, where they will have no more modifications but only accommodations.  A person with dyslexia might always need accommodations like extra time and assistive technology, even into adulthood.