Individuals with Disability Education Act & Section 504
IDEA
(The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act)
IDEA is an education act that provides federal funding for special education . The purpose is to provide financial aid to states in their efforts to ensure a free appropriate education for students with disabilities. A student is eligible to receive special education and/or related services if the multidisciplinary team determines that the student has a disability under one of the thirteen qualifying conditions and requires special education services. IDEA requires the district to provide an individual education program (IEP). The IEP provides an "Appropriate Education" which means a program designed to provide "Educational Benefit".
SECTION 504
(The Rehabilitation Act of 1973)
Section 504 is a civil rights law that provides federal funding for general education . The purpose is to protect the rights of individuals with disabilities in programs and activities that receive federal assistance from the department of education. Section 504 requires a written accommodation plan. A student is eligible as long he/she currently has, has had, or is regarded as having a physical or mental impairment which substantially limits a major life activity.
IDEA/504 Comparison Chart
