IDEA
VS.
IDEA
Direct Assistance.
Educational
programs/services.
Provided by state funding
Birth-Age21/High School
diploma
A child has one or more of
the 13 specific disabilities
(under IDEA).
The Disability MUST affect
Appropriate means a program
designed to provide
educational benefit for the
student.
Purpose
Funding/Cost
Ages
Who is Eligible
Definition of appropriate
education
504
Section 504
To prevent
discrimination
Does not have funding
Lifetime
A child that has any
disability.
The disability must interfere
with the childs ability to
learn in the classroom.
(Much broader definition)
Appropriate means an
A parents guide to IDEA
education comparable to those
and Section 504.
provided for students who are
not disabled.
Purpose
Funding/Cost
By: Lily Kanefield
Ages
Who is Eligible
Definition of appropriate education
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What is IDEA/Section 504?
IDEA
IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities
Education Act) is a federal law that protects
the education needs of all (eligible) students
with disabilities. IDEA makes sure that all
students with disabilities have access to
FAPE (free and appropriate public
education), that students are in the LRE
(least restrictive environment), and that all
educational decision are made with parent
involvement. Therefore IDEAs main goal is
to protect the rights of child with disabilities
and their parents.
Section 504
Section 504 is a federal civil rights act
that eliminates discrimination against
students with disabilities in public
schools. Section 504 makes sure that
all students with disabilities have equal
access to education through
accommodations and modifications,
Section 504s main goal is to make sure
that all students with disabilities are
receiving any and all services they
need for any disability that limits one or
more major life activity or has record of
impairment.
Parent Q&A
Do I have to pay for my students
to receive either of these
services?
No, although these programs are
funded differently all students
receive both of these services at no
charge.
Do I have to give consent in
order for my student to be
evaluated?
Yes, for both programs a parent
must consent to an evaluation.
What if I know my child has a
learning disability but he doesnt
qualify for IDEA or Section 504?
The best thing you can do for your
child is to get them evaluated, if
you think your child is struggling
and a test can