by Anne Marie Palazzolo

Created on: June 15, 2009

Section 504 can be a very effective tool in assisting a student with ADHD in the general education classroom. It provides accommodations for students with disabilities so that students may be as successful as possible while learning in a classroom with their peers.

First, it is important to understand the difference between a 504 plan and an IEP. A 504 plan allows a student to receive accommodations for their disabilities based on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). It does not provide them with remedial instruction, educational support, any type of occupational or speech therapy, or any other special education service. It does provide for in-class accommodations like extended test time, seat placement, and answer delivery methods. This is very different from an Individualized Education Plan (IEP), which is facilitated by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). This difference is important because the ADA applies to people of all ages with disabilities, rather than just school aged children. For this reason, 504 accommodations can follow a student long after graduation and into the workplace, or post-secondary education. IDEA on the other hand, only applies to students attending school.

Another important thing to note is that a student that already has an IEP does not need a 504 plan as well. All of the accommodations that he or she needs will be provided under the IEP. A student who does not have an IEP and therefore does not receive special education services qualifies for a 504 plan if his or her disability has a negative effect on school performance. A professional must verify the disability. In the case of ADHD, the student's pediatrician usually provides the diagnosis and necessary documentation.

A 504 plan is a very effective tool in ensuring the success of some students with ADHD. It allows for such accommodations as receiving a scribe for in-class assignments and tests, adapting assignments to require less writing or even verbal responses. Students with ADHD often do well when allowed to move around while listening. A section 504 plan can specify that all general education teachers a child works with during the day allow him or her to do this. Students with ADHD often have problems with time management. A 504 plan could require that a teacher break the student's work into smaller parts, provide a small timer for the student's desk, or any other accommodation that might help the student to use time more wisely.

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