December 3, 2025

Many people, including seasoned educators, are confused about the difference between a 504 and an IEP (Individualized Education Plan). While both provide accommodations to students with disabilities, there is one clear difference between the two. A 504 provides accommodations, but does not provided specialized instruction. An IEP provides both.

Let’s look at a couple of examples:

If a student is diabetic, they might need accommodations allowing them to leave the classroom to get a snack. This is especially important to document for testing purposes. While most teachers don’t have a problem letting a student leave for a snack, many state tests require an accommodation in order to allow the test to be stopped while the student gets a snack. In this example, we’re assuming that the child is on grade level in all subjects and does not need to meet with a service provider for specialized instruction. For that reason, the student would have a 504 documenting the accommodation required, but would not need an IEP.

If a student is significantly below grade level in reading, they would likely need to meet regularly with the special education teacher for specialized reading instruction. They would also need accommodations within the classroom and for testing (i.e. extend time, instructions read to them, etc.). Because they would receive accommodations AND specialized instruction, they would require an IEP.

Things get a little tricky when a student has a diagnosis that may or may not require specialized instruction. ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorder are two examples. Most students with ADHD or ASD will need accommodations, but not all require specialized instruction. For example, a student with ADHD may need an accommodation for preferential seating in the classroom in order to minimize distractions. If this is enough to allow the student to perform at a level with their peers, then a 504 would be written for the student. If, however, their disability is impacting them so much that they are significantly behind their peers academically, they would require specialized instruction (most likely with the special education teacher) and would therefore need an IEP.

Okay, that was a lot. But it all boils down to one question: Does the student require accommodations AND specialized instruction from a special services provider (special education teacher, speech therapist, occupational therapist, psychologist, etc.). If the answer is no, then the student needs a 504. If the answer is yes, they need an IEP.