Both IEPs and 504 plans are legally binding documents that aim to address the needs of
students who have disabilities and/or conditions that adversely affect their education, however,
there are important distinctions to be made between IEPs and 504 plans.
Eligibility: To qualify for an IEP, a student must have at least one of the disabilities defined in the
IDEA and demonstrate a need for special education to achieve academic progress. However, a
student may still be recognized as having a disability and receive the protections afforded by
Section 504, including classroom accommodations, even if they do not meet the specific
requirements for special education under IDEA. Students who are not eligible for an IEP may
still qualify for a 504 plan.
Cost: providing the special education services detailed in an IEP can be expensive, so there are
government funded grants available for the IDEA. However, such support is not provided to
schools by Section 504.
Content: 504 plans aim to provide students with the essential accommodations they need to
access the general education curriculum and eliminate obstacles to learning. An IEP typically
includes accommodations as well, but it may also involve modifications that alter aspects of the
general education curriculum and targeted interventions.
Maya Murphy P.C. has proudly been included in the 2024 Edition of Best Law Firms®, ranked among the top firms in the nation. In addition, Managing Partner Joseph C. Maya has been selected to The Best Lawyers in America® 2024 for his work in Employment Law and Education Law in Connecticut. Recognition in Best Lawyers® is awarded to firms and attorneys who demonstrate excellence in the industry and is widely regarded by both clients and legal professionals as a significant honor.
Our firm in Westport, Connecticut serves clients with legal assistance all over the state, including the towns of Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Bethany, Bethel, Branford, Bridgeport, Brookfield, Cheshire, Danbury, Darien, Derby, East Haven, Easton, Fairfield, Greenwich, Guilford, Hamden, Madison, Meriden, Middlebury, Milford, Monroe, Naugatuck, New Canaan, New Fairfield, New Haven, Newton, North Branford, North Haven, Norwalk, Orange, Oxford, Prospect, Redding, Ridgefield, Seymour, Shelton, Sherman, Southbury, Stamford, Stratford, Trumbull, Wallingford, Waterbury, West Haven, Weston, Westport, Wilton, and Woodbridge. In addition to assisting clients in Connecticut, our firm handles education law matters in New York as well.
If you have any questions or would like to speak to an attorney about a legal matter, please contact Joseph C. Maya and the other experienced attorneys at Maya Murphy, P.C. at (203) 221-3100 or JMaya@Mayalaw.com to schedule a free initial consultation today.
