What is the difference between Section 504 and IDEA?
There are significant differences between Section 504 and IDEA. Perhaps the most significant is that Section 504 is is a civil rights law, and IDEA is an educational benefit law. Section 504 is designed to level the playing field for individuals with disabilities. Its purpose is to ensure that individuals with disabilities have the same access to education that individuals without disabilities have. It does this by eliminating barriers that exclude individuals with disabilities from participating in protected activities, including a free and appropriate public education. As an educational benefit law, IDEA offers additional services and protections for those with disabilities that are not offered to those without disabilities. These laws are also distinguished by the their different eligibility requirements and the benefits they provide. The definition of a disability is much broader under Section 504 than it is under IDEA. All IDEA students are covered by Section 504, where as not all
Related Questions
- Could a child be protected by Section 504 and Title II but not be eligible to receive services under the IDEA?
- Is there a relationship between Section 504 and Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act (IDEA)?
- How does ADA and Section 504 differ from the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)?
