504 and IEP Support

Working directly with your school district on 504 and IEP plans is essential to your student getting the support they need. The Alliance is here as a resource, but your home school should be your primary point of contact. Here are some helpful tips and contacts to support you—you’re not alone!

Understanding the Difference Between a 504 Plan and an IEP (Individualized Education Program)

Key Differences:
504: Access-focused—helps a student learn alongside peers with accommodations.
IEP: Instruction-focused—provides specialized teaching and supports because dyslexia significantly impacts learning.

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  • 504

    Purpose: Ensures students with disabilities, including dyslexia, have equal access to education by providing accommodations.

    Eligibility: Student has a disability that substantially limits one or more major life activities (e.g., reading, writing).

    Supports: Focuses on accommodations—changes to how a student learns or demonstrates learning, such as:
    - Extra time on tests or assignments
    - Preferential seating
    - Text-to-speech software or audiobooks
    - Organizational tools or note-taking support

    Instructional Impact: Does not typically change what is being taught, just how the student accesses it.

    Legal Basis: Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (civil rights law).

    Example: A student with dyslexia might receive extended time on reading tests and access to audiobooks but still works on the same grade-level content as peers.

  • IEP

    Purpose: Provides specialized instruction and supports to help students with disabilities meet educational goals.

    Eligibility: Student has a disability that adversely affects educational performance and requires special education services.

    Supports: Includes both accommodations and specialized instruction, such as:
    - Structured literacy instruction (e.g., Orton-Gillingham approach)
    - Small-group or one-on-one reading interventions
    - Modified assignments or alternative assessment methods
    - Accommodations similar to a 504 Plan

    Instructional Impact: Can change what is taught or how it is taught to address the student’s specific learning needs.

    Legal Basis: Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

    Example: A student with dyslexia may receive explicit, multisensory reading instruction multiple times per week, along with accommodations like extra time and audiobooks.

Additional Information

Key Special Education District Contacts

Next steps if your questions aren’t being addressed at the school level.

Don’t see your district?
Help us by checking if they have a Special Education Parent Liaison and share the information so we can add it here!

Need to make a change to what we have listed?
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Still have dyslexia-related questions?
Contact Us!

Make sure to check out our Favorite Resources section if you haven’t had a chance to explore yet!