School accommodations (or learning accommodations) for students in K-12 or kindergarten through high school remove barriers to learning in order to level the playing field for students with disabilities or students with an impairment that affects abilities such as hearing, seeing, walking, learning, reading, or concentrating. Examples of accommodations that are often given at this level are extended time, calculator use, text-to-speech software, speech-to-text software, typing instead of handwriting, or even accommodations related to health needs like snacks or allergies. Accommodations can also by physical, like access to ramps and elevators, or help with certain tasks.
Students with disabilities or impairments are protected by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act or Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, sometimes called “504,” or “Section 504.” Section 504 is a civil rights law that stops discrimination against people with disabilities in many different settings, including schools.
Section 504 is broader than IDEA (the special education law), and potentially covers more people than IDEA. Some students meet the eligibility requirements for both an IEP under IDEA and for a 504 Plan under Section 504. If that is the case, schools should provide the IEP under IDEA.
If you would like to learn more about Accommodations K-12, or speak to an education attorney, please contact us today.