Free resources
Resources for Michigan families
Plain-language basics on 504 plans and IEPs, a checklist for your next school meeting, and free Michigan organizations that can help. Everything here is free to use and share.
The basics
504 plan or IEP?
Section 504 plan
Comes from Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, a civil rights law.
- For students with a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits a major life activity, such as learning, concentrating or reading
- Can include students with anxiety, depression, ADHD, diabetes, allergies and more
- Provides accommodations and services so your child has equal access to school
- Concerns can be filed with the U.S. Office for Civil Rights
IEP (Individualized Education Program)
Comes from the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the special education law.
- For students who qualify under an IDEA eligibility category and need specially designed instruction
- Includes measurable goals, special education services and progress reports
- Reviewed at least once a year, with a full re-evaluation at least every three years
- Concerns can be filed as a state complaint with the Michigan Department of Education
Mental health
Mental health supports in a 504 plan
Anxiety, depression and other mental health conditions can qualify a student for a 504 plan when they substantially limit learning or other daily activities. Supports should fit your child’s own needs. Families often ask about supports like these:
- A discreet break pass with a set place to go and a plan for returning to class
- A separate, quieter space for tests or individual work
- Extended time on tests and assignments
- Regular check-ins with a counselor or trusted adult
- Flexible deadlines and a clear make-up plan after absences
- Reduced or prioritized assignments during hard stretches
- Concerns raised with your child privately, one-on-one
- A plan for what staff will do when your child is overwhelmed
Before your meeting
Meeting checklist
- Ask for copies of your child’s current plan, evaluations and progress reports a few days ahead
- Write down your top concerns and what you’d like to see change
- Note what works at home and what your child says is hard at school
- Bring a list of the supports you’re requesting
- You can bring a support person or advocate with you
- Ask for a copy of the plan or draft before you leave
- Afterward, send a short email summarizing what was agreed
Free help in Michigan
Where to turn
Michigan Alliance for Families
Free parent mentors, help understanding your rights, and workshops for families of children with disabilities.
Disability Rights Michigan
Free, confidential help and referrals for students with disabilities and their families. Call 1-800-288-5923.
Mediation and facilitation
Special Education Mediation Services offers free, neutral help with difficult meetings and disagreements. Call 1-833-KIDS1ST.
File a 504 complaint
If a school discriminates against your child because of a disability or doesn’t follow Section 504, you can file a complaint with the U.S. Office for Civil Rights.
File a state complaint (IEP)
Anyone can file a written state complaint with the Michigan Department of Education if a school isn’t following special education rules.
Official 504 guide for parents
The Office for Civil Rights’ Parent and Educator Resource Guide to Section 504 explains eligibility, evaluations and your rights.
Every Michigan intermediate school district also has a special education Parent Advisory Committee (PAC), a group of parents who advise the ISD and share information with families. Ask your ISD how to get involved.
Words you’ll hear
Glossary
- 504 plan: A written plan of accommodations and services under Section 504.
- IEP: Individualized Education Program: the written special education plan under IDEA.
- FAPE: Free Appropriate Public Education. Both laws require schools to provide it.
- Accommodation: A change in how your child learns or shows what they know, such as extended time. The learning goals stay the same.
- Modification: A change in what your child is expected to learn, such as fewer or different assignments.
- LRE: Least Restrictive Environment: learning alongside peers without disabilities as much as appropriate.
- MTSS: Multi-Tiered System of Supports: how schools give extra help to any student who needs it, in levels.
- OCR: The U.S. Office for Civil Rights, which enforces Section 504.
- MDE: The Michigan Department of Education, which oversees special education in Michigan.
- PAC: Parent Advisory Committee: parents who advise an ISD on special education.
