Quiz: Your Child's Rights

1. My child's seizures are fully controlled by medication. Can the school deny a 504 plan for that reason?

No. The law judges an episodic condition by what it would do when active, and the benefit of medication is set aside when deciding eligibility. Well-controlled epilepsy still qualifies.

2. Is a Seizure Action Plan (SAP) the same as a 504 plan?

No. A SAP is a health/first-aid document. A 504 plan (or IEP) is a legally enforceable education plan. To make supports legally binding, they should be written into a 504 plan or IEP.

3. What is the difference between a 504 plan and an IEP?

A 504 plan provides accommodations so a student can access school equally. An IEP (under IDEA) provides specialized instruction when the condition affects learning and the student needs special education. Every student with an IEP is also covered by 504.

4. How does a parent start the 504 process?

Put a written request for a 504 evaluation to the school (usually the 504 coordinator or principal). The district must then evaluate, with your permission, before providing services.

5. Name three accommodations a family might request.

Any three: rest/recovery space after a seizure; make-up work without penalty; testing accommodations; trained staff for rescue medication; transportation staff trained to respond; note-taking supports; anti-bullying and emotional support; daily communication about seizures.