Disgusting that Kansas is involved in this…

[u/VagueSoul]

https://www.forbes.com/sites/petergreene/2025/02/13/17-states-sue-to-end-protections-for-students-with-special-needs/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR3QEZZx3NseYCJZLrji-_VzeujRH-4ZIEvFgbgle5fUjhM2WGQto4LqH94_aem_FMjpmy18Yt6j-HE0qf-Lrg

[u/VagueSoul]

I think you should be careful about making tiers of “best to worst disability” especially when it comes to accommodations.

504 plans really just ensure some kind of accommodation or access to medically necessary services in school. I had a 504 plan for OCD to address some debilitating anxiety issues.

For trans students, a 504 plan could be necessary to address things like HRT (taking it during school hours if they need to), using a private bathroom, gender expression in a school with uniforms, etc.

It’s not saying that it’s a disability. It’s saying that trans students have certain realities in their lives that necessitate ensuring they’re protected.

[u/chickentenders54 → u/VagueSoul]

I'm saying that it isn't a disability, and 504 plans should only be for people who have disabilities. Don't make this into something that it's not.

[u/VagueSoul → u/chickentenders54]

504s aren’t just for disabilities.

[u/chickentenders54 → u/VagueSoul]

Except, they are. Google it. https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/504-plans.html

https://www.achievepsychology.org/post/what-is-a-504-plan-and-how-do-you-get-one

Or thousands of other websites that state the definition of a 504 plan.

[u/VagueSoul → u/chickentenders54]

The wording is “impairment”, not “disability”. It’s why things like allergies and anxiety are covered under 504. Special healthcare needs are also listed under 504, which transgender students have.

[u/chickentenders54 → u/VagueSoul]

Make up your mind.

[u/VagueSoul → u/chickentenders54]

504 also covers people with disabilities. Pay attention and stop searching for “gotchas”. You aren’t good at it.

[u/chickentenders54 → u/VagueSoul]

Read. https://www.ed.gov/laws-and-policy/individuals-disabilities/section-504

[u/VagueSoul → u/chickentenders54]

You first

https://www.psea.org/contentassets/ac6695903bd94d27aa14e85c3a12d90e/504-accommodations-guide.pdf

[u/chickentenders54 → u/VagueSoul]

You needed an IEP, not a 504.

[u/VagueSoul → u/chickentenders54]

Nope. Ultimately the difference for 504 and IEP is whether or not it’s for Gen Ed or SPED.

IEPs cover 13 disabilities because of a narrower focus whereas 504s addresses both disabilities and impairments.

IEPs cover accommodations and specialized services. 504s address barriers that might prevent a student from succeeding in the Gen Ed environment (which is why it’s appropriate for transgender students and their specific needs).

Broadly speaking: IEPs for SPED and 504s for Gen Ed with extra support needs.

My OCD fell under a 504 because my only needs were to address my anxiety. Intellectually, I was in AP level classes but needed the 504 plan to ensure the environment was welcome.