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Sample 504 Plan Request Letters

Section 504 covers any student whose disability substantially limits a major life activity. These sample letters cover generic 504 requests, condition-specific (ADHD, anxiety), 504 evaluations, and 504-to-IEP escalation.

Generic 504 plan request

When to use: Use when your child has a documented disability that substantially limits a major life activity and you are requesting a Section 504 plan for the first time. Section 504 covers any student with a disability, even when an IEP is not warranted.

[Date]

[Section 504 Coordinator Name] / [Principal Name]
[School Name]
[School District]
[Address]

Re: Request for Section 504 Plan, [Child's Name], [Grade]

Dear [504 Coordinator / Principal],

I am writing to formally request that [School Name] develop a Section 504 plan for my child, [Child's Name], a [grade] student. Under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and 34 CFR Part 104, a student with a disability that substantially limits one or more major life activities is entitled to a plan of accommodations that ensures equal access to educational benefits.

[Child's Name] has been diagnosed with [diagnosis] by [provider, on date if known]. The disability substantially limits the following major life activities: [for example, learning, concentrating, reading, communicating, regulating emotions, sleeping].

In school, the disability affects [Child's Name] in these specific ways:
- [Specific impact, for example: difficulty focusing during sustained instruction]
- [Specific impact, for example: sensory overload in lunchroom and assemblies]
- [Specific impact, for example: difficulty completing timed assessments]

I am requesting:
1. A Section 504 evaluation meeting to be scheduled within a reasonable time.
2. Consideration of the following accommodations, which I believe would address the impact of the disability: [example accommodations: extended time, sensory breaks, preferential seating, alternative testing environment, written instructions in addition to oral, etc.].
3. A written Section 504 plan documenting accommodations, the staff responsible for implementation, and the review schedule.
4. Copies of the district's Section 504 procedures and the parent's rights under Section 504.

Attached is documentation from [Provider Name] describing the diagnosis. Please confirm receipt of this letter in writing within five business days and let me know the next step.

Thank you for your attention.

Sincerely,

[Parent's Name]
[Phone]
[Email]

Attached: [Diagnostic documentation / medical records]

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504 plan request for ADHD

When to use: Use when your child has ADHD and needs accommodations but not specialized instruction. ADHD substantially limits concentration, focus, and impulse control, which Section 504 explicitly recognizes as covered major life activities.

504 plan request for anxiety

When to use: Use when your child has a diagnosed anxiety disorder, OCD, panic disorder, or school refusal tied to anxiety, and needs accommodations to access school. Section 504 explicitly recognizes mental health conditions as covered disabilities.

Request a 504 evaluation

When to use: Use when you are not yet sure whether your child qualifies for a 504 plan and want the district to conduct the eligibility evaluation. Distinct from requesting an IEP evaluation under IDEA.

504-to-IEP escalation after services denied

When to use: Use when your child has a 504 plan but the accommodations have not been sufficient, and you want the district to evaluate for an IEP under IDEA. This is the right escalation path when accommodations alone are not letting your child access education.

Frequently asked questions

Who qualifies for a 504 plan?
Any student who has a documented disability that substantially limits a major life activity (learning, concentrating, communicating, regulating emotions, sleeping, eating, etc.). Section 504 covers a broader range of disabilities than IDEA's IEP eligibility categories.
What's the difference between a 504 plan and an IEP?
A 504 plan provides accommodations under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. An IEP provides specially designed instruction plus accommodations under IDEA. If your child needs only accommodations (extended time, sensory breaks, preferential seating), a 504 plan may be sufficient. If your child needs specially designed instruction, an IEP is the right framework.
How long does the school have to develop a 504 plan?
Section 504 regulations require schools to evaluate a child suspected of having a disability and develop a plan within a reasonable time. Many states require it within 45 to 60 school days; some have no specific timeline beyond reasonableness.
Can I request a 504 plan and an IEP at the same time?
Yes. The two are not mutually exclusive at the request stage. The school will evaluate eligibility under both. If the child qualifies for an IEP, that supersedes a separate 504 plan because IEPs include accommodations. If the child does not qualify for an IEP but is found 504-eligible, a 504 plan is developed.
What if the school refuses to consider my 504 request?
File a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights, which enforces Section 504 in schools. You can also request a hearing under the district's Section 504 grievance procedures.

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