Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is an anti-discrimination statute that is designed to provide equal access to education programs, services and activities for students with a physical or mental health disability.

A student might qualify for a 504 plan if they have a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits a major life activity such as thinking, learning or concentrating, to name a few. The goal of a 504 plan is for students to be educated in regular classrooms along with services or accommodations they may need. A student with a mental and/or physical impairment that is progressing in school without modifications and/or accommodations, or with modifications and/or accommodations available to every student, would be eligible for the non-discrimination protections under Section 504 but would not have a written 504 plan.