Section 504 Plans in Louisiana
How does Section 504 work in Louisiana?
In Louisiana, students with disabilities who do not meet IDEA special education eligibility but who have a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities may qualify for a Section 504 Individual Accommodation Plan (IAP), commonly called a '504 Plan.' The LDOE has published a Section 504 Overview and Individual Accommodation Plan guidance document (August 2016). Louisiana uses the official term 'Individual Accommodation Plan (IAP)' in its state forms and guidance for 504 plans — a state-specific practice that distinguishes Louisiana from the generic '504 plan' terminology used in most other states. Section 504 eligibility is broader than IDEA; all students who receive special education services automatically receive Section 504 protections, but not all Section 504-eligible students qualify for special education. When a student qualifies under both IDEA and Section 504, an IEP governs (not a 504 plan), as the IEP provides greater protections. Louisiana Section 504/IAP plans may include extended time, preferential seating, extra breaks, separate test settings, assistive technology, note-takers, and other accommodations. Section 504 protections also apply in discipline: students with 504 plans are entitled to a manifestation determination review before significant disciplinary changes. Charter schools have the same Section 504 obligations as traditional public schools.
What Louisiana Requires
Louisiana uses 'Individual Accommodation Plan (IAP)' as the official term for a 504 plan; the IAP documents all accommodations, modifications, and services for eligible students (LDOE Section 504 Overview, August 2016).
LDOE Section 504 Overview and Individual Accommodation Plan (August 2016)
Section 504 eligibility is broader than IDEA; students with disabilities that substantially limit a major life activity qualify even if they do not need special education (LDOE Section 504 Overview).
LDOE Section 504 Overview
When a student qualifies under both IDEA and Section 504, the IEP governs; the IEP provides broader protections and services than a 504 Plan alone (Bulletin 1706; LDOE guidance).
Bulletin 1706; LDOE Section 504 Overview
Section 504 students are entitled to manifestation determination reviews before significant disciplinary changes (34 CFR Part 104; LDOE discipline guidance).
34 CFR Part 104; LDOE discipline guidance
Louisiana uses the term 'Individual Accommodation Plan (IAP)' for Section 504 plans; the IAP must document the student's disability, how it substantially limits a major life activity, and the accommodations provided (LDOE Section 504 Guidance, 2016).
LDOE Section 504 Overview and Individual Accommodation Plan (August 2016)
Key Timelines
Section 504 reevaluation must occur before significant placement changes (34 CFR 104.35).
IAP/504 Plans should be reviewed annually and updated as needed (LDOE guidance).