The IEP/504 Plan is so Long and Complicated - What Does It All Mean?

This is the fifth part of an eight-part series, Top IEP/504 Flaws and What You Can Do About Them

The Problem
My child's IEP/504 plan is 15 pages long!  I've read it a couple of times, but still do not understand what it means. 

What You Can Do
The most important sections of the IEP/504 plan are those that directly affect your child's educational program - services and accommodations. Services are the special education your child receives in addition to the general education curriculum.  On IEPs, services are described on a "service delivery page."  This page lists your child's special education services (e.g. occupational therapy, speech and language, counseling), the amount of time per week your child will receive these services, where your child will receive the service, and the qualifications of the service provider (e.g. special education teacher, speech language pathologist, or paraprofessional).  In addition to services, it is also important to understand your child's IEP/504 accommodations.   Accommodations allow your child to access the curriculum.   Accommodations may include assistive technology, preferential seating, and modified homework, to name a few.

If you need a special education advocate in Massachusetts, contact Boston area attorney Lillian E. Wong today.

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