A 504 plan is for a student who has a physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more major life functions. Breathing, walking and learning are some examples of major life functions. These students require accommodations during their school day. The term 504 plan comes from Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act which requires agencies receiving federal funds (schools in this case) to provide qualified disabled individuals with reasonable accommodations to allow them to access the benefits of the agency (school) on a level playing field. A 504 plan describe the nature of the disability and the major life activity affected by the disability. It also outlines the accommodations provided to a student and any recommended services for that student. In order to determine if a child qualifies for a 504 plan an evaluation is necessary. If a child already has a known physical or mental impairment part of the evaluation will be to determine if this known impairment substantially limits the student in any way. Other students with no known impairment may require a psycho-educational evaluation by a school psychologist. If a 504 evaluation is requested for a student, parental consent will be obtained. The Office of Student services will send a packet of information explaining parental rights and asking for consent for an evaluation. It is necessary for the parent to return the green consent sheet back to the Office of Student Services in order for the evaluation to proceed. Once an evaluation has taken place, a 504 Committee Meeting will be set up to discuss if the child qualifies for a plan and what the components of the plan may be.
A parent’s guide to Section 504 in public schools 
Protecting Students With Disabilities
A Guide to Disability Rights Laws