#educational advocacy

[educational-advocacy]

Choosing Between an IEP and a 504 Plan: What You Need to Know

As a parent, one of the most significant concerns is ensuring that your child receives the best possible support in their education. However, navigating the complex world of education plans can often feel overwhelming. Two main plans that are commonly used to address the needs of students with disabilities are the Individual Education Plan (IEP) and the 504 Plan. In this article, we will explore the key differences between these two plans, providing you with the information you need to make an informed decision for your child.

The Importance of Providing the Best Support

Every child deserves the opportunity to thrive in their educational journey. When a child faces challenges in school, it is crucial to provide them with the necessary support to overcome these hurdles. This support not only helps them academically but also boosts their self-confidence and overall well-being. As a parent, you play a vital role in advocating for your child and ensuring they receive the support they need to succeed.

Introduction to the IEP and 504 Plan

The IEP and 504 Plan are two education plans designed to address the specific needs of students with disabilities. While they share the common goal of providing support, they differ in various ways. Understanding these differences is essential in making the right choice for your child.

The Individual Education Plan (IEP) is a comprehensive document that outlines specific educational goals, objectives, and related services tailored to your child's unique needs. It is a legally binding document developed collaboratively by professionals, educators, parents, and other relevant individuals. The IEP focuses on providing specialized academic instruction, setting individualized milestones, and addressing specific educational needs.

On the other hand, the 504 Plan ensures equal access to education and school programs for students with disabilities. It is based on Section 504, a civil rights statute that prohibits discrimination and guarantees equal opportunities. Unlike the IEP, the 504 Plan does not provide specialized academic instruction. Instead, it focuses on removing barriers to learning and providing necessary accommodations within the general education setting.

By understanding the differences between these two plans, you will be better equipped to choose the one that best suits your child's unique needs and sets them on the path to success. In the following sections, we will delve deeper into the specific features and considerations of both the IEP and 504 Plan.

Understanding the IEP (Individual Education Plan)

An Individual Education Plan (IEP) is a special education plan designed to meet the unique needs of students with disabilities. It is a comprehensive document that outlines specific goals, objectives, and related services tailored to your child. The purpose of an IEP is to ensure that your child receives the necessary support and accommodations to access their education and make progress in their learning.

How an IEP is Developed and Who is Involved

The development of an IEP is a collaborative process involving various individuals who have a vested interest in your child's education. This may include special education teachers, general education teachers, school administrators, related service providers (such as speech therapists or occupational therapists), and most importantly, you as the parent.

The process typically starts with an evaluation to determine your child's eligibility for special education services. If your child qualifies, an IEP team is formed to develop and implement the IEP. The team members come together to discuss your child's strengths, areas of need, and set appropriate goals and objectives.

Definition and Purpose of a 504 Plan

A 504 Plan is another type of education plan that aims to ensure equal access to education for students with disabilities. It is named after Section 504, a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in programs receiving federal funding. The purpose of a 504 Plan is to remove barriers to learning and provide necessary accommodations, modifications, and support to help students with disabilities succeed in the general education setting.

How a 504 Plan Ensures Equal Access to Education

Unlike an IEP, which focuses on specialized instruction, a 504 Plan primarily focuses on accommodations and modifications that help level the playing field for students with disabilities. These accommodations can include things like extra time on tests, preferential seating, assistive technology, note-taking support, or access to a quiet space for taking exams. The goal is to provide students with the necessary tools and supports to fully participate in their education alongside their peers.

Differences between a 504 Plan and an IEP

One key difference between a 504 Plan and an IEP is the level of specialized instruction provided. An IEP offers more extensive specialized academic instruction and individualized goals, whereas a 504 Plan focuses primarily on accommodations and support within the general education curriculum.

Additionally, the eligibility criteria for a 504 Plan are typically less stringent compared to an IEP. To qualify for a 504 Plan, a student must have a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, such as learning, seeing, walking, or concentrating. This broader eligibility criteria allows for the inclusion of students with a wider range of impairments, even those that may be episodic or temporary.

Dual Support: Possibility of Having Both an IEP and a 504 Plan

While it is uncommon for a student to have both an IEP and a 504 Plan, there are situations where it might be necessary. Sometimes, a student may qualify for both plans because they have specific needs that require specialized academic instruction through an IEP, as well as accommodations and support within the general education setting through a 504 Plan. This dual support approach ensures that all aspects of the student's needs are addressed effectively.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Between an IEP and a 504 Plan

When deciding between an IEP and a 504 Plan, several factors need to be considered. It's important to evaluate your child's individual needs, the level of support required, and the specific goals you have for their education. If your child requires specialized instruction and has significant academic needs, an IEP may be more appropriate. However, if your child primarily needs accommodations and support in the general education setting, a 504 Plan might be the better choice.

As a parent, you are your child's advocate, and you play a crucial role in making educational decisions. It's important to gather information, ask questions, and work collaboratively with your child's school team to make an informed decision about which plan is best for your child. Every child is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. Trust your instincts and choose the plan that aligns most closely with your child's needs and goals.

Get Help from Rise Educational Advocacy

Navigating the world of IEPs and 504 Plans can be complex, and you don't have to do it alone. Rise Educational Advocacy is a reliable resource providing guidance and support to parents like you. We offer expert-approved Parent IEP Coaching, online training, and virtual services nationwide. With our expertise, you can gain the knowledge and tools to effectively advocate for your child and navigate the special education process.

Remember, the choice between an IEP and a 504 Plan is about finding the best support for your child's unique needs. By considering all the factors, seeking information and support, and working closely with your child's school team, you can ensure that your child gets the support they need to thrive academically and reach their full potential.

[transsexualfiend]

Repeat after me: kink is not a "gateway" to committing a crime.

[uncanny-tranny]

"This mental health disorder is WORSE than this one!" "Which of these disorders under the same umbrella are the WORSE ones to have?!"

If you have a disorder, it is disordering! I see some people think that aspects that are more prominent in some disorders are automatically more disordering, but that is subjective between people with the conditions. I hate this implication that some people seem to believe wherein there are "simple" disorders and then there are Horrific and Scarily Awful disorders. It helps none of us who actually are affected by certain mental health conditions.

As somebody with a condition that is stereotyped to be the Horrific and Scarily Awful disorder, I don't feel helped when people say I'm "worse off" than someone who got "lucky" by having a comparatively "simple" disorder. Somebody's "simple" mental health disorder could be just as or more disabling than my "severe" one - a disorder is DISORDERING first and foremost. Should we not be focusing on helping each other, regardless of how disordering we assume a condition is?

[booksandbrainsandsoftthings]

Officially forming the theory that the reason more service dog handlers don't use protective gear like boots, goggles, and ear protection on their dog is because the public becomes 3000% more unbearable when they try.

We're all used to "aaaaawwww look the the doggo" when we go out with our working animals, but getting

1. Accosted for pictures (whether folks ask or just invade your space and distract your dog)

2. Pointed at like an exhibit

3. Shouted at (OMG DOGGLES, "why is it wearing that" etc)

4. Actively followed around by strangers

Is downright fucking awful.

I know it looks cool. I know some of our gear is specialized. I know pet dogs don't usually wear/tolerate what SDs learn the wear. But for the love of whatever you deem holy, BE KIND ABOUT IT. All of the actions listed above are just fucking rude. Leave people alone. Leave service dogs alone.

Disabled people can exist without being spectacles

[vivianseda]

Thank you to Our Sensory Life

“I spent to many years thinking it was normal to be trapped like this and I was just 'lazy'.

If you relate to this, please hear me, you're not lazy. I know how bad it feels.”

Photo credit: Dani Donovan

[prototypesteve]

You are your visibility. I know that’s unfair.

Representation matters but representation isn't the end or the beginning.

You can't just post 1,000 Alastor memes and expect banks to make fair mortgages for single people, or expect care professionals to stop trying to cure asexuality.

Representation takes time to execute.

TV seasons take longer to develop than they used to. Books take time to write. Character arcs can take years to play out.

Representation can be deliberately or accidentally misinterpreted.

“So asexuality is when you're bi or gay, but sex-averse? That's what I think I saw in that Heartstopper episode you sent me when Isaac kissed the guy.”

Representation can be deliberately ignored.

“I've never heard of that. I've never seen that in real life.”

Representation can be maliciously dismissed.

“This is a thousand people on the internet telling themselves they're a real thing.”

Representation is a right-place-right-time-right-platform lottery.

“I don't have Netflix or Prime. Never heard of this Has Been Hotel or Heart Starter. I did get that copy of Loveless you sent me, but I've got 17 books ahead of it in my queue.”

Representation can't be exhaustive.

The demisexuals and the aro-allos, and the GenX aces who took decades to discover asexuality was even an option, and the hundred other nuanced expressions of aspec identity that I deliberately didn’t represent here are all sifting through the catalog of ace representation and implied aro representation, looking for something… any evidence they exist.

Representation matters but representation isn't the end or the beginning.

We also need boring old education, advocacy, and presence. You have to keep talking. You have to keep explaining. You have to keep being there in front of real people, with your real life that erodes their bullshit-takes on aromanticism and asexuality.

You are your visibility. I know that’s unfair.

It was unfair for every misrepresented equity-seeking community. The good news is many of those equity-seeking communities have paved the way for us. They taught advocates how to listen, and how to lend their advocacy as long as we’re out there to be listened to, and not waiting around for a critical mass of representation.

[magpiemagica]

Disability in the US: A Masterpost

DISABLED AMERICANS CAN’T EVER CATCH A F*CKING BREAK?!

Sorry for yelling; just very scared and upset at the state of my nation right now. And the fact that the only people I see standing up for the disabled community right now is teachers, doctors, and adults of disabled children! I will be using this post to document and educate on disabled issues.

Note from March 25, 2025: Some stuff near the top might be out of date, specifically regarding the state of The Department of Education. I will however still keep those (pre-closure) links up as they are still relevant. Just be aware of the timeline while reading; I started dating my updates around Early March.

(Note: In this post, I will be going over a bunch of stuff concerning the disabled community. I am an adult diagnosed with autism (and some other stuff) who although being Lv1, needs support. These issues will obviously affect more than just Americans with developmental disabilities (autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, etc.) and I will try to be as inclusive as I can to ALL disabilities in this post. This is just the personal experience I am bringing in.)

RFK JR. (he is a whole pile of worms, no pun intended)

17 states are in a lawsuit to eliminate section 504 of of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, this would allow public schools to discriminate education against disabled students. This includes removable of disability accommodations. 504 applies to other government assisted services as well such as hospitals and doctor's offices. This possible removable is a big civil rights issue.

Below are Section 504 itself and the lawsuit.

Speaking of disability and education, the dismantlement of the Department of Education. Just like stated in GOP plan Project 2025, Donald Trump plans to eliminate the Department of Education. This is a horrible idea for so many reasons but especially for disabled students and their parents. The DOE funds special education or "SPED" programs in schools. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, (in 2022-23) 7.5 million students in America receive special education or related services.

Obviously, the pulling back and demonization of DEI will be a big negative for the disabled community, one that already struggles with finding employment, belonging, and support. But most people are already aware of it.

Problem Presidential Actions/Executive Orders. There are many; some linked below. These are specifically ones that impact disabled Americans; lots of ones not mentioned are just as if not more concerning for other reasons.

KEEPING EDUCATION ACCESSIBLE AND ENDING COVID-19 VACCINE MANDATES IN SCHOOLS: will endanger communal health, especially that of the immunocompromised

AMERICAN HEART MONTH, 2025: Magpie, wanting to raise awareness for heart disease is obviously a good thing! Why put this in here? "And we will fulfill our pledge to investigate what has caused the decades-long increase in health problems and childhood diseases — including obesity, autoimmune disorders, infertility, and autism." Yes and, my main concern is their inclusion of "autism". Ignoring the fact that they referred to it as a heath problem or childhood disease, I am autistic adult who has lived on this earth for around 20 years now. For me, this screams Autism Speaks. Autism is a genetic disorder and there have been many studies about its potential causes. This administration has rejected and censored the medical world; this will only result in misinformation being spread.

Update: April 6, 2025: more autism stuff.

WITHDRAWING THE UNITED STATES FROM THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION: This one should be self explanatory.

There is more.

There's more concerns I have but I'm tired :/. So tired. Just wanted to raise awareness. I'll post something fun next.

UPDATE: MARCH 11, 2025

Soo...it gets worse, like it always seems to do nowadays.

CDC is planning on doing a nation wide study, studying "the link" between autism and vaccines. The link that seems from the debunked and medically controversial 1998 Wakefield study. Anyone who has a valid medical degree, did basic research on the topic, or is educated on autism can tell you that you cannot "get" autism from vaccines. It is important to note that developmental, neurological, and mental delays due to things like lead poisoning, injuries to the brain, and medical issues like diseases or strokes. However, this is not the case for autism. Autism is a condition you are born with, similar to other developmental disabilities. It seems to be only really questioned because unlike other disorders like down syndrome and fragile X syndrome, autism does not display any physical deformities or traits. You cannot tell if a baby is autistic at birth, only later on as it goes through stages of development. Autism is a genetic disorder with some suspected environmental risks.

So, why is the CDC spending this amount of energy on a theory from a disgraced man who got his medical license revoked and has been fact checked by the medical community multiple times? Short answer, money. I talked on this weeks ago in the American Heart Month section. This is plan to transfer money away from important services and spend it on something meaningless. I don't want to call it embezzlement but that is what it is currently looking like to me :/.

I would be incredibly upset if this happened anytime but now?? The worst time. Antivaxx has been gaining more and more popularity over the years and I have seen a sharp increase of medical misinformation since the confirmation of RJK Jr. The United States government themselves pursuing this theory only validates medical denialism. And with the very real threat of a nationwide Measles outbreak; people need to be vaccinated against MMR more than ever. No more kids need to die because their parents didn't give them the proper vaccines.

Oh and also big Medicaid cuts.

Ugh. Signing out for now <3

UPDATE (March 31st)

UPDATE: MARCH 21, 2025

So, it’s happened. The Department of Education I mean. Not surprised, I’m one of the few who sat down and read Project 2025 (Section 11 linked). But God.. it doesn’t feel real. I’m scared, especially for disabled kids, especially in poorer areas. These families. I don’t know what else to say. I don’t know what to do. God bless the teachers of America.

UPDATE: MARCH 25, 2025

Back to bullshit. Sorry if that's too harsh; I'm just not really in the mood for pleasant formalities. Due to the Department of Education being destroyed (including OSERS), as mentioned above, the responsibility of Special Education will be transferred to Robert F. Kennedy in The Department of Health and Human Services. He and his department not qualified to handle SPED at all. In fact, looking back at when I originally wrote this post, he was one of the leading threats I identified in this administration relating to disability justice.

UPDATE: MARCH 28, 2025

So, about the The Department of Health and Human Services...

Another link. And another link, more specifically about disability and these cuts (from Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund).

Sorry that there is no description on this update; hopefully I will fix that in the future. I am writing this in a hurry.

[edenfenixblogs]

New Pinned Post: How This Blog Approaches The Conflict

I am not normally a politically-focused blog. I am normally a personal blog that enjoys fandom and occasionally processes my own past trauma. As this war goes on, I am finding that it is against my personal ethics and morals to stay silent when I have the ability to educate and remain more patient than most. (My patience is not endless. I’m still human). So, while disinformation/misinformation, and propaganda abound on all sides. I feel like the best way I can help lower the temperature is to put my skills to use.

Primary Political Goals:

1. Emphasize humanity above all and use verifiable information and good faith education and discourse to reduce tension.

2. Do my absolute best to move the conversation away from polarizing, accusatory discourse that forces Jews, Muslims, Arabs, Israelis, and Palestinians to play a desperate game of defense and toward a shared mutually beneficial peace that honors each grouped indigeneity culture, and connection to their ancestral homeland.

3. Demonstrate and emphasize both Jewish-Muslim solidarity and Israeli-Palestinian solidarity.

Primary Blogging Goals:

As a diaspora Jew, my primary goal is threefold

1. Educate about antisemitism and Islamophobia—including calling it out and explaining it to the best of my ability.

2. Elevate responsible, verifiable voices—regardless of religion or nationality—and information to the best of my ability.

3. Demonstrate effective activism and provide insight and encouragement for other to find their most effective way to contribute to fostering peace.

Elaboration:

1. I have the most experience with an understanding of antisemitism. I am more of an expert in antisemitism and have more ability to identify and educate about it. That said: I will not tolerate any Islamophobia or racism and if I don’t have the ability to educate about it, you will be blocked. If I have the ability to educate about it, I will do so and give you the chance to read about it and adjust your behavior. If you do not do so, I will block you.

2. This does not mean equal representation of all nationalities and religions. It means the best informed and most reliable voices AND the voices I personally have the best ability to vet, verify, and substantiate. This will often mean Jewish voices and Israeli voices. This is me staying in my lane, not choosing to suppress any voice. I will not elevate purposefully divisive, tokenized, or uninformed voices. This does not mean that I won’t elevate Palestinian, Muslim, and Arab voices as well. I will. But my primary goal here is responsibility. To do that, I have to stay in my lane.

3. I am most effective as an educator on this matter, a guide to finding reliable peace-oriented voices, and an example of patience. There’s a great desire among many to protest or create videos detailing their opinions and stances. Not only is this primarily performative—especially among non-Muslim/non-Palestinian goyim—it has the potential to be extraordinarily damaging to Jews both in Israel and in Diaspora as well as to Arabs, Muslims, Palestinians, and South East Asians worldwide. If you truly desire to help and not just feel like you’re helping, the best thing you can do is follow the lead of much more experienced activists with a demonstrated track record of effectiveness and good faith in their areas of expertise. As I stated: mine is primarily education and greater than average (though not limitless) amounts of patience. If you want to donate money or engage in more direct action and aid, I suggest finding pro-Palestinian Israeli voices and peace oriented Muslim, Arab, and Palestinian voices as well as organizations with experience in this conflict that do not rely on eliminating any population or erasing anyone’s connection to the Levant. Follow their lead on that matter. If you are only just engaging in this conflict for the first time due to current events, you likely do not know nearly as much as you think you do about any of this. Being uninformed and spouting disinformation has actual dire consequences that can get Jews, Muslims, Palestinians, Israelis, and Arabs killed. It is vital that you’re responsible in your engagement on this matter. Learning dogwhistles and how to spot bad faith arguments is a must. And to be effective, you should spend more of your time learning than you’re doing protesting or arguing. This is a 2000+ year old conflict. There is a lot to know and understand. And there are a lot of people willing to prey on your newcomer status and manipulate your existing beliefs to use you as a pawn to further their bad faith aims. The only consistent, trustworthy principal is to trust those who repeatedly affirm their goal as peace and shared prosperity and who reject any form of demonization based on ethnicity or religion. This is not a game. This is not the west’s fight. This is a conflict between two horribly oppressed, traumatized, and nearly exterminated ethnoreligous groups.

I am begging you to think, listen, and learn before joining the fray.

Note: I also don’t claim to be perfect. If I mess up or reblog something that causes unintended harm (which is very easy to do when engaging in discussions and activism about this conflict), I will say so and issue a correction. There’s no need to be hostile in informing me about this. Just message with your concern and I’ll evaluate from there.

Additionally, I will not interact with Hamas apologists. Hamas is a terrorist organization.

Anyone trying to make me feel like this is an Us vs. Them situation will be blocked.

[respect-the-locals]

🐢Daily Sea Turtle Fact:🐢

Olive Ridley Sea Turtle: The olive ridley gets its name from the olive green color of its heart-shaped shell. The species is among the smallest of the world’s sea turtles and is found primarily in the tropical regions of the Pacific, Indian, and Atlantic oceans. Similar to Kemp's Ridleys, large groups of turtles gather offshore of nesting beaches. Then, all at once, vast numbers of turtles come ashore and nest in what is known as an "arribada" which means "arrival" in Spanish. During these arribadas, hundreds to thousands of females come ashore to lay their eggs.

[chronicsymptomsyndrome]

Nobody:

Mental health influencers: Todays topic is c-ptsd :) common causes include a narcissist abused you and definitely didn’t feel bad about it because that’s what they do aren’t they sooo evil!!! beware!!!! and I guess there could be other less common causes too idk

[changeling-droneco]

Also while I'm here talking about things I'm learning from college courses, if you are disabled and you have ever denied the holocaust or been antisemetic, know you are spitting on the some of the greatest leaders of the disability movement like Judy Heumann, a Jewish immigrant who spent her entire life fighting for the rights of the disabled, and especially disabled students. Her efforts help enshrine the idea that disabled students were to be treated with equity into law and would serve multiple government positions based around uplifting and advocating disabled voices.

Having to fight her whole childhood for the right to education and not be seen as a potential danger or fire hazard simply due to being in a wheelchair since kindergarten and having to sue just to be allowed to get a teaching license while disabled. She helped ensure no other student would go through the same by creating the DIA and organized sit-ins, one being the longest non-violent sit-ins in American history at 25 days. She drafted legislation and created groups that would benefit and help millions of disabled lives.

Jewish voices have been a PIVOTAL part of disabled history and in the fight for our rights, Judy Heumann was considered a community leader world wide and was the first Special Advisor on International Disability Rights in the American government. Her work was groundbreaking and incredibly important. The fact I only just learned her name should be considered a crime.

[sirpuntine]

DO NOT DO THIS UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES!!!!!!!!

Make sure you DO NOT use a vpn and private browser!!

REPORT HONEST INFRACTIONS ONLY —> http://enddei.ed.gov <— ASSIST NOTABLE 47th US PRESIDENT

❌ Examples to NOT follow: ❌

The Department of Education worked very hard to make this resource accessible to emails of all origins, including fiction. YOU DEFINITELY SHOULD NOT TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS GENEROUS GIFT!!!!!

Instead, join me in thanking the department for their trust in the current presidential administration, and for their honesty with the public!! The saying usually goes that a hit dog will holler; however, yet another government entity proves that false. When the wannabe-king raises a hand to strike, they roll over regardless of constitutionality, displaying the vibrant yellow and green of their underbelly for all to see. The only morally just option for the American people is to follow suit!!!

Thank you for reading! And remember - COMPLACENCY WITH CRUELTY IS COOL!!!!! 🫡🧑‍⚖️🇺🇸

[religion-is-a-mental-illness]

It’s International Men’s Day 2024.

And I know, if there’s one place we don’t need to be validated, it’s by a faceless, nauseatingly-“woke” trillion dollar global tech company like Google.

But still, it’s a great opportunity to ask; what might such an acknowledgment look like, if it were to exist?

Would Google nod its head to men’s mental or physical health?

Would it salute dads, who continue their renaissance into modern fatherhood?

Might it send up a flair for the deteriorating rates of boys in education?

Or could it acknowledge the sacrifice men around the world make, even with their own life, to keep our lights on, water running, and kitchen stocked?

Well, we won’t be finding out this year.

So let’s design our own Doodles…

To be frank, I don’t care what Google big wigs say.

But as the front page of the Internet, this lack of visibility is a good barometer for a world that still looks the other way when it comes to men and boys advocacy, and this is what I see when Google leaves its iconic search bar unchanged.

A world not ready to accept that we all face hardships, regardless of sex, and all deserve visibility, if even just for one day a year.

So, what does International Mens Day look like to you?

And how would you like to see it celebrated?

(Also to be clear, Google designed none of these IMD artworks, I did, so please don’t sue me for doing your job)

[missbaphomet]

Got any tips/resources for solo aftercare?

Hi, yes! Obviously the aftercare needed will vary from person to person and based on what the scene was but here are some general ideas that could work for anyone!

Heating pad/ice packs

A bath with Epsom salt

Ibuprofen

A pet or stuffed animal to cuddle

Watch a movie or play a relaxing game

Your favorite music on low volume in a dark, quiet place (candles optional)

Gentle stretching and massage (with or without lotion if that is your preference)

A favorite drink (preferably not alcoholic) or comfort snack

Breathing exercises

First aid as needed

[jewishbarbies]

you cannot criticize someone for not knowing something you yourself are not willing to teach.

you cannot criticize someone for not knowing something you yourself are not willing to teach.

you cannot criticize someone for not knowing something you yourself are not willing to teach.

you cannot criticize someone for not knowing something you yourself are not willing to teach.

[nonspeakerlibrary]

In 2015, a group of spellers from the Growing Kids Therapy Center went to the TASH disability conference to advocate for their rights to education and communication.