No. A medical diagnosis of an illness does not automatically mean a student can receive services under Section 504. The illness must cause a substantial limitation on the student's ability to learn or another major life activity/major bodily function.
A 504 plan is an agreed-upon set of modifications and accommodations that are designed to help students learn with their peers. Once a child has a 504 plan, the school district must adhere to it. To qualify, a student must be identified with an impairment that substantially affects a major life activity.
To be eligible for special education and related services: ▪ A student must have a disability ing to one of the eligibility categories; ▪ The disability must adversely affect the student's educational performance; and ▪ The student must be in need of special education and related services.
504 plans provide accommodations for the child and DO NOT require specialized instruction. 504 plans DO NOT have to be renewed annually. This plan aims to provide the child with special needs access to public education while also protecting from discrimination related to their disability.