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Direct Answer
A 504 Plan is a legal document under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act that requires schools to provide accommodations for students with disabilities—including allergies and asthma. It ensures your child has access to medications, avoids allergen exposure, and receives emergency care at school. To create one, you need a medical diagnosis from a physician (such as a board-certified allergist), a written request to the school, and a meeting to agree on specific accommodations.
Key Takeaways
- A 504 Plan is a federal legal protection — It requires public schools (and many private schools receiving federal funding) to accommodate students with allergies, asthma, or other conditions that substantially limit a major life activity like breathing or eating.
- Any student with a documented allergy or asthma diagnosis qualifies — You do not need a specific severity threshold. If the condition limits breathing, eating, or immune function, it meets the standard.
- Parents must initiate the process — Schools are not required to offer a 504 Plan proactively. Submit a written request to your school's 504 coordinator or principal to start.
- The plan should include specific, measurable accommodations — Vague language like "be careful with allergens" is not enforceable. Detailed accommodations (e.g., "epinephrine accessible within 2 minutes") protect your child.
- A board-certified allergist strengthens your plan — Medical documentation from a specialist carries more weight than a general note and helps define precise accommodations.
- 504 Plans should be reviewed annually — Your child's allergies, medications, and school environment change. Update the plan each year and whenever there is a significant change in condition or treatment.
What Is a 504 Plan?
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is a federal civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in programs receiving federal funding. This includes most public schools and many private schools.
Under Section 504, allergies and asthma qualify as disabilities when they substantially limit one or more major life activities. For allergies, that includes eating (food allergies) and breathing (allergic rhinitis, asthma). A 504 Plan is the written document that spells out exactly what accommodations the school must provide to keep your child safe and ensure equal access to education.
A 504 Plan is different from an Individualized Education Program (IEP). An IEP is for students who need specialized instruction due to a disability. A 504 Plan is for students who can learn in a regular classroom but need accommodations to do so safely. Most children with allergies or asthma need a 504 Plan, not an IEP.
504 Plan vs. IEP vs. Allergy Action Plan
| Feature | 504 Plan | IEP | Allergy Action Plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Legal authority | Section 504 (federal civil rights law) | IDEA (federal education law) | No legal authority (medical guidance document) |
| Purpose | Accommodations for equal access | Specialized instruction and services | Emergency treatment instructions |
| Who qualifies | Any student with a condition limiting a major life activity | Students needing specialized instruction (13 categories) | Any student with allergies (no eligibility required) |
| Legally enforceable? | Yes | Yes | No |
| Covers field trips, lunch, recess? | Yes — all school activities | Primarily academic instruction | Only if school voluntarily applies it |
| Annual review required? | Recommended (re-evaluation required periodically) | Yes (annual review, re-evaluation every 3 years) | Should be updated annually |
The key takeaway: an Allergy Action Plan tells school staff what to do in an emergency, but it has no legal teeth. A 504 Plan legally requires the school to prevent emergencies in the first place through daily accommodations. Ideally, your child should have both.
How to Get a 504 Plan: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Get a Formal Diagnosis
You need medical documentation from a healthcare provider confirming your child's allergy or asthma diagnosis. A letter from a board-certified allergist is strongest because it includes specific allergen test results, severity assessment, and detailed treatment recommendations. Through HeyAllergy's telemedicine platform, you can get this documentation without the weeks-long wait for an in-person specialist appointment.
Step 2: Submit a Written Request to the School
Send a letter or email to the school principal or 504 coordinator requesting a Section 504 evaluation for your child. Be specific: state your child's diagnosis, describe how it limits a major life activity, and request a 504 meeting. Keep a copy of everything you submit.
Step 3: Attend the 504 Meeting
The school will schedule a meeting with a 504 team that typically includes the principal or 504 coordinator, your child's teacher(s), the school nurse, and you (the parent). Bring your child's medical documentation, a list of requested accommodations, and any relevant allergy action plans.
Step 4: Agree on Specific Accommodations
This is the most important step. Push for accommodations that are specific, measurable, and actionable. The examples below will help you know what to ask for.
Step 5: Get It in Writing and Review Annually
The final 504 Plan should be a written document signed by the school and kept on file. Request a copy for your records. Schedule an annual review meeting, and request an immediate revision if your child's condition, treatment, or school environment changes.
504 Plan Examples: What to Include
For Food Allergies
- Epinephrine auto-injector stored in an accessible, unlocked location (not behind locked doors) and available within 2 minutes of any location the student may be
- Designated allergen-free eating area in the cafeteria
- All staff who supervise the student trained in recognizing anaphylaxis and administering epinephrine at the start of each school year
- No food-based classroom activities (crafts, rewards, science experiments) involving the student's allergens without advance parent notification and an approved substitute
- Field trip protocols: parent notified at least one week in advance; epinephrine accompanies the student; staff trained in emergency response present on the trip
- Cafeteria staff informed of student's specific allergens; cross-contamination prevention measures documented
- Prohibition on sharing food, utensils, or containers with the student
- Hand-washing required for classmates after eating in shared spaces
For Asthma
- Student permitted to carry and self-administer rescue inhaler at all times (with physician authorization on file)
- Backup inhaler stored in the nurse's office
- Excused absences for asthma-related medical appointments without academic penalty
- Modified physical education requirements during flare-ups (reduced intensity, indoor alternatives during high-pollen or cold-weather days)
- Seating away from known triggers: chalk dust, strong cleaning chemicals, windows during high-pollen periods
- Access to the nurse's office without needing to ask for permission first
- Air quality accommodations: classroom HEPA filter if needed, avoidance of scented products by staff
- Written asthma action plan on file with step-by-step instructions for mild, moderate, and severe symptoms
For Allergic Rhinitis (Hay Fever)
- Permission to take prescribed allergy medications (antihistamines, nasal sprays) at school, including self-administration for older students
- Seating away from open windows during pollen season
- Alternative indoor location during outdoor activities on high-pollen days
- Access to tissues and hand-washing without disrupting class
- Excused tardiness or absences for allergy-related medical appointments
- Permission to use HeyPak® allergy drops during the school day if prescribed (sublingual drops are administered under the tongue and take less than 2 minutes)
Sample 504 Plan Language
Below is example language you can adapt for your child's 504 Plan. Replace bracketed items with your child's specific information.
SECTION 504 ACCOMMODATION PLAN
Student: [Child's Full Name]
Date of Birth: [DOB]
School: [School Name]
Grade: [Grade]
Date of Plan: [Date]
Review Date: [One Year from Date]
Disability/Condition: [e.g., "Severe peanut and tree nut allergy with history of anaphylaxis; allergic asthma triggered by dust mites and pollen"]
Major Life Activity Affected: [e.g., "Eating, breathing, immune system function"]
Basis for Determination: Medical documentation from [Allergist Name, MD], Board-Certified Allergist/Immunologist, dated [Date]. Allergy blood test confirms IgE-mediated allergy to [specific allergens]. Prescribed medications include [list medications and devices].
Accommodations:
1. [Specific accommodation with measurable detail]
2. [Specific accommodation with measurable detail]
3. [Continue as needed]
Emergency Protocol: See attached Allergy/Asthma Action Plan signed by treating physician.
Staff Training: All staff who supervise [Student Name] will receive training in allergen avoidance, symptom recognition, and epinephrine/inhaler administration within the first two weeks of each school year.
Signatures: Parent/Guardian ___ | 504 Coordinator ___ | School Nurse ___ | Teacher(s) ___
How a Board-Certified Allergist Strengthens Your 504 Plan
Medical documentation from a board-certified allergist is more detailed and carries more authority than a note from a general pediatrician. An allergist can provide:
- Specific allergy blood test results confirming the exact allergens
- Severity classification that justifies the accommodations you are requesting
- A signed Allergy Action Plan or Asthma Action Plan with step-by-step emergency instructions
- Documentation of prescribed medications and devices (epinephrine, inhalers, nasal sprays, SLIT allergy drops)
- A letter explaining why each accommodation is medically necessary
At HeyAllergy, you can get all of this through a telemedicine appointment—no waitlist, no referral needed. We provide the medical documentation your school needs to build an effective 504 Plan.
Long-Term Allergy Treatment and Your Child's 504 Plan
A 504 Plan manages your child's safety at school, but it does not treat the underlying allergies. Over time, effective allergy treatment can reduce the severity of your child's condition—which may allow you to simplify the 504 Plan as symptoms improve.
HeyPak® sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) is safe for children and can be administered at home (or even at school with proper authorization in the 504 Plan). Over 3–5 years, SLIT retrains the immune system to tolerate environmental allergens like pollen, dust mites, and pet dander. As your child’s allergic response decreases, the need for rescue medications and restrictive accommodations may decrease too.
When to See an Allergist
You should schedule a consultation with a board-certified allergist if:
- Your child has been diagnosed with allergies or asthma and does not yet have a 504 Plan
- You need updated medical documentation for an existing 504 Plan
- Your child's current allergy treatment is not adequately controlling symptoms
- You want to explore sublingual immunotherapy to reduce your child's long-term allergy burden
- Your child has had an allergic reaction at school and needs a more comprehensive emergency plan
- Your school is requesting more detailed medical documentation to justify accommodations
What to Do Next
Protect your child at school with a legally enforceable 504 Plan backed by expert medical documentation. Book your child's online allergy consultation with a board-certified allergist—no waitlist, no referral needed. Ask about HeyPak® allergy drops for long-term treatment that may reduce your child's need for school accommodations over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my child need to have a severe allergy to get a 504 Plan?
No. Section 504 requires that the condition "substantially limits a major life activity." Breathing and eating are major life activities. Even moderate allergic rhinitis or mild persistent asthma can qualify if they affect your child's ability to function at school. The key is medical documentation from a qualified provider like a board-certified allergist.
What is the difference between a 504 Plan and an Allergy Action Plan?
An Allergy Action Plan is a medical document from your child's doctor that tells school staff what to do during an allergic emergency. A 504 Plan is a legal document that requires the school to provide daily accommodations to prevent emergencies and ensure equal access. Your child should ideally have both—the Action Plan attached as part of the 504 Plan.
Can a school refuse a 504 Plan for allergies?
A school cannot refuse to evaluate a student for 504 eligibility if a parent requests it. However, the 504 team (which includes the school) makes the final determination of eligibility and accommodations. If you disagree with the decision, you have the right to an impartial hearing and can file a complaint with the Office for Civil Rights (OCR).
Does a 504 Plan follow my child to a new school?
The 504 Plan itself does not automatically transfer, but the protections under Section 504 do. When your child changes schools, request that the new school review the existing plan and create a new one. Provide your medical documentation and a copy of the previous plan to speed the process.
Can my child self-administer allergy medication at school with a 504 Plan?
Yes, if the 504 Plan includes self-administration as an accommodation and you have physician authorization on file. Many states also have laws specifically allowing students to carry and self-administer epinephrine auto-injectors and asthma inhalers. Your allergist can provide the required authorization letter.
Can sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) be administered at school?
Yes. HeyPak® allergy drops are placed under the tongue and take less than 2 minutes. You can include SLIT administration as an accommodation in the 504 Plan, similar to how other daily medications are handled at school. Your allergist can provide instructions for the school nurse.
Author, Review and Disclaimer
Author: Krikor Manoukian, MD, FAAAAI, FACAAI — Board-Certified Allergist/Immunologist
Bio: Dr. Manoukian is a board-certified allergist/immunologist with over 20 years of experience. He leads HeyAllergy's clinical team and specializes in telemedicine-enabled allergy care and personalized sublingual immunotherapy programs.
Medical Review: HeyAllergy Clinical Team (Board-Certified Allergists/Immunologists)
Disclaimer: This article is educational and not a substitute for legal or medical advice. Section 504 requirements may vary by state and district. Consult your school's 504 coordinator and your child's allergist for guidance specific to your situation.
References
- U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights. Protecting Students with Disabilities: Frequently Asked Questions About Section 504. ed.gov
- AAAAI, Anaphylaxis in Schools and Other Childcare Settings. AAAAI
- CDC, Managing Food Allergies in Schools. CDC
- Sicherer SH, et al. Management of food allergy in the school setting. Pediatrics. 2010;126(6):1232-1239.
