How to Get a 504 Plan for ADHD With a Sample School Email
To get a 504 plan for ADHD, send your child’s public school a written request for a Section 504 evaluation. Describe the difficulties your child has at school, then ask to participate in the eligibility process. The school’s team determines eligibility. A dated request gives the team a clear starting point and creates a record for follow-up.
A private ADHD evaluation can provide additional information, but you don’t need one to request school support.
What qualifies for a 504 plan when a child has ADHD?
A child with ADHD may qualify for Section 504 protection when the condition substantially limits a major life activity, such as concentrating, thinking, reading, or learning. The school’s team then determines which supports, if any, are needed.
The school’s Section 504 evaluation considers several sources, including teacher observations, academic records, parent reports, and psychological evaluation reports. A medical diagnosis is not required, and good grades do not rule a child out. The evaluation does not have to include formal testing, but it must draw on multiple sources.
Schools assess substantial limitation without considering the helpful effects of medication or other mitigating measures. A child whose symptoms improve with treatment can still qualify. This does not mean your child must stop treatment.
You don’t need to purchase a private evaluation before requesting school support. Public-school evaluations are provided at no cost to families. If the school determines that a medical assessment is necessary for its evaluation, it must ensure that assessment is provided at no cost to you.
How to request a 504 evaluation for ADHD
Document your child’s difficulties, contact the school’s Section 504 coordinator, and follow up on the evaluation process.
Document your child’s school difficulties
Collect recent examples, such as graded assignments, missing homework, report card comments, teacher emails, and notes about behavior. Write down the date, the setting, and what happened. Specific details, like “finished 4 of 10 math problems in 30 minutes,” give the team a clearer picture than “struggles in math.”
Send a written request to the school
Email the principal or the district’s 504 coordinator, and keep a dated copy. Ask directly for a Section 504 evaluation, not a general meeting, and attach any available supporting documents.
Confirm the evaluation process and follow-up
Ask for the evaluation timeline, required consent forms, and a contact person. Request an invitation to the eligibility meeting and a copy of your procedural safeguards. Follow up if the school misses its stated timeline, and keep copies of replies.
Sample school email requesting a Section 504 evaluation
Use the following email to request an evaluation for your child. Replace the bracketed details with your information and include any available documentation.
Subject: Section 504 evaluation request for [Child’s Full Name]
Dear [Principal or Section 504 Coordinator’s Name],
I am writing to request a Section 504 evaluation for my child, [Child’s Full Name], who is currently in [Grade] at [School Name].
My child has been experiencing difficulties with [describe specific concerns, such as maintaining attention, completing assignments, following instructions, or organizing schoolwork]. These difficulties affect [explain how they interfere with classroom participation, academic tasks, or daily school activities].
[Optional: My child has been diagnosed with ADHD by a qualified healthcare professional.]
Please evaluate my child for eligibility under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Confirm receipt and share the next steps, including required consent forms, the expected evaluation timeline, and a copy of the procedural safeguards.
[Optional: I have attached relevant medical documentation, psychological evaluation results, or teacher reports for your review.]
I look forward to working with the team. Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
[Parent or Guardian’s Name]
[Phone Number]
[Email Address]
504 plan accommodations list for ADHD
A 504 plan for ADHD documents the accommodations, related aids, and services a student needs to access school and have their educational needs met. Each support should respond to a specific difficulty the evaluation documents.
A 504 plan example for ADHD
Use these examples to discuss practical supports with your child’s school.
| School difficulty | Accommodation | How the school implements it |
|---|---|---|
| Loses focus during tests | Quiet room and tests broken into smaller parts | Teacher or test coordinator arranges the room and provides test sections as specified in the plan |
| Trouble completing timed work | Extra time | Teacher provides the amount of extra time specified in the plan for listed tests and assignments |
| Struggles to follow directions | Clear, simple directions in writing | Teacher gives directions in writing alongside verbal ones |
| Misses assignments | Communication notebook between home and school | Teacher records assignments, and parent reviews them nightly |
These are examples, not a standard package every student receives. A good plan states when each support applies and who provides it. For extended time, for example, it should name the tests covered and the added minutes.
If a child needs specialized instruction rather than accommodations alone, the school should also consider eligibility under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
Prepare for the eligibility meeting and review the plan
Ask the team to review your child’s needs and evaluation findings with you. Share observations, discuss the findings, and ask how proposed supports address specific barriers.
Ask how each accommodation will be implemented
Confirm who will provide each accommodation, when it applies, and how teachers will communicate about it. Ask how classroom teachers and substitutes will receive the plan. Confirm that every agreed accommodation appears in the written plan, and request a copy.
Monitor the plan and request adjustments
Review assignment completion, participation, and teacher feedback after the plan starts. Talk with your child about which supports work and where difficulties remain. If accommodations are not being provided, contact the school’s 504 coordinator. When your child’s needs change, ask for a meeting to update the plan. Keep a dated log of what helps.
Need an ADHD evaluation in Florida?
A private evaluation can help clarify attention, learning, and emotional concerns and provide recommendations for school and daily life.
Verdant Psychology offers psychologist-led ADHD evaluations that assess attention, executive functioning, learning, and emotional health. You’ll receive a written report with practical recommendations.
Online testing is available throughout Florida and eligible PSYPACT states. While evaluation findings can support accommodation requests, the school determines Section 504 eligibility.
Have questions about testing? Our team can explain the process and available appointments. Book a Free Consultation today.
FAQs about requesting a 504 plan for ADHD
Can a child with good grades qualify for a 504 plan?
Yes. Good grades do not rule a child out. The school considers major life activities such as concentrating and thinking, along with classroom and homework functioning. A student who earns strong marks but spends hours on homework, or who regularly misses steps on assignments, can still qualify.
Can anxiety qualify for a 504 plan alongside ADHD?
Yes. Anxiety can qualify if it substantially limits a major life activity, such as concentrating, thinking, or sleeping. The school considers how ADHD and anxiety affect your child’s functioning and educational needs. A diagnosis from a qualified professional can support the request, but the school still makes its own eligibility decision.
How long does a school have to evaluate a 504 request?
Federal rules do not set a fixed number of days for a 504 evaluation. The school must act within a reasonable time. Ask the district for its applicable evaluation timeline and how it measures that timeline. Keep a copy with your records, and follow up if the stated deadline passes.
What can I do if the school denies a 504 evaluation?
Ask for the denial in writing, including the reasons and the records the school reviewed. Request the school’s procedural safeguards, including instructions for challenging the decision through an impartial hearing or review. You may also file a disability discrimination complaint with the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights. Keep the denial and ask about applicable filing deadlines.
Does my child need a 504 plan or an IEP for ADHD?
A 504 plan documents accommodations, related aids, and services a child needs at school. An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is for students who meet IDEA eligibility requirements and need specialized instruction. Children with ADHD may qualify under Section 504, IDEA, or both, depending on their needs. Students with IEPs also have Section 504 protections. Ask the school which evaluation process fits your child’s needs and why.
