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As the number of students receiving special education services in the United States continues to grow, schools face increasing responsibility to ensure that every family, regardless of their primary language, can participate meaningfully in their child’s education. At Bromberg & Associates, we believe that language should never be a barrier to access, understanding, or success—especially when it comes to a child’s future.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, nearly 7.5 million students aged 3–21 received special education services under IDEA in the 2022–2023 school year—15% of all public–school students (NCES). Among them, a growing number come from linguistically diverse households, making language access more essential than ever.
In this blog, we explain what Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and 504 plans are, and why high-quality interpretation and translation services are critical in making these programs work for all families.
What is an IEP?
An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is a legally mandated document under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). It outlines personalized goals, services, and accommodations for K-12 students with disabilities. IEPs are developed by a team that includes parents or guardians, teachers, school staff (like speech-language pathologists or psychologists), and sometimes the students themselves.
IEPs are designed for students with one or more of 13 specific disability categories, including autism, speech or language impairment, hearing or visual impairments, brain injury, orthopedic impairments, and intellectual disabilities.
It’s important to note being an English Language Learner does not automatically qualify a student for an IEP. However, students learning English can still have disabilities that require one.
What is a 504 Plan?
A 504 Plan refers to Section 504 of the U.S. Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which protects individuals with disabilities from discrimination in any institution receiving federal funding. In schools, this means students who do not qualify for an IEP may still receive accommodation to help them succeed in a general education setting.
504 plans commonly address needs such as extra test time, accessible learning materials (Braille, audiobooks), physical accessibility, or classroom seating adjustments. These plans are tailored by a team of educators and parents based on the child’s specific needs. In general, the goal of a 504 plan is to accommodate students with disabilities in general education classrooms.
IEP vs. 504: Key Differences
While both support students with disabilities, IEPs focus on direct educational services and specialized instruction, while 504 plans emphasize accommodations that enable participation in the general curriculum. Some students may have both, depending on their needs.
Why Language Access is Crucial
Language Access plays a critical role in ensuring fair and effective IEPs and 504 plans for students whose families don’t speak English as their primary language. Interpretation and translation are not just helpful—they are required by law. Here’s a breakdown of their importance:
Legal Compliance
Under IDEA and federal civil rights laws, schools must provide interpretation services for IEP and 504 meetings and offer translated versions of related documents. Failing to do so can compromise a student’s right to education and expose schools to legal risk.
Informed Decision-Making
These documents define how a child will be educated. Families must understand the plan in full to advocate effectively. A 2023 study published in the International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology found that parents with limited English proficiency felt excluded from the decision-making process during IEP meetings due to language barriers but showed greater engagement and satisfaction when professional interpreters were provided (IJISRT).
Building Trust and Equity:
Language access creates an environment of trust and inclusion. When families feel heard and understood, collaboration between home and school becomes much more effective.
In Wisconsin, families who received language support during the IEP process reported feeling greater trust and confidence in school staff and the decisions made for their children. This finding, highlighted in the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction’s Family Engagement Survey, reinforces the importance of accessible, culturally responsive communication in special education.
Ensuring Effective Communication:
IEP and 504 meetings involve discussions between parents, teachers, and other professionals. Interpretation allows for clear communication and collaboration in the student’s best interest. Without interpretation, parents may be hesitant to voice concerns or ask questions, hindering the effectiveness of the entire process.
The Benefits of Interpretation and Translation
The benefits of interpretation and translation in the context of IEPs and 504 plans are significant. They empower parents to advocate for their child’s needs and participate actively in their education. Additionally, these services reduce frustration and build trust between parents and school personnel, enhancing overall collaboration.
By ensuring clear and effective communication, the likelihood of a successful IEP or 504 plan that truly addresses the student’s needs is significantly increased.
How Bromberg & Associates Supports Schools and Families
At Bromberg & Associates, we bring deep expertise in education-focused interpretation and translation. Our team understands the sensitive and high-stakes nature of IEP and 504 discussions, and we are committed to fostering equity in education through language access.
Providing Qualified Interpreters for Meetings and Conferences: Bromberg & Associates has a vast network of professional interpreters in more than 230 languages, including American Sign Language (ASL). This ensures access to qualified professional interpreters for IEP and 504 meetings, parent-teacher conference or community events regardless of the family’s spoken language. We offer both in-person and on-demand interpretation options.
On-demand interpretation is available within seconds via video and telephone.
Bromberg & Associates interpreters have been trained in relevant terminology used in school settings.
ASL Interpreters for Student Sessions: Deaf and Hard of Hearing students with IEPs or 504 plans require ASL interpreting to access education equally. These interpreters bridge the communication gap between spoken instruction and ASL, allowing students to understand lessons, participate actively, and benefit from individualized support.
Bromberg & Associates helps schools fulfill this crucial need by providing in-person and on-demand ASL interpreters for student sessions.
Translation of IEP and 504 Documents: Bromberg & Associates can translate IEP and 504 plans into the family’s preferred language. This ensures they fully understand the content, their rights, and the student’s specific needs and goals outlined in the plan.
Our best-in-class translation processes allows us to customize solutions to meet the needs of any school and budget.
Alternative Format Transcription for Visually Impaired Students: Students with visual impairments require learning materials in formats they can access, such as Braille or digital accessibility. Bromberg & Associates can transcribe academic content into these alternative formats, ensuring accessibility for visually impaired students. Our technology and process allow for fast, cost-effective, and high-quality service.
With Bromberg & Associates, schools can ensure that all families, regardless of their primary language, can fully participate in their child’s education and advocate effectively for their needs.
Let’s Build Inclusive Education Together
Every child deserves access to an education that fits their needs—and every family deserves the tools to support their success. If your school or district is looking to improve its language access services for special education, Bromberg & Associates is ready to help.
Contact us today to learn how we can support your efforts to create inclusive, equitable, and compliant educational environments for all students.