In the article titled, Understanding the Differences between IDEA and Section 504 by Laurie U. Debettencourt, she discusses the similarities and differences between the two and how important it is for teachers to understand them. Furthermore, she gives an overview of what each act does for children with disabilities. All children who are disabled or have special needs do not receive services under IDEA, but are served under Section 504. The IDEA is a federal law that governs all special education services and provides some funding to state and local education agencies to guarantee special education and related services for those students who meet the criteria for eligibility in a number of distinct categories of disability. Whereas, Section 504 is a civil rights law, that prohibits discrimination on the basis of disabling condition by programs and activities receiving or benefiting from federal financial assistance. Schools must abide the regulations of 504 and offer accommodations that in some way are related to their fellow peers. Failing to do so may result in losing federal funds the school receives. The major differences between the two laws are that under Section 504, a child doesn’t need as much detailed information to be qualified for its services. Some schools may limit the services for a child because the federal government doesn’t require many regulations. According to Debettencourt, Section 504 “covers individuals who meet the definition of qualified “handicapped” person, such as a child who has or has had a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits a major life activity or its regarded as handicapped but hers.” The student may also be assessed so that it can be determined what services they are qualified for if any are needed at all. The IDEA covers children who have a more severe disability such as, autism, speech or language impairments, emotional disturbance,