504 for Chronic Illness: Attendance, Make-Up Work, and Flex Scheduling

By: Dr. Gabrielle Baker, President & Advocate

Students with chronic illnesses often face unpredictable symptoms, medical appointments, and periods of recovery that make traditional school schedules difficult to maintain. Section 504 exists to remove barriers like these so students can access their education without being penalized for circumstances outside their control. When crafted correctly, a 504 plan can support attendance, make-up work, and flexible scheduling in ways that protect the student’s rights and academic success.

Chronic illness can impact attendance in a variety of ways. Students may experience fatigue, pain, medication side effects, hospitalizations, or flare-ups that prevent consistent attendance. A 504 plan should explicitly state that absences related to the student’s condition are excused, regardless of district attendance policies. Schools cannot punish or retain a student because of disability-related absences when they are properly documented and covered by the plan. The plan should also identify the method of communicating absences, whether through parent email, medical notes, or ongoing documentation from providers, so the process is clear and consistent.

Make-up work is a key component for students with chronic conditions. Students should not be expected to complete the same volume of work in the same timeline as peers when their illness prevents them from attending or completing assignments. A strong 504 plan will include extended deadlines, reduced workloads, alternative assignments, or excused work when appropriate. Schools must provide the student with the materials and instruction needed to make progress, and they cannot impose punitive grading practices for disability-related delays. Instructional staff should collaborate with families to determine what work is essential and what can be modified or removed to prevent overload.

Flex scheduling offers students with chronic illness the ability to structure their day in a way that supports their health. This may include late arrivals, early dismissals, shortened days, rest breaks, access to a quiet space, or remote learning options during flare-ups. Flexibility is a reasonable accommodation when a student’s medical needs make the standard school day inaccessible. Section 504 requires schools to consider individual needs rather than forcing students into rigid schedules that compromise their wellness or learning.

A well-designed 504 plan is proactive, realistic, and centered on the student’s needs. Collaboration between the family, school team, and medical providers helps ensure the plan reflects the student’s lived experience. With the right accommodations for attendance, make-up work, and flex scheduling, students with chronic illnesses can remain engaged, supported, and successful in school without sacrificing their health.