Getting The Accommodations Your Child Needs Through The 504 Plan ADHD Advocates Made Possible

By Charles Cox


All parents want the best education possible for their children. For those who have youngsters with physical and mental disabilities, it can be difficult and frustrating negotiating with educators and administrators to get the academic accommodations necessary. In these cases, it is vital that parents become active advocates for their children. In order to give attention deficit suffers the best possible academic experience, you will have to thoroughly understand the laws pertaining to 504 Plan ADHD children.

Becoming familiar with all aspects of this law is the first step in helping your young child get the necessary classroom accommodations. Kids with disabilities have rights under two federal laws, the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act and Section 504 of the Federal Rehabilitation Act. If you have a child with attention deficit, she may not qualify for IDEA unless there are additional challenges covered by the law.

ADHD kids are covered under Section 504. They may not require the school's special education resources, but they should get any needed extra time to take exams, preferential seating, and assistance with taking notes. If you assume the teacher will offer these accommodations automatically, you may be disappointed. In order to assure that your youngster's needs are being met under the law, you will have to follow the proper procedures.

First you will have to request an evaluation. You should not try to go through the teacher or the principal of the school your child attends. A certified or hand delivered letter needs to be addressed to the chairperson of the Special Education Services committee. There are sample letters online if you are unsure of what should be included. If the committee declines your request, your next step should be to ask for a private assessment, which may include going outside the school system.

The evaluation consists of physical observation, academic reports, and an assessment on in-class behavior. This is typically handled by special education professionals and psychologists. You have the right to be informed of the findings and should keep careful records and notes.

Once the evaluation process is completed and your child has been approved, it is time to put a proposal, specific to your youngster, in place. It is not unusual for school administrators to advocate for programs they already have in place. This makes the job easier for them, but may not be the best solution for your child.

Once a plan is agreed upon and put into place, you will have to monitor it and the progress your child is making. Section 504 does not require school officials to hold an annual review to assess the progress of qualifying children. Many schools do have review meetings at least once a year and encourage parents to be involved in the process.

Being a child can be difficult, even without brain based learning challenges. As the parent, it is your job to give your child every possible chance for success. It may be difficult and frustrating, but you have federal law behind you when you advocate for your youngster.




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