Help with 504 meeting

[redesigninglisa]

My son is 10 and was diagnosed with ADD this school year. I have requested a 504 meeting even though he started medication and is doing much better. My concern is that he is going into the 5th grade where the workload will be harder and he'll be required to be even more organized and follow through. Has anyone here been through a 504 meeting with the school? Mine is tomorrow and I'm nervous. I'm asking for accommodations which is what the psychologist is also recommending. I've read that the school doesn't have to follow through when there's an ADD diagnosis and that I need to advocate for my child. What has your experience been?

[jjblake]

We requested a 504 in 6th grade after our son (ADHD/inattentive with executive dysfunction) had a very tough time in 5th grade (after being an all-A student prior to that). The workload, more demands to pay attention, and more independence all worked against him. However, we are still fighting with his school about "beefing up" his 504 (he is in 7th grade). The original was very watered-down; we didn't know what we were doing and took the school's advice. The school protects its teachers, doesn't want the extra workload/paperwork, and doesn't seem to think ADHD should effect his ability to function successfully in school. It has been frustrating to say the least. Keep pushing! Don't let them bully you into accepting a 504 without any meat in it. Ours puts most of the self-management on our son (seating arrangement if he asks for it, hallway testing if he wants, fidget if he wants): that's not a good idea for kids that have a hard time managing anyway and don't want to stand out. I would search websites that give ideas of supports that you can request.

[redesigninglisa in reply to jjblake]

Thank you so much for your input. After going to the meeting this morning I noticed that the school is doing all the things you mentioned so I will continue to push for a more specific plans for my son!

[eperez18]

The school will most likely have a very simple IEP already written up by the time you get there. They usually just like the accommodations they will make during standardized tests. Come prepared with some ideas that you would like to add to it that are specific to your child. For instance, does your child need more time than other students? Perhaps request that he be given more time to complete tests. Does your child need to be reminded to turn in his homework? Some ADD/ADHD children complete their homework at home, pack it in their backpacks and simply forget to turn it at school. Overall good luck with your 504 plan and remember you are your child’s advocate don’t sign anything you are not too comfortable with.

[redesigninglisa in reply to eperez18]

Thank you so much for your advice! My son does just what you said about doing all his homework and then forgetting to turn it in. We talked about a checklist for him at school to help.

[reg2018]

If the school has a counselor who works with kids, you can also ask for help with checking in regularly on your child (his desk, his binder) to see that they are organized. The school counselor can also be a resource for teaching organizational skills.

What teachers and administrators don't seem to understand is that it's going to take these kids many many years to figure out how to learn organizational skills. These skills just aren't there by 5th grade and to expect them to be more "responsible" and organized isn't realistic. They need support and help still. It's part of the executive functioning deficit that they are working under.

[redesigninglisa]

You are so right. I get the sense that my son's school is on board with helping, but only after I pushed back. They say the counselor can help with org. skills like you mentioned.

[WendyKirkpatrick]

There is no category for ADD or ADHD for Special Ed services. HOWEVER, there is a category for "Other Medical Impaired." If you can make a case for behavioral and medical issues which make it difficult for your child to learn, you probably have a case. There is another category "ED" which is short for emotionally disturbed, which many parents will want to use to avoid labeling their child. ADHD kids are NOT emotionally disturbed and this category can give the schools more license to coerce you to drug your child in a way that is against your wishes. I find that going to the meetings and fighting like hell, being stubborn, refusing to go away, refusing to allow them to "table" yours and the psychologists requests, does a world of good. Nothing works like being a pain in the ass. Excuse the language. I had my child diagnosed since the age of 6 and fought the schools all of his life. He is grown up now but I will never forget, nor will I ever be lacking compassion for parents and kids with these problems. Hang in there and NEVER be afraid to fight for your child. MAKE SURE THEY ARE AFRAID OF YOU.

[Milton_Mommy]

You need to overeducate yourself on 504, IDEA, and IEP plans. Go to the office of civil rights website and search ADHD. Read all of the articles. This will explain what the school district is supposed to provide for your child. If the school didn't alert you to your son's issues they violated the IDEA law which states that the school is required to identify and evaluate children with special needs. This does not have to be academic. This can be behavioral, social, or emotional issues. Start a binder and save all communication and examples of his work throughout the year. Make notes about late assignments, phone calls concerning behavior, etc. Take the binder to all the meetings so you have information and examples of why he needs the accommodation you are requesting. I also take a recording device or an attorney with me to the meetings. I learned the hard way that you are outnumbered by school staff and it is your word against theirs about what was and was not discussed. 504 plans do not require parental input or approval. IEP plans do, but they also require an academic delay. However, if you find that your school district is not complying with 504 regulations remind them that if you file a complaint with the OCR and they find that they are in violation that the funds they receive for IEP plans would be compromised. Schools don't receive funds for 504 plans that is why that are lazy about them. If they think all the paperwork is hard...try being a young child with ADHD in a classroom for 7 hours a day sitting at a desk! Where is the compassion!

[redesigninglisa in reply to Milton_Mommy]

Wow! Such great advice! Thank you!!!!