Changing to a 504 plan before graduation

[Onthemove1971]

Happy holidays everyone.

Did you guys kniw that you must change your IEP to a 504 plan before graduation if you want your child to get services at a college. Here id the reason.

Hope this helps

Individualized Education Plans, or IEPs, expire the moment a student graduates from high school, because they are created under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, also known as the IDEA. IDEA protects students until they graduate high school or turn 22, whichever comes first. Since 504 plans are developed under the Rehabilitation Act, there is no age minimum or maximum to receive services, meaning the 504 plan can transition with the student to college and even the workplace.

Thanks

[Pennywink]

Wow - great info to know! Thank you! Now just please remind me in @ 10 years. Lol!

[22789]

I don’t believe this is accurate. IEPs do not carry forward but accommodations in college are not dependent on having a 504 in high school.

[Onthemove1971 in reply to 22789]

Thanks for the feedback. I assume accommadations are based on the need, which is based on the disability and the academic class. The way you prove this is by giving the school a 504 plan or other written proof.

[dubstepMaul]

good stuff. Thanks.

[22789]

IEPs include an accommodations section/page and disabilities are included on the face/first page of the IEP. An IEP carries as much weight as a 504 Plan; usually more. There is a trend for high schoolers to get questionable diagnoses so that they can try to get accommodations in college for a competitive advantage rather than need.

[Onthemove1971 in reply to 22789]

Would you agree an IEP stops at graduation? A 504 plan carries into adulthood.

[22789]

Yes. But the accommodations that were included in an IEP can be negotiated with the college or university just like those that were included in a 504 Plan. A 504 does not just carry forward to college. The approval process can be rigorous. Long standing IEPs with accommodations will support disabilities and need for accommodations in college far more than a 504 Plan.

[calamaco85]

That's awesome news. I have my son in the 504 program and have for years. He's in only in middle school so I hope I can remember when he graduates from high school in a few years.

Thank you

[wendyks]

When you enroll in college, you need to talk with the disabilities office (or whatever that school will call it) and ask for accommodations. Having a 504 or IEP in high school will help support your case, but neither will guarantee you'll get accommodations. A 504 plan is simply a list of accommodations. An IEP is a plan and includes special education services, annual goals, etc. It's much more involved. As a student with disabilities (with an IEP) the school will likely hook you up with transition services to ensure there is support after graduation, so in this way, an IEP sort of "carries over", but as far as college, neither legally "carries over".

[MOM1963 in reply to wendyks]

You are correct. IEP AND 504's in our state can only be used as supporting documentation with the State Universities. There must be a written, current evaluation with a licensed professional on the "adult" child's disability (ADHD) in order to petition for accommodations and it must be updated annually. In our case, my son will not be a freshman at the University until Fall of 2019 but we have to have the accommodations in place for placement testing that occurs in March. We see the psychiatrist on Monday and will submit the University provided paperwork after that requesting the accommodations. Once the University receives and reviews, we will meet with an "University Accommodation Specialist" who we will develop a educational plan with. I guess my message would be, each University or College will have accommodations available (as it is federal law in the US for ADHD) but each student will have to apply for it with said University or College. In addition, the accommodations may not be the same as what they had previously in their academic career depending on the University/College. My sons high school 504/IEP plan was very rigorous but the teaching staff did not apply it consistently-it was a constant battle to have the teaching staff "accept" that he did not learn like the bulk of the student body. He is looking forward to being able to use voice to text, recording lectures and using books on tape. There are no transitional services provided by our high school (+2500 students) so it has been a journey we have conducted on our own with higher education.

[Onthemove1971 in reply to MOM1963]

Thanks for your message. Have you hear of Bookshare? Your son would love it. It is a free (if you have and IEP/504plan) resource for people who need audiobooks.

Here is their address: bookshare.org

Best of luck!

[Hidden]

It's a difference in the law. There are two different laws. A college has to provide you with "504" accommodations under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 - they don't use the word 504 plan but they have to provide disability services. Just a different set of hoops if you ask me!