Hi, I had gotten my 9 year old son tested by an external resource and was diagnosed with ADHD. The school had initially suggested that he does not need a 504 plan as he was doing fine academically , however based on his lack of focus in classroom , I re-requested for putting him in a 504 plan. The principal responded that they will do an assessment. Here is snippets of her response.
"Thank you for following up with your concerns. Per our last meeting and this email request, we will proceed with a formal 504 evaluation. We have scheduled a January 30th meeting at 8:15 AM to determine his eligibility for a 504 Plan. Here is a flowchart outlining the process.
Between now and our January meeting date, we will need your written permission to conduct observations and collect any additional information as part of the evaluation period.
At the January meeting, after the evaluation process, we will discuss his eligibility. Per our last meeting and you sharing his outside diagnosis, we know he has a disability. This meeting will be to determine whether it impacts one or more major life functions. If we determine eligibility, then the evaluation results will also inform if/what accommodations he might need in the school setting. We will then draft a plan with you as part of the team meeting. We can also discuss next steps, if he not determined eligible. "
Questions:
1) I was planning to start medications on him from next week, should I just wait till the school finishes the evaluation so that the medicine does not interfere?
2) What major life functions are they referring to here ?
3) Any suggestions on how to respond?
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RD_VB
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If you already have a diagnosis, and he is struggling academically, he will most likely qualify or an IEP, Being on medication will not alter qualification. You need to understand qualification and the educational plan comes from LAW. IDEA covers the disability from a federal standpoint, your state has enacted laws for your state’s board of education to follow. The State law must follow or exceed the provisions in the federal law. Go to your state’s board of education website. Everything it there. Go to the section covering Special Education. YouTube will help you get educated. Much information there, just choose reliable videos from universities, doctors,etc. Moms offer alot, but sometimes we can lead you astray due to our emotional involvement, because we care so much- as you know & I see. ( I’m a great grandma now) Hope this gets you started. You must be an advocate for your child-no one wants more for him than you.
If you make a formal written request for evaluation, I believe by law the school must grant you the evaluation. You need to state your concerns and most importantly how his challenges are keeping him from accessing his education.
Look at this sheet that you sign to consent to the evaluations and see if it is a prior written notice for an IEP. I just wonder about how they immediately move to a 504.
There is a timeline that they need to follow, If you look up IEP timeline you will see How much time they have to give you results from their evaluation. Prior to you meeting you can ask for a copy of the evaluation results so you can review. Also tell them you will be recording the meeting.
As to starting medication in my opinion I would wait, if you think this will improve his challenges. If they see your child at his worst he may have a better chance of qualifying for services.
For school in order to qualify for services they look at how his challenges affect his ability to access his education. Eg. His ability to only sustain attention for 5 minutes prevents him from understanding the lesson being taught, complete his class work. Also looking at perhaps behavior and if he is a safety concern to himself or to others. If he is academically doing well, it maybe hard to qualify for services, but don’t give up.
If you don’t understand anything ask them till you fully understand. It pays to be the squeaky wheel. Schools like to drag their feet and hope you get tired of waiting and give up.
I have two boys who have ADHD and combinations of LDs and ASD. I’ve had to attend many IEPs and bringing an educational advocate is something I recommend. They are not as expensive as a lawyer, but these people know the ins and outs of the system and can help greatly in helping you obtain services for your child.
Hi. Some good advice above. Here is some more. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) governs the IEP and Section 504 (504 plans) are from its predecessor ) but still in place) the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 . These are both applicable in your state. The standards to qualify for an IEP are higher (your child must qualify for special education services, but don't worry. If he does not qualify for an IEP, he WILL qualify for a 504 plan by virtue of the diagnosis of ADHD alone (and yo already have this).
Do not withhold medications. The school is not allowed to use his "mitigated state" as a basis to deny services. What you want is an individualized plan that puts him in the best position to function at his best (even if his best is exceptional). Allowing him to be tested at his best, medicated self is best. To repeat, he WILL qualify for a 504, which may be all he needs.
The "impairs a life function" stuff comes right from the law. ADHD impairs a major life function, so this is nothing to worry about. This is likely the principal's form response.
I have attached a link below to a "Dear Colleague" letter sent by the DOE to all educators in 2016 (expect them to deny receiving this, but they did). The first page or so is not English, but just skip those. this is long, but read it. This will let you knw what the school folks with whom you are dealing know about the law and ADHD, which is a good start. Good luck and reach out with any additional questions.
This should say IDEA Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) not ADA. Sorry. You can probably tell that I was called away and sent it before final proofread. Sorry also for typos. I stand behind the rest. Good luck.
Everyone had great advice.. I just wanted to ask that you deal with qualified staff ( usually this us a psychologist or a special education Specialist. You don't want the wrong person doing the assessment. Principals are not qualified to hold assessments or IEP's.
Our son's school has a person and all she does is hold 504 meetings and she manages them.
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