504 School accommodations. Frustrated parent needs help!

[Learoy]

I need some strength in numbers!! I’ve been trying for 8th, 9th and now the start of 10th grade to get my daughter my a 504 plan in school. If she does not get the help she needs I’m afraid she might drop out by 11th grade. Could you guys give me some good accommodations in school that would help her? She has ADD, zero executive functions, anxiety and school avoidance. They have her in algebra 2 but won’t listen when I tell them she needs to be in basic math also does not to well with comprehension in reading. Would a touch screen chromebook help? They have them but refuse to give her one.

[ADHD_DAD]

Hi. I can't tell if you are saying she has NO 504 plan or that she does and you need accommodations ideas. If she does not, the medical diagnosis (just a doctor note) of ADHD entitles her to a 504 plan under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. It's not optional. I can help get you going if she has no plan.

If she HAS one and you are seeking help with accommodations,I can help there, too. I need more specifics on the problems and I will provide specific recommendations. You can certainly add the chromebook touchscreen (how that would help, I don't know) to the 504. We have all been through this with the public schools. They are required to have a plan and follow it but don't unless MADE to do so. What I was advised early on by someone in the know was that the union and limited resources stand in the way of the teachers doing what's right. The school amd teachers will do the right thing ONKY if it is more difficult and expensive NOT to do the right thing. If your finances permit, perhaps it is time for a Special Education lawyer. If the school treats your daughter this way, they will treat other children this way, too. It doesn't have to be like this. Maybe you can be the hero who makes things better for everyone! Let me know more specifics and I will share more specific advice and accommodations. Be well.

[JesusTakeTheWheel]

Typically, they say no to a 504 if her diagnosis is not creating significant impairment. However, they are required to comply if the Neurologist or treating physican recommends it. Hope this helps

[Aloysia]

I have 2 kids with ADHD (ages 9 and 10) and one of them additionally has dyslexia, dysgraphia, and anxiety.

ADHD_DAD already replied about 504 plans. Have you considered the possibility that she might have a learning disorder? Many of the things you say in your post make me wonder about that. Undiagnosed learning disaorders could have easily brought on the anxiety and school avoidance. It's fairly common for ADHD kids to additionally have learning disorders (and vice versa).

Here's a short article to read: additudemag.com/could-it-be...

Please write more if we've misunderstood what you're looking for.

[willandgrace in reply to Aloysia]

very good advice! She needs an evaluation to determine if she has a learning disability as well. And it is INSANE to me that they have the nerve to resist a 504. THAT IS THE LAW! And this girl may also need special education services if she has an LD. Do high schools do evaluations? If so, please insist that your daughter have a full evaluation. I can hear your pain and frustration. My son is a sophomore as well. He was diagnosed with adhd back in 6th grade. I can't imagine him having struggled for all those years like your daughter has been doing. Your daughter, by law, is entitled to a 504 plan. I wish you the best of luck.

[anirush]

I can say from experience that a IEP gives you a lot more accommodations than a 504. Most schools push for a 504 because they are less paperwork and less trouble for them. An IEP can mandate specialized instruction. I had to really push to get my grandson's plan changed.

[abryans]

I agree with above comments. Has your daughter had a full psycho-educational evaluation? If not, I would request one asap- or, if you can afford it, can one privately. If your daughter is struggling with math and reading, she may have learning differences beyond ADHD and even if she doesn't, if the ADHD has resulted in significant delays in math and/or reading, she may be eligible for an IEP. An IEP provides special education and related services in addition to accommodations. Many children need actual special education or service supports individual instruction, coaching in executive function skills, occcupational therapy etc, as well as accommodations (typically just things like being allowed to stand while working, or given extra time to complete work), that are provided by a 504. Schools have limited resources and there is less accountability with a 504 plan so they can be reluctant to provide an IEP. However, if your child has a disability preventing her from accessing the full educational opportunity, she is entitled to an IEP.