Accommodations required at a private school?

[Lavender58]

Hi all, our 13 year old son was recently diagnosed with ADHD. As you can imagine, he struggles in school. In researching accommodations, it appears 504 only applies to public schools. I also read that Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act extends the requirements of 504 to private elementary and secondary schools. Does anyone know if private schools are required to provide accommodations for students with ADHD? Appreciate any insight. Thanks.

[LisethHIS]

Hello Lavender58,

Thank you for contacting CHADD National Resource Center on ADHD. When it comes to private schools, it all depends. If they receive any federal funding, then they should, but they are still allowed to do their own regulations. Here is some information that could help you. chadd.org/for-parents/secti... chadd.org/adhd-weekly/educa... chadd.org/for-educators/cla... Hopefully theses resources are helpful.

If you have further questions, please let us know. We are here to help!

Liseth

Health Information Specialist

CHADD’s National Resource Center on ADHD chadd.org

[kdali]

At our private school, we forfeit rights to a 504 plan. We have an IEP.

[BLC89]

Hello Lavender58,It is my understanding that if the school receives any federal funds it must offer 504/IEP supports.

Some private school do not receive any federal funds and in my experience they can decline extra support (why they would choose that I'm not sure).

I do know that you can get a 504 from a public school in the district in which you live even if your child doesn't attend that school. Why would this be helpful? It is nice to have a 504 in place before college so you can take advantage of the 504 supports offered. Assuming of course that the college receives federal funds - there are far fewer universities that do not receive federal funds, and it may be a consideration for which colleges to apply to.

I know college sounds far off but the time will fly by.

If supports aren't offered at the school get external support.

How that helps

BLC89

Full disclosure: I am an ADHD Parent Coach. I have been married to ADHD for nearly 30 years and raised two kids who have ADHD.

[Aspen797]

There are two types of federal laws that protect students with disabilities, educational laws (IDEA) and laws that protect against discrimination (ADA and Rehab Act). The latter type can apply to private schools under certain circumstances. Some states have state laws or state constitutions that offer even greater protection. Reach out to your state’s Protection and Advocacy/ Disability Rights office to get free legal information about which laws apply in your situation: ndrn.org/about/ndrn-member-....

[Sammysmile]

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