Understanding The Academic Rights Of 504 Plan ADHD Children

By Charles Cox


A lot of parents want their children to get a public education, even if those children have special challenges. These parents are often met with resistance when they approach educators about getting the academic accommodations necessary to give their youngsters a chance to succeed scholastically however. They quickly find out that they will have to be strong and assertive advocates for their kids, especially when it comes to the laws regarding 504 Plan ADHD children.

In order to do the best job for your affected child, you need to become conversant with the federal laws that apply in your youngster's case. Children with mental and physical disabilities usually fall under the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act. The law that applies to children with disorders is covered under Section 504 of the Federal Rehabilitation Act.

Section 504 covers ADHD youngsters. They may not qualify for special education services, but they are entitled to preferential seating, extra testing time, and note taking assistance. As a parent, you cannot just assume the classroom teacher will make these accommodations available to your kid. You will have to go through the proper steps and channels to ensure the law is applied in your youngster's case.

Contacting your school system's special education services committee, in writing, to request an evaluation should be the initial step. Teachers do not have the authority to approve your request. The letter you send needs to be certified or personally delivered. Do not be overly worried if you are initially turned down. A private assessment, outside the system if necessary, is your youngster's right.

You youngster's evaluation will include observation, behavior assessment, and academic reports. The professionals who conduct the assessment might include a school psychologist, special education and other professionals. You need to be involved in the process and become a member of this team in order to maximize your chances of a successful outcome. Parents need to keep detailed notes and retain any paperwork for their records.

Once the evaluation process is completed and your child has been approved, it is time to put a proposal, specific to your youngster, in place. It is not unusual for school administrators to advocate for programs they already have in place. This makes the job easier for them, but may not be the best solution for your child.

Even though an agreed upon set of actions has been put in place, you will still have to be an aggressive advocate for your child. The plan should be monitored and reviewed. By law, school administrators do not have to conduct annual reviews, but most do. You have the right to be involved in the reviews and request additional meetings throughout the school year if appropriate.

Being a child can be difficult, even without brain based learning challenges. As the parent, it is your job to give your child every possible chance for success. It may be difficult and frustrating, but you have federal law behind you when you advocate for your youngster.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment