Understanding The Academic Rights Of 504 Plan ADHD Children

By Charles Cox


All parents want the best education possible for their children. For those who have youngsters with physical and mental disabilities, it can be difficult and frustrating negotiating with educators and administrators to get the academic accommodations necessary. In these cases, it is vital that parents become active advocates for their children. In order to give attention deficit suffers the best possible academic experience, you will have to thoroughly understand the laws pertaining to 504 Plan ADHD children.

Becoming familiar with all aspects of this law is the first step in helping your young child get the necessary classroom accommodations. Kids with disabilities have rights under two federal laws, the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act and Section 504 of the Federal Rehabilitation Act. If you have a child with attention deficit, she may not qualify for IDEA unless there are additional challenges covered by the law.

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.

The first thing you will need is an evaluation of your child. Discussing this with school administrators and teachers will not get you the best result. You should send a letter directly to the committee for special education services. The letter needs to be either hand delivered or sent by certified mail. You will find sample letters online. It not uncommon to be turned down initially. If that happens, getting a private assessment is the next step.

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.

After your child has been approved under Section 504, you and the school officials need to meet to devise a program that suits your child. If you are uncomfortable with administration suggestions that include only programs they already have in place, do not agree to the plan. You should insist on a specific time line showing definitive progress. The plan can be amended if enough progress has not been made.

Once a plan is agreed upon and put into place, you will have to monitor it and the progress your child is making. Section 504 does not require school officials to hold an annual review to assess the progress of qualifying children. Many schools do have review meetings at least once a year and encourage parents to be involved in the process.

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.




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