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Understand What a 504 Plan Is, and How It Might Help Your Child
Oct 27, 2021
Do you know what a 504 plan is? Do you know how it might help your child with learning? Learn what a 504 plan is, and how it might help your child.
In recent years, psychologists and other experts have made groundbreaking discoveries in understanding how children learn. Their findings have altered the way classrooms interact. They've helped classrooms become more interactive and less passive, helping children to learn in deeper ways.
However, these findings have also discovered many conditions that can hinder students' learning. Some of these disabilities may require special education. Other conditions, however, may require other accommodations for students.
If your child has a condition like ADHD or dyslexia, you may need a 504 plan to ensure their academic success. These plans assist children with disabilities who don't qualify for special education but still need student support.
If you think your child may benefit from this educational support, learn more about 504 plans today! In this guide, we'll outline what a 504 plan is and how to acquire it. So, without further ado, let's jump right in!
What Is a 504 Plan?
The 504 plan derives its name from Section 504 of the
Rehabilitation Act of 1973. The Rehabilitation Act guarantees that people with disabilities have certain rights, including educational support. So, schools develop 504 plans to help students customize an environment that meets their needs.
These plans aim to make classrooms accessible for students, regardless of their disability. The section outlines its purpose in the following words:
"No otherwise qualified individual with a disability in the United States . . . shall, solely by reason of her or his disability, be excluded from the participation in . . . or be subjected to any discrimination under any program . . . receiving federal financial assistance."
Thanks to this provision, it doesn't matter what disability affects your child. Likewise, its severity is inconsequential. Whatever the case, your child can receive an individualized education plan that supports their educational needs.
Typically, a 504 plan allows students to learn in the same classroom as the rest of their classmates. On some occasions, such as test days, they may have extended time for their test in a separate room.
No two 504 plans are identical. Each student who qualifies for one receives a strategy tailored to their specific needs. In the next section, we'll discuss how schools determine a student's eligibility.
Eligibility for Educational Support
Section 504 does not include a list of disabilities that make one eligible for a plan. However, there are a few limitations. Typically, 504 plans only cover long-term disabilities, such as ADHD or dyslexia.
There are exceptions to these limitations. For example, if a student is recovering from a sickness or injury, they may temporarily qualify for a 504 plan.
However, the severity of a student's condition determines whether they receive a 504 plan or an IEP. We'll discuss the differences between these in a later section.
For now, we'll simplify the question. A 504 plan typically goes to children with disabilities that would otherwise be able to learn at a typical level.
Furthermore, a child must have a disability that meets the
US Department of Education's requirements. These qualifications include:
Having an impairment, whether physical or mental, that significantly limits a major life activity
Having a record of this impairment
Is regarded by many others as having this impairment
While a student may qualify more easily for a 504 plan with a medical diagnosis, it's not required. Instead, the Department of Education leaves its criteria as broad as it possibly can. This way, each school has room to determine eligibility in individual cases.
These plans cover both "major life activities" and "major bodily functions." The life activities portion applies to any function necessary to daily life. Activities include seeing and hearing, communicating, physical movement, etc.
Children with issues related to major bodily functions also find protection in this clause. As such, the law protects students with biological disorders, ranging from immunodeficiencies to bowel problems.
How To Determine Whether a 504 Plan or IEP is Better for Your Student
As we've explained throughout this article, a 504 plan can offer accommodations for many disabilities. However, the central condition for these plans is that students must be able to learn at grade level with these conditions.
In contrast, Individualized Education Programs (IEP) help students with specific diagnoses who need special education services. In this arrangement, the plan may make changes to academic instruction and expectations.
While a 504 plan may make accommodations for students, such as creating a nut-free environment, they don't change the learning goals. These plans continue to hold students to the same standards as their peers.
An IEP, however, is a legal document that features objectives and goals that differ from the rest of the class. In addition to those changes, IEPs include further environmental accommodations.
Crafting a 504 Plan
A 504 plan aims to help students attain the accommodations they need. However, there is a lengthy process attached to creating a 504
plan for students. As a parent, you must go through this process to get approval for the plan.
There are exceptions to the process. Sometimes, schools notice that a student struggles in a way that indicates they have a learning disability. In those cases, a school may propose a plan to parents for their approval.
However, the usual process involves parents making the first contact. You must contact your student's teacher, principal, or counselor with your concerns. From there, you can ask for your child to undergo an evaluation for a 504 plan.
While a medical diagnosis is not required, it does help in getting the school's approval. You can get this diagnosis either by visiting your child's pediatrician or by getting a referral from them to a specialist.
Once you get approval, the school follows its own protocols to assess your child. As they conduct tests and evaluations, they gain a clearer idea of how to help your child learn.
Get Help With Your 504 Plan
If you have children with disabilities, a 504 plan could prove beneficial. However, trying to get approval for this plan can become complicated.
If you're not sure how to navigate this process, don't worry! We at Aliada Educational Advocacy have the tools and experience to help.
So, if you need further help,
contact us today! We can ensure your child gets the educational assets they need.
Related services are necessary to make sure students can participate in programs and make progress.
Are you frustrated after failing to reach and teach children with ADHD after trying every teaching technique you can think of? It can be difficult to know how to adapt your teaching style to help children with ADHD to have the best possible learning experience. Thankfully there are several strategies that you can make use of to help all children to have the best possible education. If you're wondering how to get better at teaching children with ADHD, read on and we'll tell you what you need to know. Understanding How Children With ADHD Learn the Best One of the first things to recognize about youth who have ADHD is that they seek novelty. Their attention naturally orients towards high-interest kinds of activities. This is why they thrive in learning situations where the curriculum is engaging and active. In order to offer children this opportunity, consider embracing activities that involve physical movement and motor activity. 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If you want to support children with ADHD who you work with in the best possible way, please visit our services page in order to find out how we can help you.
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Learning the educational options available and choosing the best approach to meet your child's education is a place to start. Special Needs Education Special Education is a broad term that refers to services that can be provided for your child. This approach to instruction should address the specific needs of your child's disability. The public school system in your area will determine access and opportunities for your child. Educational standards are also designated by your public school system. Adaptations for your child's physical or movement needs will be given as deemed necessary. This does not mean that your child will be in a special education or a resource room all day. According to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), children who receive special education services should be in the least restrictive environment. Your child should be learning in the same classroom as other children. This will be made accessible with the appropriate accommodations. Individualized Education Plan (IEP) The Individualized Education Plan is covered under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Teachers, parents, administrators, and other school personnel work as a team to create an educational program. This program is developed to meet the individual needs of the child. The IEP evaluates a child's current educational performance. This will take a look at the special needs of the child, how those needs affect involvement in the classroom, and learning outcomes. The IEP includes reasonable annual goals for the child broken down into short-term objectives. These benchmarks tackle physical, behavioral, or social needs, as well as academics. Any supplemental services or classroom modifications needed to assist the child will also be listed on the IEP. Parental involvement is required at the annual IEP meeting, which can be intimidating. But remember, you are the most important member of your child's educational team. You know your child best. Take the opportunity to ask questions and give input to customize a learning experience that fits your child. The 504 The 504 plan was established in 1973 and is a section of the U.S. Rehabilitation Act. It provides accommodations for students with physical or mental impairments within a regular classroom setting. When a student is not eligible for special education services or an IEP, a 504 plan will provide the modifications for academic success. Like the IEP, parents are part of the 504 team, and accommodations are reviewed annually. With a 504 , a parent can call for a plan review at any time to evaluate academic concerns or request other appropriate changes. Your involvement in the process will assist in customizing your child's educational experience. This can ensure your child's academic and social success. Parent as Educational Partner There is no one more invested in your child's success than you, the parent. 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You Are Not Alone As a parent, understanding the pathway of a special needs education for your child is difficult. Yours is not a typical road of parenting. You may worry and second-guess decisions. There may be many potholes along the way, making you feel unsure and discouraged. You are not alone. Aliada Educational Advocacy, My Learning Ally , offers support and consultation for parents learning to navigate the educational system for a child with special needs. Experienced consultants are available to listen to your concerns and work with you to find the best solutions for your child. Reach out to us . We are here to help.
