Tuesday, June 27, 2017

Academic Accommodations Are A Legal Right For 504 Plan ADHD Youngsters

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.

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.

ADHD kids are covered under Section 504. They may not require the school's special education resources, but they should get any needed extra time to take exams, preferential seating, and assistance with taking notes. If you assume the teacher will offer these accommodations automatically, you may be disappointed. In order to assure that your youngster's needs are being met under the law, you will have to follow the proper procedures.

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.

The evaluation consists of physical observation, academic reports, and an assessment on in-class behavior. This is typically handled by special education professionals and psychologists. You have the right to be informed of the findings and should keep careful records and notes.

Once your child has been successfully evaluated, you and your team should develop a customized plan for your child. You need to make sure the details are specific and that there is a time line to reach goals. It is not unusual for school officials to recommend plans that fit in with their existing programs, whether or not they are the best solution for your youngster.

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.

Having a child with special challenges is not easy. Ensuring they have everything they need to maximize their academic potential can be frustrating. Arming yourself with information and becoming a persistent advocate for your youngster will make all the difference.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.