It is commonplace for our roles as Resource Managers to help create, adjust and implement a 504 plan for our pediatric clients. As such, it is very important to understand what a 504 is, what it is not, and the basic information association. You will receive more integrated detail within the employment manual on the various aspects behind 504 plans, specific accommodations and the implementation process. For now, please refer to this page for important information to get you started.
504 at First Glance
• Section 504 of the Federal Rehabilitation Act (1973) is an anti-discrimination statute which requires that the educational needs of disabled students (birth through 21) be met as adequately as those of non-disabled students.
• Most …show more content…
A disability is defined as a disability is an impairment that interferes with a child’s ability to learn. o Learning o Walking o Seeing o Hearing o Speaking o Breathing o Caring for oneself o Performing manual tasks
When might you consider a 504 Plan?
• When a disability is known or suspected.
• When a student is not benefiting from instruction provided.
• As a stop gap during the time a student is being evaluated for special education.
• When a student has been evaluated for special education but did not qualify.
• When a student is “at risk” or shows a potential of dropping out.
The 504 Plan:
• Is not created by any set list of team members, but it is recommended that the parent ask to be included.
• A 504 Plan is easier to qualify for and quicker to implement than an IEP. Ask for a 504 evaluation even if you are also asking for a special education evaluation. The 504 may be used as a stop-gap until the IEP is put in place.
• The plan includes: o A summary of evaluation data o Documentation of eligibility determination o Description of accommodations and placements
• The 504 Plan is not required by law to be reviewed at any particular interval, but best practice is yearly review and reassessment every three …show more content…
Important Facts:
• Parent, case worker, other involved person or school can refer a student and by the law the School District has 25 days to comply with the request. Requests should be made in writing, dated, signed, copied (keep one) and delivered to the school psychologist, school counselor, regular education teacher, special education director, and principal or vice principal. Ask the receiving party to initial and date your copy.
• Requests may be accompanied by letters from doctors or mental health counselors documenting student’s impairments. You must have an ROI signed by the student if they are 13 years and older to facilitate with retrieving these documents.
• Students undergo several appropriated tests to see if they qualify for an IEP. These professionals are usually hired by the school district; however, it is within the guardian right to have their own independent evaluations completed. The financial expense of independent can