Re: No 504 due to no learning problems

September 20, 2006

My son's school didn't give us a 504 plan either, but any accomendations he

needs are few so perhaps that's why. They did seem very supportive and wanted

to make changes if needed, though there's really not a whole lot he needs right

now... we only had the counselor and nurse attend, though his teacher and gym

teacher already know everything. He has also always been at the top of his

class, grades have never been a issue, but because my son is in the 5th grade

they are worried about the testing and having to write a lot now in the tests.

Ask if he can test in a separate room and be allowed extra time and breaks to

rest and stretch (this is an option we've been offered) and as far as the OT/PT

therapists, I believe your son should be allowed to see them at school, I think

it would certainly benefit him physically--I wish we had that, we have to haul

bootie across town after school 2 days a week to make ours! If they believe

this was a standard letter informing them of

your son's arthritis, have his doc write up another or add to it, stating that

this was his plan, specifically. The ignorance of some people never ceases to

amaze me, how they treat you like you don't know what you're talking about! The

school secretary, she's new this year, looked at me like I was speaking dog when

I was asking for the nurse and explaining my purpose for being

there....frustrating I know.

At least you have the support of his teacher so far, that is a blessing...hang

in there and (with some pushing, lol) everything work out. God bless you and

everybody else out there, with all the talk of good parenting declining, I know

we are all certainly the exception!!!

Zack, poly, 10

jaimelyn_mi <jaimelynmoy@...> wrote:

I had a meeting yesterday with the school psychologist, social worker

and Andy's teacher.

For whatever reason, the principal did not attend, though she was at the school.

I was told

that Andy just didn't seem to qualify for 504 because he has not demonstrated

having any

" learning problems. " Andy's in the third grade and despite the arthritis, has

done very well

in school -- exceeding all level expectations. Therefore, they said, he doesn't

have a

problem with learning, and therefore can't get a 504.

They said that they would " observe " Andy for a semester to see how he does. Let

me note,

though, that both the pschologist and the social worker didn't seem to think the

recommendations from his rheumatologist and OT/PT therapists were directed

specifically

for Andy. They felt that it was a standard form letter they send for any child

who has

arthritis. They also didn't seem to care that his disease has flip-flopped so

frequently and

that it is hard to determine when he is actually flaring because he hardly ever

complains.

They said they would informally try to follow the plans from the doctor, though.

Still not

sure why, but Andy does not qualify for OT/PT at school, even though we have

documentation that he would benefit from it. (Therapists are even stationed

right in his

school.)

In the meantime, his teacher said she would do everything she can to accommodate

him in

the classroom. (She's the only one at the meeting that showed any real

compasion.) The

gym teacher has been aware of Andy's condition and continues to be wonderful

with him.

No problems there.

I'm wondering, though, does this sound right that Andy can be denied a 504

because he

actually succeeds grade level expectations? I'm concerned that he doesn't have a

plan and

in less than a month, he starts state standardize tests.

Thanks for your help.

(son Andy, 8)

Live each day to the fullest

like it's the last you'll ever see

lay your head down each night with no regrets

contented you will be

and Terry

Zack, Kyla, Niklas and Austen

aka the Terry crew

September 20, 2006

,

Go back to your school, and I am no expert, but it sounds like you maybe

asked for the wrong thing. You do want a 504 plan. That falls under

the Disabilities act of the federal government. What you described is

an IEP; (Individual educational plan). It is set for kids with

learning disabilities. (School's don't like 504=s because they aren't

funded, IEP's are, but are very specific as to what is considered and

what is not considered) I know that Liz teaches this at the national

conference, and she can advise you more on the legalities.

Go back to your school. Our daughter doesn't have lots of outward

signs. She is very bright on the top of her class, and has a very high

pain tolerance. But when it comes to testing, and she had to fill in

the little dots, it would kill her. A normal person has their hands

hurt, in this case she would get exhausted trying to fill in the dots.

Her 504 plan states that she can just circle the answers in the book,

and a teacher then fills in the dots. She will use a Fat pencil, as

well, or even a felt tip marker. She is given extra time, because she

does need to stand up and stretch. Additionally she is allowed to sit

in a chair at the assemblies, and can pick a friend to sit with her so

she doesn't stand out in the crowd. She is allowed to stand in the back

of the room if necessary to stretch. She has a standing prescription of

Tylenol just in case she needs and extra jolt during the day. She keep

" microwave " mittens in her locker, so if her hands get really stiff, the

nurse will put them in her microwave to warm them, and she can wear

them. She sometimes has had her desk lower to the floor so her legs

don't dangle, she doesn't need that because she has grown so much. She

has taken the school elevator when her knees bother her. And spelling

tests during a flare are taken on a tape recorder. She is allowed to

have me type her homework if her hands hurt.

The accommodations I mentioned are quite simple, and don't take rocket

science to make it happen. It really does help the spirit of the kids

if they do have this type of control. Direct your questions towards

Liz, and she can direct you to appropriate web sites for additional

information. Work closely with the teacher, and they see the kids

everyday anyway. I guess we have been VERY lucky with my daughter's

school. Just today I got a phone call from the Vice Principal that we

needed to meet and update Allie's 504plan, and review it with her

teacher. She wanted to get it done before their assessment test start

next Tuesday. Pretty simple stuff, but if they don't know they can't

help the kids.

and Allie (10 poly)

________________________________

From: [mailto: ] On

Behalf Of jason terry

Sent: Wednesday, September 20, 2006 11:16 AM

Subject: Re: No 504 due to no learning problems

My son's school didn't give us a 504 plan either, but any accomendations

he needs are few so perhaps that's why. They did seem very supportive

and wanted to make changes if needed, though there's really not a whole

lot he needs right now... we only had the counselor and nurse attend,

though his teacher and gym teacher already know everything. He has also

always been at the top of his class, grades have never been a issue, but

because my son is in the 5th grade they are worried about the testing

and having to write a lot now in the tests. Ask if he can test in a

separate room and be allowed extra time and breaks to rest and stretch

(this is an option we've been offered) and as far as the OT/PT

therapists, I believe your son should be allowed to see them at school,

I think it would certainly benefit him physically--I wish we had that,

we have to haul bootie across town after school 2 days a week to make

ours! If they believe this was a standard letter informing them of

your son's arthritis, have his doc write up another or add to it,

stating that this was his plan, specifically. The ignorance of some

people never ceases to amaze me, how they treat you like you don't know

what you're talking about! The school secretary, she's new this year,

looked at me like I was speaking dog when I was asking for the nurse and

explaining my purpose for being there....frustrating I know.

At least you have the support of his teacher so far, that is a

blessing...hang in there and (with some pushing, lol) everything work

out. God bless you and everybody else out there, with all the talk of

good parenting declining, I know we are all certainly the exception!!!

Zack, poly, 10

jaimelyn_mi <jaimelynmoy@... <mailto:jaimelynmoy%40gmail.com> >

wrote:

I had a meeting yesterday with the school psychologist, social worker

and Andy's teacher.

For whatever reason, the principal did not attend, though she was at the

school. I was told

that Andy just didn't seem to qualify for 504 because he has not

demonstrated having any

" learning problems. " Andy's in the third grade and despite the

arthritis, has done very well

in school -- exceeding all level expectations. Therefore, they said, he

doesn't have a

problem with learning, and therefore can't get a 504.

They said that they would " observe " Andy for a semester to see how he

does. Let me note,

though, that both the pschologist and the social worker didn't seem to

think the

recommendations from his rheumatologist and OT/PT therapists were

directed specifically

for Andy. They felt that it was a standard form letter they send for any

child who has

arthritis. They also didn't seem to care that his disease has

flip-flopped so frequently and

that it is hard to determine when he is actually flaring because he

hardly ever complains.

They said they would informally try to follow the plans from the doctor,

though. Still not

sure why, but Andy does not qualify for OT/PT at school, even though we

have

documentation that he would benefit from it. (Therapists are even

stationed right in his

school.)

In the meantime, his teacher said she would do everything she can to

accommodate him in

the classroom. (She's the only one at the meeting that showed any real

compasion.) The

gym teacher has been aware of Andy's condition and continues to be

wonderful with him.

No problems there.

I'm wondering, though, does this sound right that Andy can be denied a

504 because he

actually succeeds grade level expectations? I'm concerned that he

doesn't have a plan and

in less than a month, he starts state standardize tests.

Thanks for your help.

(son Andy, 8)

Live each day to the fullest

like it's the last you'll ever see

lay your head down each night with no regrets

contented you will be

and Terry

Zack, Kyla, Niklas and Austen

aka the Terry crew

September 20, 2006

,

No it doesn't sound right at all that he was denied. My daughter

had had 504 in place for 4 years now. We revise it every year. She

doesn't have any learning problems either and in fact is a very good

student.

The 504 addresses her health issues and accommodations that are

needed at school do to health problems and flares. I put a list of

accommodations that we either use for Aundrea or that may be needed

for someone else. Its under the file section of this group and

listed as sample 504 plan.

Juvenile arthitis is very much considered a disease that should be

managed through a 504 plan and there is plenty of documentation of

that.

The letters from your rheum should have been sufficient. Did you

have the guidance counselor attend the meeting or whoever is

responsible for coordination of 504's?

If the rheumy is ordering pt and ot then I belive the school is

obligated to provide this service. They don't determine if he needs

it or not...that is ordered thru your rheumy.

As far as flip-flopping with the disease...Thats the very nature of

jra and flares. Sounds like the staff is very uneducated about jra

and therefore not very responsive. Have you given them enough

literature about Andy's specific disease? Maybe some doctors

progress notes as well as a medication sheet that also lists side

effects.

I am glad that Andy's teacher and pe teacher are working with you,

but I would suggest you contact the rheumy and inform them of what

the sw and psyc said about a generic letter. Have him fax them a

specific letter regarding Andy and state his diagnosis, symptoms,

medications and recommendation for pt/ot and a 504 plan.

(Aundrea 11 systemic jra/GERD)

>

> I had a meeting yesterday with the school psychologist, social

worker and Andy's teacher.

> For whatever reason, the principal did not attend, though she was

at the school. I was told

> that Andy just didn't seem to qualify for 504 because he has not

demonstrated having any

> " learning problems. " Andy's in the third grade and despite the

arthritis, has done very well

> in school -- exceeding all level expectations. Therefore, they

said, he doesn't have a

> problem with learning, and therefore can't get a 504.

>

> They said that they would " observe " Andy for a semester to see how

he does. Let me note,

> though, that both the pschologist and the social worker didn't

seem to think the

> recommendations from his rheumatologist and OT/PT therapists were

directed specifically

> for Andy. They felt that it was a standard form letter they send

for any child who has

> arthritis. They also didn't seem to care that his disease has flip-

flopped so frequently and

> that it is hard to determine when he is actually flaring because

he hardly ever complains.

> They said they would informally try to follow the plans from the

doctor, though. Still not

> sure why, but Andy does not qualify for OT/PT at school, even

though we have

> documentation that he would benefit from it. (Therapists are even

stationed right in his

> school.)

>

> In the meantime, his teacher said she would do everything she can

to accommodate him in

> the classroom. (She's the only one at the meeting that showed any

real compasion.) The

> gym teacher has been aware of Andy's condition and continues to be

wonderful with him.

> No problems there.

>

> I'm wondering, though, does this sound right that Andy can be

denied a 504 because he

> actually succeeds grade level expectations? I'm concerned that he

doesn't have a plan and

> in less than a month, he starts state standardize tests.

>

> Thanks for your help.

> (son Andy, 8)

>

September 20, 2006

Thanks for the advice. I'll stay on top of it. I do know that I

specifically asked for 504 and they held up a spiral bound notebook

that said that Andy didn't qualify for this. I'm a little worried

about filling in the dots, now that you mentioned it. His left hand

has gotten increasingly worse and he gets a splint tomorrow. I'll ask

the teacher at a meeting on Thursday about doing something similar to

what you mentioned with circling the whole answer. I'm sure that would

help. Thanks again.

On 9/20/06, Ray <leslie@...> wrote:

>

> ,

>

> Go back to your school, and I am no expert, but it sounds like you maybe

> asked for the wrong thing. You do want a 504 plan. That falls under

> the Disabilities act of the federal government. What you described is

> an IEP; (Individual educational plan). It is set for kids with

> learning disabilities. (School's don't like 504=s because they aren't

> funded, IEP's are, but are very specific as to what is considered and

> what is not considered) I know that Liz teaches this at the national

> conference, and she can advise you more on the legalities.

>

> Go back to your school. Our daughter doesn't have lots of outward

> signs. She is very bright on the top of her class, and has a very high

> pain tolerance. But when it comes to testing, and she had to fill in

> the little dots, it would kill her. A normal person has their hands

> hurt, in this case she would get exhausted trying to fill in the dots.

> Her 504 plan states that she can just circle the answers in the book,

> and a teacher then fills in the dots. She will use a Fat pencil, as

> well, or even a felt tip marker. She is given extra time, because she

> does need to stand up and stretch. Additionally she is allowed to sit

> in a chair at the assemblies, and can pick a friend to sit with her so

> she doesn't stand out in the crowd. She is allowed to stand in the back

> of the room if necessary to stretch. She has a standing prescription of

> Tylenol just in case she needs and extra jolt during the day. She keep

> " microwave " mittens in her locker, so if her hands get really stiff, the

> nurse will put them in her microwave to warm them, and she can wear

> them. She sometimes has had her desk lower to the floor so her legs

> don't dangle, she doesn't need that because she has grown so much. She

> has taken the school elevator when her knees bother her. And spelling

> tests during a flare are taken on a tape recorder. She is allowed to

> have me type her homework if her hands hurt.

>

> The accommodations I mentioned are quite simple, and don't take rocket

> science to make it happen. It really does help the spirit of the kids

> if they do have this type of control. Direct your questions towards

> Liz, and she can direct you to appropriate web sites for additional

> information. Work closely with the teacher, and they see the kids

> everyday anyway. I guess we have been VERY lucky with my daughter's

> school. Just today I got a phone call from the Vice Principal that we

> needed to meet and update Allie's 504plan, and review it with her

> teacher. She wanted to get it done before their assessment test start

> next Tuesday. Pretty simple stuff, but if they don't know they can't

> help the kids.

>

> and Allie (10 poly)

>

> ________________________________

>

> From: [mailto: ] On

> Behalf Of jason terry

> Sent: Wednesday, September 20, 2006 11:16 AM

>

> Subject: Re: No 504 due to no learning problems

>

> My son's school didn't give us a 504 plan either, but any accomendations

> he needs are few so perhaps that's why. They did seem very supportive

> and wanted to make changes if needed, though there's really not a whole

> lot he needs right now... we only had the counselor and nurse attend,

> though his teacher and gym teacher already know everything. He has also

> always been at the top of his class, grades have never been a issue, but

> because my son is in the 5th grade they are worried about the testing

> and having to write a lot now in the tests. Ask if he can test in a

> separate room and be allowed extra time and breaks to rest and stretch

> (this is an option we've been offered) and as far as the OT/PT

> therapists, I believe your son should be allowed to see them at school,

> I think it would certainly benefit him physically--I wish we had that,

> we have to haul bootie across town after school 2 days a week to make

> ours! If they believe this was a standard letter informing them of

> your son's arthritis, have his doc write up another or add to it,

> stating that this was his plan, specifically. The ignorance of some

> people never ceases to amaze me, how they treat you like you don't know

> what you're talking about! The school secretary, she's new this year,

> looked at me like I was speaking dog when I was asking for the nurse and

> explaining my purpose for being there....frustrating I know.

> At least you have the support of his teacher so far, that is a

> blessing...hang in there and (with some pushing, lol) everything work

> out. God bless you and everybody else out there, with all the talk of

> good parenting declining, I know we are all certainly the exception!!!

>

> Zack, poly, 10

>

> jaimelyn_mi <jaimelynmoy@... <mailto:jaimelynmoy%40gmail.com> >

>

> wrote:

> I had a meeting yesterday with the school psychologist, social worker

> and Andy's teacher.

> For whatever reason, the principal did not attend, though she was at the

> school. I was told

> that Andy just didn't seem to qualify for 504 because he has not

> demonstrated having any

> " learning problems. " Andy's in the third grade and despite the

> arthritis, has done very well

> in school -- exceeding all level expectations. Therefore, they said, he

> doesn't have a

> problem with learning, and therefore can't get a 504.

>

> They said that they would " observe " Andy for a semester to see how he

> does. Let me note,

> though, that both the pschologist and the social worker didn't seem to

> think the

> recommendations from his rheumatologist and OT/PT therapists were

> directed specifically

> for Andy. They felt that it was a standard form letter they send for any

> child who has

> arthritis. They also didn't seem to care that his disease has

> flip-flopped so frequently and

> that it is hard to determine when he is actually flaring because he

> hardly ever complains.

> They said they would informally try to follow the plans from the doctor,

> though. Still not

> sure why, but Andy does not qualify for OT/PT at school, even though we

> have

> documentation that he would benefit from it. (Therapists are even

> stationed right in his

> school.)

>

> In the meantime, his teacher said she would do everything she can to

> accommodate him in

> the classroom. (She's the only one at the meeting that showed any real

> compasion.) The

> gym teacher has been aware of Andy's condition and continues to be

> wonderful with him.

> No problems there.

>

> I'm wondering, though, does this sound right that Andy can be denied a

> 504 because he

> actually succeeds grade level expectations? I'm concerned that he

> doesn't have a plan and

> in less than a month, he starts state standardize tests.

>

> Thanks for your help.

> (son Andy, 8)

>

> Live each day to the fullest

> like it's the last you'll ever see

> lay your head down each night with no regrets

> contented you will be

> and Terry

> Zack, Kyla, Niklas and Austen

> aka the Terry crew

>

September 20, 2006

,

Direct an e-mail to Liz . She knows lots of legalities regarding

the 504 and IEP stuff. LIz had a great handout at the last set of

conference regarding on this type of stuff. Your son qualifies for a

504, and it would be easy to accommodate him. Also, try to touch base

with your local Arthritis Foundation office, they may have some good

information. I don't know where you are at in the country, but there

are LOTS of people on this board that have experience with 504 plans.

Good Luck, and don't back down. It literally will take one day to get

my daughter's 504 plan up and in place.

and Allie (10 poly)

________________________________

From: [mailto: ] On

Behalf Of Moy

Sent: Wednesday, September 20, 2006 1:31 PM

Subject: Re: No 504 due to no learning problems

Thanks for the advice. I'll stay on top of it. I do know that I

specifically asked for 504 and they held up a spiral bound notebook

that said that Andy didn't qualify for this. I'm a little worried

about filling in the dots, now that you mentioned it. His left hand

has gotten increasingly worse and he gets a splint tomorrow. I'll ask

the teacher at a meeting on Thursday about doing something similar to

what you mentioned with circling the whole answer. I'm sure that would

help. Thanks again.

On 9/20/06, Ray <leslie@...

<mailto:leslie%40blueribbontravel.com> > wrote:

>

> ,

>

> Go back to your school, and I am no expert, but it sounds like you

maybe