504 Plan

[Guest guest]

A 504 Plan is a non-special education plan that requires adaptations to be

made for students with disabilities so they may participate in all school

activities. Basically, it is a plan between the parents and the staff who

work with your child to make sure that things go smoothly and everyone is

aware that accomodations may need to be made.

For example: My son is always exhausted the week before his infusion. This

is obvious to his teachers. His 504 states, if he is ill or showing extreme

fatigue on the days of (or days prior to) standardized tests he will be

allowed to participate in the testing at another time when retakes are given.

This was an important piece for us to put in writing since our son is a good

student and takes pride in his work. The time prior to his infusion he has

difficulty concentrating and is easily frustrated (noted by teachers).

Everyone thought it would not be an accurate picture of his abilities if he

was tested under these circumstances. Luckily, standardized testing didn't

take place at this week of the year and he was able to take the tests with

everyone else.

His 504 also states:

* He is prone to headaches and body aches after an infusion. He has

permission to see the school nurse for Motrin. This way, everyone knows the

situation and doesn't question what to do.

* The 504 also states that extra teacher attention may be needed prior to

infusions since this is such a difficult time for him due to extreme fatigue.

For example, directions may need to be given a second time or the teacher

may just want to walk by and see that the directions have been understood.

* The 504 states that we (the parents) will provide the teachers with a

calendar with all the infusion dates marked.

* We also send a manila folder to each teacher with the infusion calendar,

IDF materials such as Our Immune System, and a brief information sheet

(written by us) which explains medical issues.

It was important for us to have a 504 plan since our child looks so healthy

that people tend to forget that he has medical issues and suddenly wonder

what is going on with him. Also, we wanted to start the 504 at an early

age... 5 (he's 9 now) so that it would be in place, and we could see how it

really works, when he left the elementary school (where I teach) and enters

the middle school in 2002. We update it every year.

The way to get a 504 in our school district was to tell the principal that we

wanted a 504. She forwarded us to the social worker. The social worker is

the case manager. At the beginning of each year there is a meeting with the

nurse, teacher or teachers, social worker, and us. This is when I pass out

my manila folders and go over the information in them too. We can meet

anytime throughout the year if someone on the team sees a need for it.

This is my experience with a 504. I hope it helps.

Kathy, mom to Isaac, 9, CVID