Section 504 What is it, and what does it have to do with ADHD?

First, let’s say what 504 is NOT. / It is not an IEP (individual education plan). An IEP can modify the CONTENT of what a child learns. Section 504 makes / ACCOMMODATIONS in the child’s LEARNING ENVIRONMENT. / It is not an IEP (individual education plan). An IEP can modify the CONTENT of what a child learns. Section 504 makes / ACCOMMODATIONS in the child’s LEARNING ENVIRONMENT.

What is Section 504? Section 504 is anti-discrimination legislation, a civil rights statute, not special education services. It is about providing accommodations that will compensate for a disability so that the student will have an equal chance to participate in class, not reduce expectations or modify grades. Section 504 is anti-discrimination legislation, a civil rights statute, not special education services. It is about providing accommodations that will compensate for a disability so that the student will have an equal chance to participate in class, not reduce expectations or modify grades.

How does it do this? If a child is determined eligible for a 504 plan, he/she may receive accommodations and modifications in the classroom environment.

What do you mean by accommodations or modifications? / This means changing the way things are usually done in order to take into account a child’s disability-related needs. Examples may include modifying rules, policies, or practices; removal of architectural or communication barriers; or providing aids, services, or assistive technology.

Is this like an I.E.P.? / No. An individualized education program modifies the LEVEL of CONTENT taught, and a 504 plan modifies the learning environment by use of modifications such as peer tutoring, oral testing, abbreviated assignments, longer work time, alternative materials, cooperative learning, etc.

How do I know if my child can qualify? / Parents,teachers, or Support Team can request a meeting with the 504 committee. / At the meeting, the 504 committee determines if the child’s disability has a significant impact on their educational performance. / Parents,teachers, or Support Team can request a meeting with the 504 committee. / At the meeting, the 504 committee determines if the child’s disability has a significant impact on their educational performance.

Do all children with ADHD qualify? / No. The purpose of a 504 meeting is to determine whether or not a child is eligible. Some children with ADHD do well without modifications or accommodations.

Also… / The child must have a medical diagnosis of ADHD; this condition must substantially limit one or more major life activities and interfere with their academics.

How will I know the 504 plan is being followed? / Stay in touch with your child’s teacher. Know your parental rights under 504. / Each year, look for an annual review meeting. If you don’t hear from someone, call the counselor’s office. / Stay in touch with your child’s teacher. Know your parental rights under 504. / Each year, look for an annual review meeting. If you don’t hear from someone, call the counselor’s office.

Does my child stay on the same 504 forever? / All children change and mature. If modifications or accommodations are no longer needed, a 504 review may determine the need for termination. / For example, a child may need a quiet place to test in 3rd grade, but by 6th grade, they may have developed strategies to tune out extraneous classroom noise. / All children change and mature. If modifications or accommodations are no longer needed, a 504 review may determine the need for termination. / For example, a child may need a quiet place to test in 3rd grade, but by 6th grade, they may have developed strategies to tune out extraneous classroom noise.

Who is usually on the 504 committee? / You, the parent. / A 504 chairperson. / An administrator. / The child’s classroom teacher. / Any other relevant adults at school who are closely associated with the child’s needs. / You, the parent. / A 504 chairperson. / An administrator. / The child’s classroom teacher. / Any other relevant adults at school who are closely associated with the child’s needs.

Who is eligible under Section 504? / If a child has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities. / A child who has a record of such impairment. / A child who is regarded as having such an impairment. / If a child has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities. / A child who has a record of such impairment. / A child who is regarded as having such an impairment.

What other disabilities fall under 504? / Chronic asthma and severe allergies / Behavior Disorders / Communicable diseases such as HIV, AIDS, or TB / Temporary disabling conditions due to accidents or illnesses / Physical handicaps such as spina bifida, hemophilia, and conditions requiring crutches / Diabetes / Any other disability that limits a major life activity / Chronic asthma and severe allergies / Behavior Disorders / Communicable diseases such as HIV, AIDS, or TB / Temporary disabling conditions due to accidents or illnesses / Physical handicaps such as spina bifida, hemophilia, and conditions requiring crutches / Diabetes / Any other disability that limits a major life activity

What does NOT change once my child is determined eligible? / They are still expected to pass tests demonstrating mastery of basic skills. Content is not modified. / A student in a 504 program is still subject to the school’s code of conduct and academic standards. / They are still expected to pass tests demonstrating mastery of basic skills. Content is not modified. / A student in a 504 program is still subject to the school’s code of conduct and academic standards.

Any questions?