Getting a 504 plan under the ADA has nothing- repeat NOTHING...! to do with academic achievement. If they are trying to deny based on grades, they are being ignorant and confusing a 504 plan with an IEP based on need of special education (written under IDEA.) And even THAT is ignorant, since there are many reasons for needing an IEP. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-mad.gif" border="0">
My son had a section 504 plan for several yrs due to a different medical condition and in this plan was a provision for excused medical absences. They absolutely MUST ACCOMMODATE ANY MEDICAL NEED a child has, up to and including home-based tutoring if needed to help a child keep up or compensate for medical absences. There is no excuse for what they are doing to you. <img src="i/expressions/brokenheart.gif" border="0"> You have more than ample proof of what Makailyn has been through (all the dr's appts, hospitalizations, illness...)
<b>If you cannot get the help your child needs through section 504, I would strongly consider trying to get an IEP for her. Sometimes these plans legally 'hold more water'.</b> Even though she is academically doing well she would almost certainly qualify for one under 'other health impairment.' I would request a 'team meeting' with the school (you must do this in writing) to discuss the need for an IEP to address her need for medical accommodations. Legally they MUST respond to your written request for a meeting, and this meeting will consist of someone with administration, your daughter's teachers, the nurse, usually the school psychologist/guidance counselor and anyone else you ask to be in attendance. You are legally permitted to bring anyone you wish to the meeting (a cf professional, an advocate, an attorney, etc.)
Go to this website: it's an absolute wealth of information and can give you a lot of pointers on how to educate yourself with the school system and how move forward with this:
<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://wrightslaw.com/">Wrightslaw.com ...the most comprehensive website I've ever seen dealing with school issues; browse around and/or use the site search with your questions.</a>
Find resources specific to your state: <a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.yellowpagesforkids.com/">Yellowpages for Kids</a>
<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.wrightslaw.com/advoc/articles/504_IDEA_Rosenfeld.html">Some info specific to section 504</a>
I wish the very best.
My son had a section 504 plan for several yrs due to a different medical condition and in this plan was a provision for excused medical absences. They absolutely MUST ACCOMMODATE ANY MEDICAL NEED a child has, up to and including home-based tutoring if needed to help a child keep up or compensate for medical absences. There is no excuse for what they are doing to you. <img src="i/expressions/brokenheart.gif" border="0"> You have more than ample proof of what Makailyn has been through (all the dr's appts, hospitalizations, illness...)
<b>If you cannot get the help your child needs through section 504, I would strongly consider trying to get an IEP for her. Sometimes these plans legally 'hold more water'.</b> Even though she is academically doing well she would almost certainly qualify for one under 'other health impairment.' I would request a 'team meeting' with the school (you must do this in writing) to discuss the need for an IEP to address her need for medical accommodations. Legally they MUST respond to your written request for a meeting, and this meeting will consist of someone with administration, your daughter's teachers, the nurse, usually the school psychologist/guidance counselor and anyone else you ask to be in attendance. You are legally permitted to bring anyone you wish to the meeting (a cf professional, an advocate, an attorney, etc.)
Go to this website: it's an absolute wealth of information and can give you a lot of pointers on how to educate yourself with the school system and how move forward with this:
<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://wrightslaw.com/">Wrightslaw.com ...the most comprehensive website I've ever seen dealing with school issues; browse around and/or use the site search with your questions.</a>
Find resources specific to your state: <a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.yellowpagesforkids.com/">Yellowpages for Kids</a>
<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.wrightslaw.com/advoc/articles/504_IDEA_Rosenfeld.html">Some info specific to section 504</a>
I wish the very best.