What is a 504 Plan, and Should your Child Have One?
Going back to school can be stressful enough, let alone if your child has chronic pain, a chronic illness, or mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, or ADHD.
Parents anticipate a long year of frequent absences, difficulty focusing, challenges with adjusting, lack of access to medications, falling grades, and high stress.
Many parents, caregivers, and students wonder, can my school do more to help?
What is a 504 Plan?
In 1973, the Rehabilitation Act was passed. In it, Section 504 outlined the civil rights law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability, and guarantees individuals with disabilities equal access to education.
As a result, in publicly funded schools, all students have a right to learn in a way that reasonably works for them.
What is in a 504 Plan?
Nowadays, a Section 504 Plan, or “504 plan,” is a plan that outlines the accommodations that a school will provide so that a student with a disability has equal access to the general education curriculum (Michigan Alliance for Families: https://www.michiganallianceforfamilies.org/).
A 504 plan typically includes accommodations for various kids of disability needs to help children stay in the classroom and perform their own personal best. An accommodation must be deemed to be reasonable, In this context, “disability” can be different things, that some many not think of when they hear that word. In Michigan, to be eligible for a 504 plan, a student’s disability needs to fall under one of 13 categories (listed here: https://www.michiganallianceforfamilies.org/eligibility-categories/).
A 504 plan does not provide funding for special education or interventions.
In contrast, an Individualized Education Program (IEP), was developed under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). These plans typically involve more substantial changes to educational curriculum and/or specialized services.
Should You Pursue a 504 Plan or IEP?
You may be considering academic accommodations, adaptations, or services if your child is struggling in school.
If you believe that your child is struggling to stay in school, focus in class, or do their best work, due to a possible disability in one of the 13 categories, then it may be worth taking some next steps.
Sometimes, it is just reassuring to have accommodations available, even if you and your child do not believe that they need to use the accommodations regularly.
Remember, you do not have to figure this out alone! Consulting with your child’s pediatrician, psychologist, and other health care professionals, as well as school staff, may help you decide how to proceed.
How Should You Get Started?
After you’ve checked in with your child’s team, the next important step is to put a request in writing. Identify who to reach out to at your school- sometimes it’s the principal, vice principal, a school counselor, a special services coordinator, or a specific teacher.
The school does not typically have to respond to a 504 request in a certain time frame. If you are considering an IEP, however, and request a special education evaluation, they are usually required to respond within 30 days.
The process may take place in one meeting or a series of conversations. Sometimes, the school may ask for documentation from a health care provider. Even if they don’t ask for it, you may ask your healthcare provider for a letter of support and specific ideas to suggest including in the 504 plan.
There is no standard method for evaluating for a 504 plan. Ultimately, usually a meeting will typically take place with the parents/caregivers and school staff. Sometimes, your child may attend themselves as well. In complex situations, you may ask your healthcare provider to participate, if they offer this service.
What to Include in your 504 Plan?
504 plans are intended to be personalized and flexible. Therefore, there is no one standard 504 plan.
If your child is dealing with chronic pain, chronic illness, or concerns such as ADHD, their 504 plan will probably be categorized under the “Other Health Impairment” category. Here is a link to some sample plans: https://www.michiganallianceforfamilies.org/other-health-impairments/
Don’t forget about extracurriculars too! Your child has an equal right to participate as well.
Your child’s healthcare providers may be able to help you figure out what to advocate for in your child’s 504 plan. As a pediatric pain and behavioral health psychologist, that’s what I do a lot of in August, and throughout the school year!
Even more information can be found here: https://www.drmich.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/DRM_guide_chap12_2020.pdf
It’s Not Over Yet! Revise and Refine
504 plans are intended to be flexible and adaptive, so revisit the plan and your child’s progress with your healthcare team and school staff.
What Should I Do if my Child is Not in Public School?
Private and charter schools are not bound by some of the same stipulations under the Rehabilitation Act as are public schools.
However, many schools will still work with families to help their students thrive, and can put together their own version of a health plan.
How to Access More Personalized Support
With these steps, I wish you and your child a successful start to this school year!
If you would like more personalized support in preparing your child to start a new school year or once it has begun, please click the Get Started button at the top right of your screen.