Re: IEP or 504?

[Guest guest]

Hi Beth,

I am not sure about the technical terms for either, but I went through the

same thing with my child a couple years back. I went in asking for a 504, and

they turned me down. This was before the arthritis dx, but she had the uveitis

dx. I asked for another meeting, and in the mean time got all of my ducks in a

row. Medical files, and what Oregon schools listed for requirements for a 504.

As soon as they saw cataracts that were noted on an eye exam, they said that an

IEP would fit her more than a 504. It would cover days of school missed due to

illness or appointments, and also help getting her extra help with home work.

Really all I wanted was to protect her because she did miss a lot of school.

I don't feel that I have labled her, but enabled her to receive more help when

needed.

I don't know why a 504 is more of a hassle than an IEP, but I bet one of the

parents here do.

Hope this helps,

' & a 10 jia,uveitis

Beth Yohnk <yohnkmom@...> wrote:

wondering from you " veterans " what kind of plan, if any, you have on

file for your kids with the schools. Hannah starts school on Sept 5 and I am

trying to get all her information in order. My sister who is a special ed

teacher recommended an IEP plan for Hannah, but said she would not bother with

the 504 plan. I'm not really sure what the difference is. She said even though

Hannah does not yet have the official JRA diagnosis, she does have a diagnosis

and a letter about limited participation based on how she tolerates activities.

She also said Hannah would qualify with her asthma problems alone (she missed

over 30 days of school last year most of which were from her asthma). Wondering

what your thoughts are on this. Is this something I request? Should I be

concerned with them " labeling her " , or is that not an issue on these forms. I

don't want Hannah to feel any differently about her disease by doing this.

Thanks for your help.

Beth Yohnk

Happy Thoughts..Be Well

[Guest guest]

, thanks for the info. It sounds like our daughters are about the same age

(Hannah will be 10 on 10/10). I wonder if becuase 504s are harder to qualify

for that is why my sister said not to bothe with thatr? My biggest concern is

getting days off of school covered as well as any accomdations that may be

needed. For instance they do not allow rolling backpacks in the school

buidlings, but Hannah will need that because of her back/neck/shoulders that are

being treated.

Robbin also sent me some great links.

: Thanks for all the info you sent too.

I will check out all this info in the next few days so I can talk with the

Principal at Hannah's school.

' Taunton <lcdanceacademy@...> wrote:

Hi Beth,

I am not sure about the technical terms for either, but I went through the same

thing with my child a couple years back. I went in asking for a 504, and they

turned me down. This was before the arthritis dx, but she had the uveitis dx. I

asked for another meeting, and in the mean time got all of my ducks in a row.

Medical files, and what Oregon schools listed for requirements for a 504. As

soon as they saw cataracts that were noted on an eye exam, they said that an IEP

would fit her more than a 504. It would cover days of school missed due to

illness or appointments, and also help getting her extra help with home work.

Really all I wanted was to protect her because she did miss a lot of school.

I don't feel that I have labled her, but enabled her to receive more help when

needed.

I don't know why a 504 is more of a hassle than an IEP, but I bet one of the

parents here do.

Hope this helps,

' & a 10 jia,uveitis

Beth Yohnk <yohnkmom@...> wrote:

wondering from you " veterans " what kind of plan, if any, you have on file for

your kids with the schools. Hannah starts school on Sept 5 and I am trying to

get all her information in order. My sister who is a special ed teacher

recommended an IEP plan for Hannah, but said she would not bother with the 504

plan. I'm not really sure what the difference is. She said even though Hannah

does not yet have the official JRA diagnosis, she does have a diagnosis and a

letter about limited participation based on how she tolerates activities. She

also said Hannah would qualify with her asthma problems alone (she missed over

30 days of school last year most of which were from her asthma). Wondering what

your thoughts are on this. Is this something I request? Should I be concerned

with them " labeling her " , or is that not an issue on these forms. I don't want

Hannah to feel any differently about her disease by doing this.

Thanks for your help.

Beth Yohnk

Happy Thoughts..Be Well

[Guest guest]

Beth it took 7 months to get a 504 at my school very rare but we have

discrimination against or school district and they were called and reported to

Dept of education, Attorney general and On and on so your experience should be

better than mine.

I personally got the 504 for Middle school but knew it would take a while so I

sought it out in 4th grade. I think with asthma being a more diagnosed issue I

would shoot for that. You may want to seek a Advocate for the state if you think

you may have difficulty like I did. My advocate worked for Rheumy. It was the

best thing I could have done. I Would discuss getting homebound instruction for

her. Aubrey's kicks in on day 4 and is not unusual to miss day for Aubrey. With

Middle school it will be more difficult. I would have copies of everything every

email conversation. Previous absentee records. Even with JRA and Uveitis Asthma

and Gerd it all hinged on her grades. She was a straight A student in the print

it say how does her disability impact her education . We lucked out. I think you

said your daughter has Uveitis not Jra yet> In 95% of cases JRa starts first.

Aubrey was uvietis first 2 years later jra. I think you have to not think of

labeling her but covering her especially during Sol and Exams.

Terri......

IEP or 504?

wondering from you " veterans " what kind of plan, if any, you have on file for

your kids with the schools. Hannah starts school on Sept 5 and I am trying to

get all her information in order. My sister who is a special ed teacher

recommended an IEP plan for Hannah, but said she would not bother with the 504

plan. I'm not really sure what the difference is. She said even though Hannah

does not yet have the official JRA diagnosis, she does have a diagnosis and a

letter about limited participation based on how she tolerates activities. She

also said Hannah would qualify with her asthma problems alone (she missed over

30 days of school last year most of which were from her asthma). Wondering what

your thoughts are on this. Is this something I request? Should I be concerned

with them " labeling her " , or is that not an issue on these forms. I don't want

Hannah to feel any differently about her disease by doing this.

Thanks for your help.

Beth Yohnk

Happy Thoughts..Be Well

[Guest guest]

Teri. Thanks for the input. Hannah has been diagnosed with severe

arthralgia/mytosis. They don't know how to classify her as she is not typical.

She also has an immune disorder, asthma and gerd. I sure hope our experience is

better. What a nightmare that must have been for you!! Hannah is going into

the 4th grade so I think the timing is good. We see the ped tomroow and I'm

pretty sure he will go to bat fo me. So far he has been Hannah's best advocate.

I'll let you know.

Terri Berube <TerriBer@...> wrote:

Beth it took 7 months to get a 504 at my school very rare but we have

discrimination against or school district and they were called and reported to

Dept of education, Attorney general and On and on so your experience should be

better than mine.

I personally got the 504 for Middle school but knew it would take a while so I

sought it out in 4th grade. I think with asthma being a more diagnosed issue I

would shoot for that. You may want to seek a Advocate for the state if you think

you may have difficulty like I did. My advocate worked for Rheumy. It was the

best thing I could have done. I Would discuss getting homebound instruction for

her. Aubrey's kicks in on day 4 and is not unusual to miss day for Aubrey. With

Middle school it will be more difficult. I would have copies of everything every

email conversation. Previous absentee records. Even with JRA and Uveitis Asthma

and Gerd it all hinged on her grades. She was a straight A student in the print

it say how does her disability impact her education . We lucked out. I think you

said your daughter has Uveitis not Jra yet> In 95% of cases JRa starts first.

Aubrey was uvietis first 2 years later jra. I think you have to not think of

labeling her but covering her

especially during Sol and Exams.

Terri......

IEP or 504?

wondering from you " veterans " what kind of plan, if any, you have on file for

your kids with the schools. Hannah starts school on Sept 5 and I am trying to

get all her information in order. My sister who is a special ed teacher

recommended an IEP plan for Hannah, but said she would not bother with the 504

plan. I'm not really sure what the difference is. She said even though Hannah

does not yet have the official JRA diagnosis, she does have a diagnosis and a

letter about limited participation based on how she tolerates activities. She

also said Hannah would qualify with her asthma problems alone (she missed over

30 days of school last year most of which were from her asthma). Wondering what

your thoughts are on this. Is this something I request? Should I be concerned

with them " labeling her " , or is that not an issue on these forms. I don't want

Hannah to feel any differently about her disease by doing this.

Thanks for your help.

Beth Yohnk

Happy Thoughts..Be Well

[Guest guest]

Hi Beth! Elaney has an IEP because of learning disabilities, heart problems,

speech problems, etc. So, when she was dx w/ JRA it was just added on. In

preschool she first got her IEP and I do not remember it being very hard. I do

not know much about 504 plans. I think IEPs are more for learning issues and

504s are more for physical issues but am not sure about that.--- &

Elaney(12 poly)

Beth Yohnk <yohnkmom@...> wrote:

wondering from you " veterans " what kind of plan, if any, you have on

file for your kids with the schools. Hannah starts school on Sept 5 and I am

trying to get all her information in order. My sister who is a special ed

teacher recommended an IEP plan for Hannah, but said she would not bother with

the 504 plan. I'm not really sure what the difference is. She said even though

Hannah does not yet have the official JRA diagnosis, she does have a diagnosis

and a letter about limited participation based on how she tolerates activities.

She also said Hannah would qualify with her asthma problems alone (she missed

over 30 days of school last year most of which were from her asthma). Wondering

what your thoughts are on this. Is this something I request? Should I be

concerned with them " labeling her " , or is that not an issue on these forms. I

don't want Hannah to feel any differently about her disease by doing this.

Thanks for your help.

Beth Yohnk

Happy Thoughts..Be Well

[Guest guest]

Beth,

I was kind of amazed at some of the responses that you have had

regarding the challenges of obtaining a 504. I had no idea that it

could be so difficult. I guess I was just very fortunate. I just

spoke with the guidance counselor and she has scheduled our 504

meeting this Friday to review and update the 504 that Aundrea had

developed 3 years ago.

I will let you know how it goes and if there are any good

suggestions given.

If I am really on the ball, I might try and find a way to type out

Aundrea's 504 and then put it in the file section so that it can be

used as a sample. I know that is something that would have been

helpful to me when we started dealing with all of this.

How has Hannah been feeling this week? Aundrea has been complaining

more of the stomach issues again and feeling like there is a knot in

her throat. She has lost 4 lbs in the last couple of weeks. We

meet with the new ped in a couple of weeks so I guess I will discuss

the tummy issues with her.

(Aundrea 11 systemic jra)

> Beth it took 7 months to get a 504 at my school very

rare but we have discrimination against or school district and they

were called and reported to Dept of education, Attorney general and

On and on so your experience should be better than mine.

>

> I personally got the 504 for Middle school but knew it would take

a while so I sought it out in 4th grade. I think with asthma being a

more diagnosed issue I would shoot for that. You may want to seek a

Advocate for the state if you think you may have difficulty like I

did. My advocate worked for Rheumy. It was the best thing I could

have done. I Would discuss getting homebound instruction for her.

Aubrey's kicks in on day 4 and is not unusual to miss day for

Aubrey. With Middle school it will be more difficult. I would have

copies of everything every email conversation. Previous absentee

records. Even with JRA and Uveitis Asthma and Gerd it all hinged on

her grades. She was a straight A student in the print it say how

does her disability impact her education . We lucked out. I think

you said your daughter has Uveitis not Jra yet> In 95% of cases JRa

starts first. Aubrey was uvietis first 2 years later jra. I think

you have to not think of labeling her but covering her

> especially during Sol and Exams.

>

> Terri......

> IEP or 504?

>

> wondering from you " veterans " what kind of plan, if any, you have

on file for your kids with the schools. Hannah starts school on Sept

5 and I am trying to get all her information in order. My sister who

is a special ed teacher recommended an IEP plan for Hannah, but said

she would not bother with the 504 plan. I'm not really sure what the

difference is. She said even though Hannah does not yet have the

official JRA diagnosis, she does have a diagnosis and a letter about

limited participation based on how she tolerates activities. She

also said Hannah would qualify with her asthma problems alone (she

missed over 30 days of school last year most of which were from her

asthma). Wondering what your thoughts are on this. Is this something

I request? Should I be concerned with them " labeling her " , or is

that not an issue on these forms. I don't want Hannah to feel any

differently about her disease by doing this.

>

> Thanks for your help.

>

> Beth Yohnk

> Happy Thoughts..Be Well

>

>

[Guest guest]

:

Please let me know what you find out. I'm getting kind of nervous about this!

Hannah is not doing great this week. Last night she was doing her PT

exercises and when she tried to raise her left hand over her head for one of her

exercises she literally screamed in pain. I stopped her exercises and

immediately iced her shoulder. When that did not help I gave her an adult

Tylenol and put her in a hot bath. That helped a little. I also put her to bed

with one of those stick on heating pads, but it fell off. She said it still

hurts today (not as bad) and can't raise her arm every high. She has a PT appt

this afternoon so we will see what he says. She also sees the ped tomorrow for

her regular physical. Her hands have been really sore too, but her knees seem

better.

I hope Aundrea can something for her stomach problems. It really sounds a lot

like what Hannah was describing before she was diagnosed with Gerd. We have had

great luck with Nexium. Let me know how the ped visit goes.

sonia1md <sonia1md@...> wrote:

Beth,

I was kind of amazed at some of the responses that you have had

regarding the challenges of obtaining a 504. I had no idea that it

could be so difficult. I guess I was just very fortunate. I just

spoke with the guidance counselor and she has scheduled our 504

meeting this Friday to review and update the 504 that Aundrea had

developed 3 years ago.

I will let you know how it goes and if there are any good

suggestions given.

If I am really on the ball, I might try and find a way to type out

Aundrea's 504 and then put it in the file section so that it can be

used as a sample. I know that is something that would have been

helpful to me when we started dealing with all of this.

How has Hannah been feeling this week? Aundrea has been complaining

more of the stomach issues again and feeling like there is a knot in

her throat. She has lost 4 lbs in the last couple of weeks. We

meet with the new ped in a couple of weeks so I guess I will discuss

the tummy issues with her.

(Aundrea 11 systemic jra)

> Beth it took 7 months to get a 504 at my school very

rare but we have discrimination against or school district and they

were called and reported to Dept of education, Attorney general and

On and on so your experience should be better than mine.

>

> I personally got the 504 for Middle school but knew it would take

a while so I sought it out in 4th grade. I think with asthma being a

more diagnosed issue I would shoot for that. You may want to seek a

Advocate for the state if you think you may have difficulty like I

did. My advocate worked for Rheumy. It was the best thing I could

have done. I Would discuss getting homebound instruction for her.

Aubrey's kicks in on day 4 and is not unusual to miss day for

Aubrey. With Middle school it will be more difficult. I would have

copies of everything every email conversation. Previous absentee

records. Even with JRA and Uveitis Asthma and Gerd it all hinged on

her grades. She was a straight A student in the print it say how

does her disability impact her education . We lucked out. I think

you said your daughter has Uveitis not Jra yet> In 95% of cases JRa

starts first. Aubrey was uvietis first 2 years later jra. I think

you have to not think of labeling her but covering her

> especially during Sol and Exams.

>

> Terri......

> IEP or 504?

>

> wondering from you " veterans " what kind of plan, if any, you have

on file for your kids with the schools. Hannah starts school on Sept

5 and I am trying to get all her information in order. My sister who

is a special ed teacher recommended an IEP plan for Hannah, but said

she would not bother with the 504 plan. I'm not really sure what the

difference is. She said even though Hannah does not yet have the

official JRA diagnosis, she does have a diagnosis and a letter about

limited participation based on how she tolerates activities. She

also said Hannah would qualify with her asthma problems alone (she

missed over 30 days of school last year most of which were from her

asthma). Wondering what your thoughts are on this. Is this something

I request? Should I be concerned with them " labeling her " , or is

that not an issue on these forms. I don't want Hannah to feel any

differently about her disease by doing this.

>

> Thanks for your help.

>

> Beth Yohnk

> Happy Thoughts..Be Well

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Beth-

One of the main differences between a 504 plan and an IEP plan can be funding.

A child covered with an IEP plan must be accomodated as necessary to recieve

free, accessible education. Depending on the disability, this could be anything

from a special desk or writing utensil - to a full-time aide. At no cost to the

student or family. A 504 plan will allow for special accomodations, but not

necessarily with any funding attatched. An IEP plan, once in place, is a record

that does stay with the student and is revisited each year. Annual IEP review

meetings are required, and can involve adminstration at the school, from the

district, teachers, nurses, counselors etc.

When we decided whether to do a 504 or an IEP, I looked at Caitlin's needs at

the time, entering kindergarten, and decided to go with a 504 for now. With a

504 you can mandate additional time for tests, request classrooms located near a

restroom, near the nurses office, mandate no required floor sitting time,

restrict PE etc. For older kids, it could be anything from longer passing

periods, to an extra set of books to lockers on multiple floors of a building.

Caitlin's 504 says that she must be allowed to have a water bottle at her desk,

that she be allowed to sit in a chair, that she be allowed to self-modify during

PE or recess etc. I've only had to change it once... and since she was already

receiving PT/OT through our insurance, there wasn't anythihg that required

funding. But to give you one example of the difference between the two...

During fire drills, Caitlin cannot always walk to the end of the playground

quickly if she is flaring. Under a 504 plan, I have

an accomodation that allows her to ride in a wagon - but I have to provide the

wagon. Under an IEP - the school would be required to provide something.

That's why I am so surprised to see that so many people have gotten flak for

trying to set up a 504 plan. It usually ends up being cheaper for the school!

As for Hannah - if you think that she might need more in depth accomodations, an

IEP plan is more comprehensive. If you request an IEP review with the district,

by law, they must respond within 30 days.

Hope this helps - good luck and I hope your district is helpful. I can;t

believe all these horror stories! Acckkk!

Best hopes-

Colleen - (mom to Caitlin, 8, systemic)

Beth Yohnk <yohnkmom@...> wrote:

wondering from you " veterans " what kind of plan, if any, you have on

file for your kids with the schools. Hannah starts school on Sept 5 and I am

trying to get all her information in order. My sister who is a special ed

teacher recommended an IEP plan for Hannah, but said she would not bother with

the 504 plan. I'm not really sure what the difference is. She said even though

Hannah does not yet have the official JRA diagnosis, she does have a diagnosis

and a letter about limited participation based on how she tolerates activities.

She also said Hannah would qualify with her asthma problems alone (she missed

over 30 days of school last year most of which were from her asthma). Wondering

what your thoughts are on this. Is this something I request? Should I be

concerned with them " labeling her " , or is that not an issue on these forms. I

don't want Hannah to feel any differently about her disease by doing this.

Thanks for your help.

Beth Yohnk

Happy Thoughts..Be Well

[Guest guest]

Colleen:

Thanks for the info. I feel at least a little more knowledgeable going into

this. I still do not know which plan is in Hannah's best interest. I think I

will talk to the ped tomorrow at Hannah's physical appt and then talk with her

principal and follow the advice of both of them. I'm thinking initially they

will go with a 504. I already have a letter from the rheumy about her making

the decisions of physical activity, but like you want to be sure they do not

make her sit on the floor. Her school is pretty small so requesting classrooms

by bathrooms, nurse office etc is not an option. However, I will request that

she be allowed to use the elevator on days her knees are flaring.

So again thanks for the info. If there are any other items you include I

would appreciate suggestions.

Colleen <bookissmom@...> wrote:

Hi Beth-

One of the main differences between a 504 plan and an IEP plan can be funding. A

child covered with an IEP plan must be accomodated as necessary to recieve free,

accessible education. Depending on the disability, this could be anything from a

special desk or writing utensil - to a full-time aide. At no cost to the student

or family. A 504 plan will allow for special accomodations, but not necessarily

with any funding attatched. An IEP plan, once in place, is a record that does

stay with the student and is revisited each year. Annual IEP review meetings are

required, and can involve adminstration at the school, from the district,

teachers, nurses, counselors etc.

When we decided whether to do a 504 or an IEP, I looked at Caitlin's needs at

the time, entering kindergarten, and decided to go with a 504 for now. With a

504 you can mandate additional time for tests, request classrooms located near a

restroom, near the nurses office, mandate no required floor sitting time,

restrict PE etc. For older kids, it could be anything from longer passing

periods, to an extra set of books to lockers on multiple floors of a building.

Caitlin's 504 says that she must be allowed to have a water bottle at her desk,

that she be allowed to sit in a chair, that she be allowed to self-modify during

PE or recess etc. I've only had to change it once... and since she was already

receiving PT/OT through our insurance, there wasn't anythihg that required

funding. But to give you one example of the difference between the two... During

fire drills, Caitlin cannot always walk to the end of the playground quickly if

she is flaring. Under a 504 plan, I have

an accomodation that allows her to ride in a wagon - but I have to provide the

wagon. Under an IEP - the school would be required to provide something.

That's why I am so surprised to see that so many people have gotten flak for

trying to set up a 504 plan. It usually ends up being cheaper for the school! As

for Hannah - if you think that she might need more in depth accomodations, an

IEP plan is more comprehensive. If you request an IEP review with the district,

by law, they must respond within 30 days.

Hope this helps - good luck and I hope your district is helpful. I can;t believe

all these horror stories! Acckkk!

Best hopes-

Colleen - (mom to Caitlin, 8, systemic)

Beth Yohnk <yohnkmom@...> wrote:

wondering from you " veterans " what kind of plan, if any, you have on file for

your kids with the schools. Hannah starts school on Sept 5 and I am trying to

get all her information in order. My sister who is a special ed teacher

recommended an IEP plan for Hannah, but said she would not bother with the 504

plan. I'm not really sure what the difference is. She said even though Hannah

does not yet have the official JRA diagnosis, she does have a diagnosis and a

letter about limited participation based on how she tolerates activities. She

also said Hannah would qualify with her asthma problems alone (she missed over

30 days of school last year most of which were from her asthma). Wondering what

your thoughts are on this. Is this something I request? Should I be concerned

with them " labeling her " , or is that not an issue on these forms. I don't want

Hannah to feel any differently about her disease by doing this.

Thanks for your help.

Beth Yohnk

Happy Thoughts..Be Well

[Guest guest]

Beth,

I have an IEP for . Not for JRA but for ADD and CEntral processing

problem. I don't feel that I have labeled her either but feel that it is more of

a help to get her the best shot at being successful in school. Hope this helps

too.

Teri

(Emmy's mom Pauci JRA-remission)

' Taunton <lcdanceacademy@...> wrote:

Hi Beth,

I am not sure about the technical terms for either, but I went through the same

thing with my child a couple years back. I went in asking for a 504, and they

turned me down. This was before the arthritis dx, but she had the uveitis dx. I

asked for another meeting, and in the mean time got all of my ducks in a row.

Medical files, and what Oregon schools listed for requirements for a 504. As

soon as they saw cataracts that were noted on an eye exam, they said that an IEP

would fit her more than a 504. It would cover days of school missed due to

illness or appointments, and also help getting her extra help with home work.

Really all I wanted was to protect her because she did miss a lot of school.

I don't feel that I have labled her, but enabled her to receive more help when

needed.

I don't know why a 504 is more of a hassle than an IEP, but I bet one of the

parents here do.

Hope this helps,

' & a 10 jia,uveitis

Beth Yohnk <yohnkmom@...> wrote:

wondering from you " veterans " what kind of plan, if any, you have on file for

your kids with the schools. Hannah starts school on Sept 5 and I am trying to

get all her information in order. My sister who is a special ed teacher

recommended an IEP plan for Hannah, but said she would not bother with the 504

plan. I'm not really sure what the difference is. She said even though Hannah

does not yet have the official JRA diagnosis, she does have a diagnosis and a

letter about limited participation based on how she tolerates activities. She

also said Hannah would qualify with her asthma problems alone (she missed over

30 days of school last year most of which were from her asthma). Wondering what

your thoughts are on this. Is this something I request? Should I be concerned

with them " labeling her " , or is that not an issue on these forms. I don't want

Hannah to feel any differently about her disease by doing this.

Thanks for your help.

Beth Yohnk

Happy Thoughts..Be Well

[Guest guest]

>

> She also couldn't explain much between the difference between an IEP and the

504 plans and my husband and I are feeling very overwhelmed.

With an IEP, the student has access to special ed staff, with a 504, the student

only has access to general ed staff. They will tell you that a student can only

have an IEP if they need " special learning " , but a student may also need an IEP

if their needs are too labor intensive in class.

They are right that you don't get an IEP just based on a diagnosis type, such as

autism. They have to see a need. For example, they told us our son qualified

for an IEP because of his processing speed and executive dysfunction. In most

school districts, it seems you must show that your child cannot pass his classes

and/or pass state exams at grade level without supports. You have to build a

case if the need is not obvious.

Hope this helps! It is hard to answer without specific questions. Expand a

little and we can help more.

Ruth

[Guest guest]

Wow, the school psych sounds like she needs a psych! Can't believe she said

that about IEPs!! Each of my sons had an IEP for speech therapy. Now, having

to go to speech therapy might have bothered them (that they needed it) but they

generally had fun when they went.

Anyway, if your son needs services that fall under " special education services " ,

then he'll need the IEP. Regarding OT, what you might want to do is to ask in

writing that he be evaluated for occupational therapy. Mention the reasons

(awkward with fine & /or gross motor skills...it affects his writing...whatever).

My sons (only 1 with Aspergers) are all grown now and the schools didn't offer

anything for the social skills back then (so they said) but I do think from

reading some from other parents that sometimes the speech therapist may help

with that. I imagine it differs place to place.

If the school feels your son doesn't need any special ed services, they will

want to do the 504 Plan. My son (now 20, with OCD, HFA/Aspergers, Dysgraphia)

did fine with a 504 Plan, which we set up when he was in middle school. He just

needed some modifications for his work, some accommodations made, etc.

I'll add this about the IEP and this time of year. What I was told once long

ago by someone in our school system. By this time of year, the school has

already put in their " numbers " for next year's budget (# of kids with

IEPs/special ed funds) so they won't get any more $$ for your son for next year.

I was talking to a school person at the time and said it seemed to me they'd

jump at the chance for an IEP instead of a 504 since IEPs have funds attached to

them and she told me that. They weren't putting me off to not give me an IEP;

at the time we had the 504 Plan and I loved it, but I was requesting my son be

tested for any possible learning disability (LD) about this same time of year,

and I knew if one was found it might lead to special ed services. I did agree

to let them wait for the testing at the start of the next school year, and

believe me I called to follow up after the first week of school about setting up

the testing. (I gave them a week to be " nice " LOL)

So IEP vs 504 -- a 504 Plan will make any modifications and/or accommodations

your son might need to succeed in school. The 504 doesn't fall under " special

education services. " An IEP can also have the same modifications/accomm but is

needed for special ed services (like speech, OT, etc.) and also will have

goals/outcomes for him to work on to make progress.

Hope something helped and I didn't confuse you!

>

> Hi Everyone,

>

> I'm sure this has come up in the past and I'm new to this group, but here

goes. My son formally received the AS diagnosis last month (even though we

suspected for 3 years). I have petitioned our school district for an IEP for him

so that he can get OT and some counseling to work on social skills. In the past,

they promised these things for him even without a diagnosis or IEP and never

followed through. Now the district came to me yesterday and said they would

prefer and 504 plan for my son. They told me that it would be likely that at the

CSE meeting that they would refuse to give him an IEP and refer us to the

committee that handles the 504 plans. Can they refuse a child an IEP with AS?

>

[Guest guest]

YOU MUST GET AN IEP IN PLACE!!!! THERE IS A BIG DIFFERENCE!!!!!

If at all possible find an advocate to help.

There is a world of difference between an IEP and a 504.

What grade is your so son in? Most of these kidos have serious

issues with organization skills. If all your son really needs

is an OT session and a social skill class you could provide

that privately but is that really all he needs to be successful

in school?

Pam

>

> Hi Everyone,

>

> I'm sure this has come up in the past and I'm new to this group, but here

goes. My son formally received the AS diagnosis last month (even though we

suspected for 3 years). I have petitioned our school district for an IEP for him

so that he can get OT and some counseling to work on social skills. In the past,

they promised these things for him even without a diagnosis or IEP and never

followed through. Now the district came to me yesterday and said they would

prefer and 504 plan for my son. They told me that it would be likely that at the

CSE meeting that they would refuse to give him an IEP and refer us to the

committee that handles the 504 plans. Can they refuse a child an IEP with AS?

>

> Also she (the school psychologist) said that IEP's make the student feel

" stupid " (her wording) and that when you have a child with already low self

esteem being in special education makes this worse.

>

> We have another son with an IEP and we've never made a big deal out of it, so

I don't believe he feels " stupid " . All I know is that I want the district to be

held accountable for giving him the services that he needs and if getting an IEP

ensures this, then that's what we want.

>

> She also couldn't explain much between the difference between an IEP and the

504 plans and my husband and I are feeling very overwhelmed. They are trying to

rush the process because they don't want to have to have a meeting over the

summer.

>

> Can someone please help and give us some input?

> Thanks so much!

> Jenn

>

[Guest guest]

The main difference between the IEP and the 504 is that the IEP is mandatory and

legally binding, and that the 504 is more like a list of recommendations for

teachers and staff that they can choose or not choose to follow. I don't believe

for a minute that the school psychologist doesn't know the difference between a

504 and an IEP. Her silence speaks volumes.

I'm reading between the lines of your post and suspect that she is not

recommending the 504 because the school district probably has a plan for ED

students, but not for the the AS students.

You really want an IEP in place for your son. The 504 is only good if the

everyone your son comes into contact with at the school decides to follow the

recommendations. The IEP will not make your son feel stupid. It will level the

playing field and give him a chance to succeed. It will protect him from

teachers who don't believe or don't understand his diagnosis and have their own

theories of how to " fix " your son's " disobedience " .

I recommend getting an advocate to come with you to the next IEP meeting to help

you work with district in getting an IEP that has the appropriate accommodations

for your son. Tape the meeting.

Don't mean to sound so negative. It's just that I don't want your son to have

the same bad experiences that my son did in the public schools. I spent too many

years being nice and going along with what I was being told while my son kept

falling through the cracks. I was told over and over that he couldn't get

services because he was so intelligent. Finally he reached a point where he

could not even enter the school building - he was so stressed and he felt like

such a failure. I feel awful now that I know what was going on in the classroom

behind my back and don't want your son to suffer.

[Guest guest]

>

> The main difference between the IEP and the 504 is that the IEP is mandatory

and legally binding, and that the 504 is more like a list of recommendations for

teachers and staff that they can choose or not choose to follow.

The IEP comes under the IDEA set of laws and the 504 comes under the 504

disabilities act--both federal laws. IDEA applies to special education, whereas

the 504 Act has to do with physical disabilities and equal access. IDEA applies

to education, whereas the 504 Act applies to the rights of Americans of all ages

to equal access at work, school, etc.

A child who is given an IEP also is automatically covered under 504 since they

have been declared disabled. If you look closely, your " IEP " contains both IEP

interventions and 504 accommodations.

Something interesting is that under 504 you can sue individuals, such as

teachers and principals, whereas under IDEA you can only sue school districts.

The people I know that successfully sued under 504 had to have their attorney

request the private school paperwork that is kept--sorry, can't remember the

technical name for such paperwork.

Whatever it is called, an attorney can file for it. For example, they had to

drop a number of major grades from my son's average in a certain class this year

because the teacher was not following his 504 plan. That is what is supposed to

happen, but obviously that is not ideal--he is not getting the education on the

undone work. And I'm fairly certain internal paperwork was probably required to

be filed on these incidents. So, an attorney could request this paperwork to

build a case on. I don't think they would ever give it to you voluntarily (or

even acknowledge its existence).

Ruth

[Guest guest]

, just wanted to comment that the 504 Plan is legally binding, the school

must follow it. Section 504 (civil rights laws) is actually part of an IEP,

sort of incorporated into it, that is, any child with an IEP is automatically

under the Section 504 laws. Teachers at my son's middle & high school knew they

HAD to follow the 504 Plan, counselors even stated that to me.

>

> The main difference between the IEP and the 504 is that the IEP is mandatory

and legally binding, and that the 504 is more like a list of recommendations for

teachers and staff that they can choose or not choose to follow. I don't believe

for a minute that the school psychologist doesn't know the difference between a

504 and an IEP. Her silence speaks volumes.