| Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder can be | | | | If a 504 plan is decided on, the team, along with the |
| frustrating for kids and their families. Families try | | | | parent, will decide on appropriate accommodations for |
| medications, natural supplements, behavior modification, | | | | the classroom. For a child with ADHD these typically |
| and other tactics to try to help their children. It can be a | | | | include being seated at the front of the class, or away |
| challenge at school as well, with a national average of | | | | from distractions; extra time to complete work or |
| 3 kids in every classroom having ADHD. But did you | | | | homework; frequent breaks or movement; or a quiet |
| know the school has to provide accommodations for | | | | place to self-calm. |
| your child? | | | | The accommodations will be geared to your child's |
| The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 insures that all people | | | | needs. Schools are only required to provide |
| with disabilities are not discriminated against. This | | | | accommodations that are deemed reasonable, so |
| means any student with a disability must be included in | | | | they may vary from site to site. |
| any programs funded by the federal government. If | | | | Please be aware that a 504 plan does not excuse a |
| your child has ADHD he or she may qualify for a 504 | | | | child from schoolwork, but it tries to ensure that |
| accommodation plan. So what are the guidelines? | | | | access to learning is equal. |
| Not all children with ADHD need a 504 plan, but if a | | | | In educational settings, you may also hear the term IEP, |
| student's disability is affecting their ability to learn or | | | | or Individualized Educational Plan. This is different from |
| socialize in school, then a 504 plan may be in order. If | | | | a 504 plan as it pertains to students with specific |
| an ADHD student is highly distractible, unable to focus | | | | learning disabilities. These students qualify for Special |
| for long, or has trouble staying in his or her seat, a | | | | Education under IDEA, the Individuals with Disabilities |
| classroom plan may be beneficial. | | | | Education Act. One way to remember the difference |
| It's best to start with your child's teacher in determining | | | | is that an IEP gives help in addition to the regular |
| whether a 504 plan is warranted. Schools generally | | | | classroom, whereas a 504 plan makes sure students |
| assemble teams to study a particular student's needs | | | | are included in the regular classroom. |
| and decide how the school can best address those | | | | To learn more, or to gain information you can use in an |
| needs. | | | | upcoming 504 meeting, click on the link below. |