Education Plans

I. Determination of Disability

If a child's illness/disability substantially limits one or more major life activity, they are considered " a person with a disability" and are entitled to accommodations and or services under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act(1973). The law bars discrimination in any program receiving federal funds. If your child's ability to benefit from all activities of school is limited by his or her illness, s/he may be entitled to "reasonable accommodations" and services to fully benefit from his or her educational programs. Your child's illness/disability must be documented in writing by your treating physician.

II. Contact Your School District

Contact the Section 504 Coordinator in your school district in writing to request a meeting of the Section 504 Committee. The committee may be housed in the district Pupil Personnel Department, the Special Education Department or sometimes at the building level in the principal's office. Ask your child's principal to direct you to the appropriate office. In your letter, state your child's illness and the areas of concern with regard to his/her functioning in school (ie: frequent absence, fatigue). Include the letter from your physician with your initial request. Be sure to send your letter certified with return receipt requested. Keep copies. You should be contacted within a week or two to schedule a meeting.

III. Evaluation

It is important to discuss the process with your son/daughter. Discuss his./her day at school, homework, activities. Where are the difficulties? what would help him/her attend school with more ease? Develop together a list of concerns as well as proposed solutions ( ie: a second set of books to keep at home, extended time on tests, access to a private lavatory). Bring this list with you to the meeting.

IV. The 504 Committee Meeting

The composition of the 504 Committee may vary from district but will most likely include the coordinator, a social worker, school nurse, your child's teacher or guidance counselor, school psychologist, principal and most importantly the family. If your child is in high school, s/he should be encouraged to attend. You may also invite other to attend on your behalf such as your physician and/or other support people. The goal is to facilitate an understanding of the impact of your child's illness on his or her educational experience.

The purpose of the meeting is to develop an accommodation plan to ensure full access to school activities for your child. Areas of concern will be discussed and solutions proposed. Feel free to propose solutions of your own for consideration. Your ideas are important. You know your child best! By the end of the meeting there should be a plan ready to implement.

V. The Accommodation Plan

The accommodation plan includes a statement regarding the nature of the disability, how the disability affects a major life activity, areas of concern regarding school and recommended accommodations. the plan is child specific. It should speak directly to your child's needs. You will receive a copy in the mail for your approval and signature. It should be ready to implement immediately upon return. If you do not agree with the plan, DO NOT SIGN IT!

VI. Grievance Procedure

If you disagree with the determination of the committee you have a right to discuss this with the coordinator. If you still do not reach an agreement, you have the right to request an impartial hearing and to be represented by an attorney. If at any time the plan is not being followed, contact the coordinator in writing immediately. Be sure to document all complaints/concerns for future discussion. Always use certified mail.

Useful Links

A Parent's Guide to Educational Equity, Jennifer C. Jaff

Taking IBD to School, Suzanne R. Undy

A Guide for Teachers and Other School Personnel, Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America

Know Your Rights: A Handbook for Patients with Chronic Illness, Jennifer C. Jaff

Template Section 504 Plan for Children with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (Word format)