The Family-School Partnership: Getting Classroom Support for Your Child with IBD. Ava Fried Parent Resource Coordinator Sycamore Community Schools

Transcription

1 The Family-School Partnership: Getting Classroom Support for Your Child with IBD Ava Fried Parent Resource Coordinator Sycamore Community Schools

2 Participants will be able to: Identify major laws that support students with IBD from public school through college Identify accommodations and modifications that can be incorporated into a 504 Plan or IEP Identify key components of effective advocacy and supporting information resources

3 In Chinese, the word crisis is composed of two characters. One represents danger and the other represents opportunity. -John F. Kennedy

4 GETTING STARTED Find Services Learn about your child s diagnosis Identify intervention/education services Sharpen your advocacy skills Find Support (for you!) Take care of your emotional self Stay Informed

5 KEY LAWS Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (Title II) Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004 (IDEIA) Originally enacted as Education for all Handicapped Children Act of 1975

6 Section 504 and ADA (Title II) Broad civil rights laws designed to promote equal access to and participation in programs and services Requires that students with disabilities receive benefits and services comparable to those given to non-disabled peers Prohibits discrimination on the basis of a disability Levels the playing field to eliminate barriers to full participation by those with disabilities

7 Section 504 and ADA (Title II) Concept of equal access provides foundation for: Reasonable modifications and accommodations to ensure a free, appropriate public education (FAPE): Modifying rules, policies, practices (e.g. academic adjustments) Providing aids, services, assistive technology Removing architectural or communication barriers Based on the unique needs of the child (not one size fits all )

8 Section 504 and ADA (Title II) Section 504 prohibits recipients of federal funds from discriminating on the basis of a disability. ADA applies to a broader universe and prohibits discrimination on the basis of a disability in state and local government services (whether or not they receive federal funds).

9 504 Plan Development School has obligation to identify and locate students with disabilities ( child find ) Contact your school for a 504 team meeting Team members often include teachers, administrators, school psychologist, counselor, parent(s) and child (if appropriate) Determining eligibility for services is a team decision

10 Section 504 Eligibility To be eligible for protections, a child must: Have a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities: Caring for oneself, learning walking, seeing hearing, speaking, breathing, working, performing manual tasks Nature and severity will be considered in determining if it substantially limits at least one major activity and requires the development of a 504 Plan

11 504 Plan Legal documen that ensures a free appropriate public education Based on child s individual needs Individual Health Plan detailing nursing services, if required in the school setting Identifies accommodations and modifications (typically in general education classroom as well as entire school day)

12 Accommodations/Modifications Additional rest and bathroom breaks Preferential seating Extended time for assignments and tests Use of tape recorders, computers, teacher notes Extra set of textbooks for home

13 Accommodations/Modifications Reschedule deadlines and tests without penalty Assistance to make up classroom time and work missed Homebound or hospital instruction for extended absences (usually 10 school days)

14 Accommodations/Modifications Modify daily schedule Late arrival, early dismissal, partial day Leave class as medical needs require Adjustments for nutritional/health issues Carry and drink water, eat small meals, snacks, etc.

15 504 Plan All teachers should get a copy Review annually to keep everyone updated sooner if needs arise Call team together to revise plan if it is not working Complaint process through the U.S. Office of Civil Rights

16 IDEIA 2004 Free, appropriate public education Special education and support services Specially designed instruction to meet unique needs of the learner 13 disability categories Other Health Impaired (OHI)

17 IDEIA 2004 Other Health Impaired (OHI) Having limited strength, vitality or alertness with respect to the educational environments, that is due to chronic or acute health problems and adversely affects a child s educational performance.

18 IDEIA 2004 Team meeting Individualized Education Program (IEP) Complaint/Due Process through the State Department of Education Not required in private schools (services plan)

19 College 504 and ADA protections, not IDEIA Student self-advocacy model! No child find or FAPE responsibilities Students responsible for obtaining services Office of Disability Services

20 Accommodations/Modifications Priority registration Reduced course load Note takers; recording devices Extended time Preferential seating Tutoring (free?) Dorm room proximity to bathroom

21 College Considerations Quality of services and supports vary between colleges Investigate may be an important consideration in college selection What reasonable accommodations and modifications are available What documentation is needed for services IBD support group on campus

22 Advocacy Tips Build bridges don t burn them! Leave old luggage behind what happened before should not impact the future Know what you want for your child work toward those goals

23 Advocacy Tips Make lists of concerns, issues, and questions Question what you do not understand don t be afraid to speak up Summarize and restate major team decisions Leave a paper trail

24 A Final Thought Parents need professionals, professionals need parents, and the children need us all.

25 Cincinnati Children s Special Needs Resource Directory Developed by the Center for Infants and Children with Special Needs Online guide to information and support on over 40 topics including education, financial assistance, health insurance issues and advocacy strategies