Plain and simple… all children deserve, and in our country, are entitled to an education. As part of a child’s right to an education, public schools are required by law to meet the needs of every child, including children with special needs. A 504 Plan helps support a child’s educational needs.
The difficulties of living with a chronic, rare, life-threatening disease or disorder are troubling enough without having to worry about its influence on education. Having a plan in place ahead of time can reduce challenges that may negatively impact a child’s education. The purpose of this educational series is to provide an overview of the 504 Plan and share information on its importance, function, and implementation.
What is a 504 Plan?
A 504 Plan is in reference to section 504 of the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973. It is a federal anti-discrimination civil rights statute specifically stating no person with a disability can be excluded from participating in federally funded programs or activities including elementary, secondary, or post-secondary education; specifically, “…any person who has a physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more major life activities, has a record of such an impairment, or is regarded as having such an impairment.” A 504 Plan details the modifications necessary for students to have the opportunity to perform at the same level as their non-affected peers.
A 504 Plan may be useful for a child with a bleeding disorder as it can provide modifications for occupational therapy, physical education, and playground time, especially during bleeding episodes or other issues individual to each child. Typically, 504 Plans are used when a child does not have a learning impairment, i.e. autism, Asperger’s syndrome, dyslexia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or other difficulty that impedes learning.
Implementing and Renewing a 504 Plan
A 504 Plan should be implemented before a child enters the public school system or within a few weeks, but can be initiated at any time. A full evaluation should take place a minimum of every 3 years or when a significant change has taken place (i.e. entering middle or high school). While nothing determines the termination date of a 504 Plan, it is very important to review it annually even if the child has not used the safeguard modifications included. Reviewing it annually with school personnel ensures accommodations will continue without having to begin the entire process again.
Even if a student has an accommodating teacher or attends a school a parent is sure will do “what is right” for the child, it is advised that a 504 Plan still be put into place as a safeguard.
Often, public colleges and universities honor existing Section 504 Plan accommodations. The Disability Resource Center at institutions of higher learning will use these recommendations to help affected students set in place safeguards for their education, especially as it pertains to absences when taking “for credit” classes.
504 Plan Qualifications
A qualifying student would be age 3 to 22, with an impairment, whether obvious or not, that may have been caused by illness, injury, communicable diseases, chronic or life-threatening illness, learning impairment, or disability who are entitled to educational support under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) of 1973 (modified into ADA). Qualifying diseases are not listed—only that a physical and/or mental disability limiting one or more of life’s major activities may qualify a child.
School personnel will review a variety of sources to make a determination, which may include teacher reports, school administered tests, past grades, attendance records, medical reports, observation, and information from parents. 504 Plans are enforceable only at public education institutes, but other institutes may choose to abide by the guidelines and accommodations as well.
Accommodations
Accommodations will vary from student to student and as each individual student progresses through the grades. As much as possible, the child will be kept in regular classrooms rather than in a special class.
Common accommodations include:
Extended time on tests, assignments, and post absence make-up work
Class notes to be provided post-absence
Home services/supplements if the absences extend beyond 2 consecutive school days
Visual, verbal, or technology aids
Extra travel time between classes
Extra set of text books for home use
Adjusted class schedule, grading, and homework requirements
Preferential seating
Adjustments to physical education class, elective school sports, and playground time
Occupational or physical therapy
504 Plan Referral
A referral is all that is needed to establish a 504 Plan. In most states, a referral directly from a parent is acceptable; however, for a smoother process, obtain referral or recommendation notes from the child’s doctor, nurse, or clinician whenever possible. Typically, the referral is provided to the school counselor, but may also be submitted to the school nurse or child’s teacher. Medical documentation is not always needed, but prepare to share the following information:
Diagnosis
Schedule of doctor visits and any hospitalizations in the past year
School attendance records for the past year
A list of potential or foreseeable issues
A list of requested accommodations
Home Infusion Steps and Helpful Tips
Even those very experienced in self-infusion sometimes miss a vein. For those living with a bleeding disorder on factor replacement therapy, this 3-page guide provides steps for successful home infusion. The guide also provides helpful tips for infusing a child.
Patient Navigation Program
Securing access to prescribed therapy, resolving insurance issues, and dealing with medically-related financial burdens represent some of the health system challenges faced by members of the bleeding disorders community. Our Patient Navigation Program is here to help!
DISCLAIMER: THIS IS NOT MEDICAL ADVICE. All information, content, and material is for informational purposes only and is not intended to serve as a substitute for the consultation, diagnosis, and/or medical treatment of a qualified physician or healthcare provider. Please consult a physician or other health care professional for your specific health care and/or medical needs or concerns and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read here or on our website.
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