Tiffany: I have a 6 year old in kinder this year with a genetic bone disorder and has had over 20 fractures. Some bone issues are accommodated in a 504, but we need change to IEP to address: excessive absences due to medical appointments/fractures/pain, when/how to start homebound services if needed, homework / classwork expectations due to fatigue, possibly emotional support during fractures, PE issues, etc.
She also has a diagnosis of severe ADHD addressed in 504 with preferential seating, repeated directions, minimize distractions etc. She is on track academically at the moment so the school said there is no academic need so she doesn’t qualify for an IEP.
I was told “Just because a student has an ailment does not necessarily mean that the student can be admitted to SPED, there has to be an educational need.” Also told [copied exactly as it was written] “…an educational need must exist, well document through Rtl and beyond all exhaustible supports available in the general education/Least Restrictive environment, warranting evaluation for specialized instruction.”
How do I address this with the school? Am I correct that she qualifies for an IEP? They also are unwilling to address attendance in a 504 or IEP. The school is unwilling to consider anything other than summer school once she goes over the allowed 18 absences (currently at 10).
We have exactly the same issues, and, yes, Orthopedic Impairment is a Category in an IEP. Also the ADHD can be covered. My son gets 2 sets of books due to weight limit due to fractures. One set stays home, and one set is at school for his use there. Child will need School Nurse Services, Adaptive P.E., P.T., O.T., Special Transportation, if in a wheelchair, and I could go on, but you get the idea. With all those on a list when going for IEP meeting, or request. All the absences will “adversely affect their education”. No argument. Same happened to me, and I just made a statement ‘jokingly, but seriously’ that I didn’t think the school would want that liability. Never have been questioned again. No problems with our IEP’s either.