Jenna: I have been told that students on a 504 plan cannot receive any services such as speech and language, OT or paraprofessional (aide). I don’t see any specific language stating that they can be denied these services, is it true or not?
Section 504: DENYING SERVICES
Can a student have a full time paraprofessional as an accommodation on their 504 Plan?
Can good grades be used as the sole criterion to deny accommodations for a student with ADHD
No. It sounds like a 504 may be appropriate to provide accommodations, but if the student is doing well in class, then they most likely do not need an IEP/special ed to access the curriculum. A 504 may be beneficial for things like movement breaks, the use of a fidget, executive functioning supports like a teacher-check-in at the beginning or end of the day to review homework, etc.
My 7th grade son had a 504 established last year for ADD. However, it was never followed. Several emails and phone conferences over the last few months I expressed how my son was regressing rather than progressing as one would think after a 504 plan was created. I was told multiple times he would be fine, all is well, no biggie. His grades have continued to suffer, even worse than before the 504!! My son was not allowed to participate in football because of his poor grades – which is not his fault because the 504 plan was never followed so he never received the support or assistance he needed. Are students with learning disabilities really not allowed to play sports because of things beyond their control?
Hi, my son has ADHD, anxiety and depression. I want him to receive 1x/week counseling on his 504. Is there a way that I can prove to the school that he can receive this service on a 504? Thanks
I would suggest contacting your state parent training and information project to get help. They should know how your state handles this. http://www.parentcenterhub.org/find-your-center
If the student has speech and language deficits and has needs that require a paraprofessional through the day, I would question why the student hasn’t been considered for an IEP.
Please understand that for a child to be eligible for special ed and related services, the child must be evaluated and must meet two criteria: she must have a disability and she must must NEED special education. (please read the legal definition of “child with a disability” and “special education” in the IDEA.) In general, a parent or teacher refers the child for an evaluation which will determine if the child meets these criteria.
Jenna –
504 plans can most definitively include related services and supports.
Section 504 requires school districts to provide a free appropriate public education to eligible students with disabilities. The Section 504 regulations define appropriate education as “the provision of regular or special education and related aids and services that are designed to meet individual educational needs” of the eligible student (at §104.33).