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Some questions and answer from parents about Section 504 plans.

What is a 504 plan?
In 1977 Congress adopted a plan called Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. The Federal Government guarantees that every child in the United States has the right to receive a free and appropriate education. The 504 plan is in place for children who do not qualify for Special Education however show that they have a disability that substantially limits their major life activities. The plan allows the child to have special accommodations to enable them to continue to be mainstreamed in the regular classroom and still get the needed help.

What kind of things qualify as major life activities?
Things that might qualify as major life activities are things such as caring for themselves, learning, and hearing, speaking, seeing and walking. This is not a complete list but you get the idea.

What kind of things would the Section 504 provide for my child?
Each child is different and needs different accommodations. Things that may be included could be having tests read out loud to them if they are having problems comprehending what they are reading but if asked aloud they know the answer. It could be sitting a child who has ADD beside the teacher so that she can assist him in staying focused. It may be allowing a child to take a test on the computer because he has fine motor skill problems and he can't write so he types the test on the computer. Again, there are not "text book" type accommodations. The accommodations are developed to assist your child and his particular needs.

Who comes up with the Section 504 plan?
There will be a team pulled together that will decide on what accommodations are right for your child.

Do I have any say?
YES! You are one of the most important parts of this team. As a matter of fact the school can not have a plan without your input unless you chose not to participate. (NEVER CHOSE NOT TO PARTICIPATE) Even if you don't know anything about what is going on go and ask lots of questions. You know your child better than anyone else and it's important to their future that you take an equal part in their education.

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