A 504 meeting-at last

[mattandchris]

I really agree with Mayleng. I does take a lot of pushing, a lot of research and a strong voice to be our kid's advocate. I have found (and some in our district use this) that with 504 there is a grey area as to if they feel a child is actually entitled to it. Unfortunately my son has fallen into that grey area. If the plan they have given him works I really don't care what they call it.

[rachelmom]

mattandchris said:

I really agree with Mayleng. I does take a lot of pushing, a lot of research and a strong voice to be our kid's advocate. I have found (and some in our district use this) that with 504 there is a grey area as to if they feel a child is actually entitled to it. Unfortunately my son has fallen into that grey area. If the plan they have given him works I really don't care what they call it.

MyDD qualified for an IEP as OHI -other health impaired. Her DR. had to write a statement that she was on medication for ADHD but she still had issues with attenion, impulsiveness, hyperactive. She has been dx with writing disability and math disability but state will not recognize them as disabilities so the only way for her to qualifiy was as other health impaired.

[brookesmom]

I agree that an informed parent is the best advocate. My child also qualifies under OHI. She does not have any other LD's but shows significant underachievement due to her ADD. The school district would have been happy to settle on a 504 plan. I had to be very firm in stating that I wanted an IEP and the reasons that I felt she qualified. I also had the support of her teacher who had already made many accomodations and could state that my dd still was way behind other kids in her class.

They see your child on paper...... you see the real person and know them best. My district put alot of weight on what my teacher said so if your teachers support your position get them involved. Also do not be intimidated by the "experts". YOU are the expert on your child.

[Sharon]

I agree with you all that ADHD kids should qualify for an IEP under OHI. When I sent an e-mail to school rescinding my signature of agreement that my son does not qualify for an IEP (although his psychologist sent info on my son that he needs and IEP), they have not responded. I then sent an e-mail to the appropriate parties that I request a new meeting to discuss everything that was wrong with the prior meeting (advocate says they did many things wrong) and that I expect to hear from them in two weeks. No response. I then sent an e-mail yesterday saying that I expect to hear a response by next Friday or I will be filing a complaint with the State Dept of Ed. Hmmmm . . . I don't know what to think about all of this. My son now wants to go back to his Catholic High School, where he was before. That would be moving back to our old town. I want him to be happy and I know he would be happier there. It is smaller too.

[Mayleng]

Sharon, you might want to send a copy of all your requests and reminders & the letter saying you will file a complaint to the state to the School Super as well. That might get their attention.

[Sharon]

Good point! Thank you. I'll do that.

[Sharon]

Well, I rec'd a letter in the mail yesterday saying they refuse another meeting. This is what was said:

The did send me a PWN.
It is dated 12/09/04.
I
t says the following is to describe the action(s) REFUSED by our district (and a check mark is by) Other-Request to reconvene the IEP team is being denied.
The explanation of Action:
The (School) District refuses to reconvene the multidisciplinary team to review eligibility for (my son).
Options Considered and Why Rejected:
* Option(s) that was/were considered:
The district considered reconvening the multidisciplinary team.
* The reason(s) why each option was rejected:
This option was rejected because the IEP team convened on 11/17/04 to review current evaluation data as part of a re-evaluation for (my son). The team determined that (my son) did not meet eligibility under the Individual's with Disabilities Education Act based on review of educational evaluation data and eligibility criteria presented in the Missouri State Plan for Special Education. The team has no reason at this point to reconvene the team.
Basis for the Action:
This action is based on review of transfer records an, the evaluation completed 11/17/04.
Other Factors Relevant to the Action:
None

Then it showed the Procedural Safeguards Statement
It is signed by (name), Director of Special Services, (ph#)

I also rec'd a letter from the principal, (name), dated 12/09/04. It says:
Dear (my name):
I am responding to your written request to reconvene the team regarding the recent educational evaluation completed by (School) School District. I understand you no longer agree with the information and conclusion presented in (my son's) evaluation report dated 11/7/04. Your signature is not required for this document; therefore, it is not necessary for you to rescind your decision.

The conclusion reached by the multidisciplinary team involved with the evaluation of (my son) was based on our educational evaluation information and eligibility criteria presented in the Missouri State Plan for Special Education. We see no need at this time to reconvene the team. Therefore, a Notice of Action along with Procedural Safeguards is included with this letter. If you need further assistance in this matter, you can contact (name), Director of Special Services at (ph#).
Sincerely,
(name)
Principal, (School)
CC: (name)
Director of Special Services

This is all so very frustrating that my hands are tied and there seems to be nothing I can do to help my son! I haven't heard back from advocate yet. I am about ready to cry! I cannot believe this?? a*g

[dmom32002]

Not sure I will have to look at this. But I would
if I was you take this to the state dept of education.

To the special education department. I don't think
its completely legal.

donna