Service agreement?

[G]

My schools OT called today and they want to have a meeting with me and the principal so we can set up a Service agreement? for my dd to recieve OT for her handwriting problems.
I asked if this is a 504 and they said well sort of.
My dd does not have an IEP and is in all of reg ed classes.
So you think at this Service agreement meeting I can ask for a few things like:

My dd recieve a written copy of the notes that she has to copy from the board? Her handwriting is so bad it is hard for her to study from her own notes, I don't think this is an unreasonable request?

She gets a lot of spelling words marked wrong because of handwriting errors, I was going to ask if she could print them instead?

Can anyone else think of anything?

Her handwriting really holds her back and her teachers are the ones who complained about it, so I am hoping they will be cooperative, but they are not the nicest bunch to anyone who is not "the model student"
thanks,
nat

[Mayleng]

If she needs OT, why then don't they give her an IEP. As long as she is receiving services from the school, she gets an IEP. Then you can add accomodations like receiving copies of notes and doing her spelling in print. However, all these can be put in a 504 too. Make sure this is all OFFICIAL ie. 504 or IEP.

I presume she is in a public school.

[d]

nat - maybe do a search for dysgraphia? I think ldonline and or schwab should be a good starting place. If you stumble on a list of accoms for dysgraphia, it might jigger a few that would be helpful for your dd.

[G]

Thanks d and Mayleng.

yes, she is in a public school. I am not sure why they are not doing an IEP. She just called it a service agreement and said it would be in place for 1 year. But she already sounded discouraged, like my dd is too old to change and her bad writing habits are established already.
I have never had a meeting like this before. She said it will be with the principal and the OT and should take about 15 minutes?
Sound about right?
I will look up dysgraphia this weekend.
Nat

[dihicks6]

Your child should have either a 504 or an IEP if she will be receiving any services. Did they do an OT evaluation? Did you receive a copy? You should have. I doubt they could begin services without an evaluation. If there was no evaluation, how will they know what specific areas to work on with your dd?

I would also suggest to begin documenting things in writing. If it were me, I would write a note to the principal asking 1) whether there was an OT evaluation and to please send me a copy, and 2) why isn't an IEP being developed, and 3) I would also ask for the definition of a "service agreement" as opposed to an IEP. I can tell you that you will have much more of a leg to stand on with an IEP, but some schools try to avoid them because there is alot of paperwork and meetings involved (and also they must follow the federal regs). Good luck and post how it goes.

[G]

Thanks.
Sorry, I forgot to say that they did evaluate her and send me a copy of the evaluation. That is whey they are calling for the meeting. I didn't know I would have a meeting, since she is not recieving any other services, I didn't realize she would need a 504 or a service agreement. But now that they called this meeting i am going to ask for some accomadations for my dd.

I am new to this so I figured I should ask you guys some questions first, so I dont go in there all naive.
Thanks a lot.
nat

[Mayleng]

You need to get her an IEP if she is going to receive OT and other accomodations. It is her right. There is not such thing as a Service Agreement. So find out what they mean.

[TaynTysmom]

I am not sure what state you are in. But, in some states, you have to fail 50% of the testing to qualify for services. Maybe she only failed in this area and they are willing to help.

[Beverly]

Nat, If your child does not get OT after this, the teachers can no longer complain about handwriting. I tried to get my ds (8th grade) OT in 3rd grade but since he tested over in half and tested under in half, the average came out at his age level...no services. I spent the money on private VT and Visual Processing remediation. Every year during Parent Teacher Conferences, his handwriting is brought up, and every year I point out the testing in his cum folder and offer the option of them requesting that he be re-tested or request a 504 for an AlphaSmart for him.....and every year his handwriting becomes less of an issue after that. Nobody seems to want the reponsibility of dealing with it.

[G]

OK, the meeting seemed to go well. They said it is a 504 plan but at the top of the paper I signed to allow treatment it said Chapter 15 Service Agreement. It will be in place for 1 year.

They will work on her handwriting and taking notes from the board. Some organizational skills also. It will start next week, and she should get a progress paper sent home each time, so I guess we will see how it goes.

I hope it helps, NO ONE can read this childs handwriting, not even her. scary

[Mayleng]

Make sure she gets enough OT. I was just speaking to one mom yesterday, and her son has horrible writing too and has a 504 for OT but he only gets 30 mins once a week. I doubt that is enough to remediate it. He was not progressing at all. When I worked with my son on Handwriting without Tears, we worked 30 mins. everyday during summer vacation. His writing has improved tremendously. He even writes cursive now.

[G]

Interesting. They are only going to see my dd every other week.
Probobly not enough, never thought of that.
I can work with her at home some, I have the same program. HWT