My son is not disabled or dislexic, nor has a learning disablity. He does have a syndrome called Irlen syndrom. Its not an eye sight problem its a perceptual processing problem It effects the way the brain perceives and process visual information. With this syndrome he has to wear special tinted glasses to help him with his reading. Because of this he was put under the 504 title in the District he is at. My question is what good is this to be labeled under the 504 and what is the negative side to this?
Thank You!
Not really a down side. Kids with diabetes get 504s. It's a medical thing, really. Like Melissa said, it just makes sure that teachers know what he needs and accommodate. For example, a kid with diabetes may be required to check sugar between classes, and therefore the teacher is required to allow the student to be late to their class without any sort of retribution. Hope that makes sense!
A 504 doesn't really label a kid. It really is a good thing and can be ended at anytime. What is can do for your son is provide him the accommodations he needs to be successful in school. His curriculum is exactly the same as everyone else's (this is where special education is different...that provides a child with a separate curriculum designed to meet the needs of that student). Since it is a legal document, teachers must follow what it says. Most teachers are pretty accommodating, but the 504 will guarantee your son's needs are met. It does nothing but help your child to succeed!
My daughter suffered a brain trauma from a sleigh riding accident & had a bad concussion which resulted in her still suffering from migraines. She is still under the care of a pediatric neurologist and on medication for the same. She is also classified under a Section 504 which does entitle her to certain things, however I do not feel there are any negative sides to this, as this will only allow her to be given the fullest of opportunities available to her when testing and completing her classwork/homework. Your son's school should have had an administrative meeting regarding this where they met with you, the principal or vice-pricipal and or a guidance councelor to discuss exactly what his plan covered and to go over any questions you may have had. You should have been asked to sign this only if you were in agreement with what was drawn up.
I don't see a negative at all. My oldest was diagnosed with Irlen Syndrome, among other things. He is supposed to use a turquoise overlay when he reads but has refused to do so since about 4th grade. The tinted glasses sound like a better idea - I hope he uses them!
Anyway...it just ensures that whoever he gets for a teacher will understand the use of the glasses and any other accommodations that may be helpful. If it continues into high school, the 504 may carry over into testing accommodations that can help him perform to his highest potential on high-stakes testing (SAT/ACT, any tests your district or state requires for graduation).
I don't see a downside at all. It is what it is and keeping what you know from the district or school doesn't benefit anyone.
My dd has a 504 for multiple medical problems. It means that the student does not need modifications in the way the lessons are taught, that their intellectual and learning abilities are on a par with the rest of their classmates, but that accommodations need to be arranged in order for those lessons to be delivered. Examples are, needing larger print, or seating that allows the child to see or hear the teacher better, or the use of a keyboard instead of handwriting, extra time to get to class, or time to see the nurse for medications. It is not a label, it is a message to the educator that this student learns well but needs the lesson delivered in a slightly different way. There isn't a negative side. It is a wonderful educational tool.
My apartment complex has to meet 504 requirements. It means that special accommodations are allowed in order to make a tenant with a disability enjoy the premises just as much as a person without a disability. It is government mandated. There is a certain amount of govt money allocated for the accommodations. I'm sure your daughters classification is for census purposes, they keep record of how many students are utilizing the 504 program each semester in order to keep the proposed funding in place.
The 504 program is NOT a label...it's not like the IEP where there will be a flag on his educational folder...
This 504 program allows him extra time to take tests, read, etc. So that he can do the best he can. He might be given preferential seating, more time on a test, numerous things...it's not negative unless YOU view it as negative.
Your son is getting the help he needs to succeed. If you don't feel he needs it - then opt out. However, if your district sees a problem - there is most likely one - and they are trying to help fix it.
