Can someone tell me what the process is for getting a child a 504 plan?
Two part process:
1. Evaluation and eligibility. This is where a team (which possesses the expertise to know what various kinds of data mean) evaluates information about the child, any diagnoses and expert opinion, data, etc. regarding the nature, extent, and severity of the limitations imposed by the putative disability in order to decide whether or not the child is SIGNIFICANTLY IMPAIRED relative to unaffected peers of similar age. If so, then teh child is deemed a qualified individual with a disability, and phase 2 happens (often in the same meeting, if time allows).
2. Writing the individual plan.
This can include ANY accommodations that permit the disabled child to access the educational activities/environment
to the same degree as their unaffected peers, bearing in mind that these accommodations should meet both FAPE (free and appropriate education) and also be least-restrictive (that is, as inclusive with non-affected peers as possible, even where that means modifications in the classroom).
The writing of the plan involves three distinct KINDS of expertise:
1. experts re: the nature of the disability (usually physicians or outside experts)
2. experts about the particular CHILD in question (who may have idiosyncrasies or other quirks/needs that must be considered in conjunction with the disability, or which impact how the disability is likely to manifest under particular conditions) In other words-- PARENTS.
3. experts on the purpose, methodology, and policies, practices, and procedures of the SCHOOL in particular... placement options experts. This is mostly going to be classroom teachers and school administrators.
A plan is usually grossly imperfect or incomplete and doesn't work well if it doesn't include input from ALL of those different groups.
Oh-- and a final note, here-- schools have a duty to identify and serve children under both ADA and IDEA, but few do a good job of actively SEEKING to identify kids. Mostly, parents have to ASK for evaluation under section 504. But once you do, you should receive a copy of the procedural safeguards for your district. If you don't, politely ask.
There is usually a timeline associated with a request for evaluation, but it's highly variable, so district policy/procedure is another thing to ask for.
Hope that helps!
