United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

I want to get a plan in place for my son Nicholas who just started first grade. Could anyone tell me how to do this? Do I go to the principal? Any advice is greatly appreciated.

Its usually through the counselor and a assistant principle. I would just go in and ask who is over the 504's for the school.

Best of luck and know that you can always add to or change the plan.

Angie

Hello,
I went through my son's teacher. Then I called the principal. In our case it was really easy, maybe too easy, but one of my son's best friends in his class's mom is an OT, so she put everything I needed and that would benefit Brandon on paper. Since she was in the classroom alot, she really knew what he needed.
I was very pleased with the plan we have in place, the plan is very detailed in our case and since he is in 6th grade now, we had to put in place things now that he might need in middle and high school, so that they don't hassle me then. That was the hardest part. He gets a second set of books and laptop, extra time on test's, a note taker if needed and will be handed copies of the teachers notes so that he has them and does not have to ruch to write them all. He will be required to write, but won't have to worry about not keeping up. I have been very fortunate that this is the first year he will have had to have one. The teacher's really respected my knowledge of his injury and just did what I said what would be beneficial. But you never know once they get into higher grades, they aren't always so awesome. There is also a addendum to the plan that states that if he is injured on the playground or in PE that they have to make contact with a parent or his adult sister. Just so we are made aware, we had an issue in 1st grade where the nurse sent him to class with a bag of ice and told him he would be fine, the classroom teacher called me from the classroom and told me to get down ther right away, he was sick and by the time I got there he was vomiting....he had a concussion !!!!! Why did they allow me to put this in, because he is not quick enough to stop himself from falling and hitting his head. OUCH !!!!! Think of everything that you can. Even the strangest things....the only thing that I left out of his was bathroom issues. HE has figured those issues out and going to the nurse would be out of the ordinary for Brandon and no way would he ever do it anyway !!! Good luck and one more thing............PUT EVERYTHING IN WRITING and KEEP NOTES there are time frames in which they musy comply. Also, if you can wait a few months, it might be easier, unless the challenges are too much for him now, because they have sooooo many to do from last year, they might rush you through it. Ours always goes from the end of the school year till the end of the school year so that our meetings are always in April and May. The beginning of school is too hectic for me......lol I prefer it this way !!!! GAYLE

My daughter is going to be a preschooler this year. She has a ROBPI. I'm not sure what the 504 question is, can you help shed light on that. From this conversation it sounds like a roadmap to dealing with the disablity at school. I'm not sure in what areas I can resonably expect her to have difficulties in. She has C6 avulsed,C5 fuctional avulsion, C7 ruptues with neuroma.

thank you,
Dunia

A 504 plan is a legal document that list accomodations that the school must provide for a disabled individual. This is different than an IEP (Individualized Educational Plan). IEP's are administered through a school's special education department. If a child has learning or developmental (ie fine or gross motor skills) delays they may qualify for an IEP. Personally I like IEP's better. It is usually easier to get therapy services and consoltations through an IEP. 504's many time fall through the cracks. They may be overseen by counselors, admiistrators or any one unlucky enough to show up late to a meeting (don't laugh I know a school that this happened at) MAke sure is you are doing an IEP or 504 to put everything you can think of in writing, even if it currently does not apply. Generally they will be more agreeable to making accompdations in lower grades. First step in getting a 504 would be to talk to the teacher or principal to find out who is in charge of 504's at your school. Make sure your classroom teacher is in on what is in your 504 and why it is in place. The teacher will be the one implmenting most of the accomodations.

and most of all.............stay on top of it. They won't adhere to it, if they do not know they are being watched !!! Just my experience
GAYLE

Great info
thanks much!