The process of initiating the "The Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Section 504(P.L.93-112) protecting the federal civil rights of persons with disabilities, is by written permission from parent for the school to assess by testing and identifying the needs of a child/student.
It can be initiated by a parent, teacher or other. Once tested, the Individual Educational Plan (IEP) is the tool to implement any accommodations needed for the individual student. The parent must approved any decisions made at any IEP meetings.
Read carefully the forms, and check the box that says they will need to reschedule if a parent is unable to attend that session.
Who is present at an IEP meeting?
Parent, School administrator, psychologist, RSP teacher (special education), the students general teacher and the student if he/she wishes, it is recommended to have students learn about their rights as they go thru school.
When a student with an IEP is nearing graduation, there is a transition plan, that can be implemented while they are in high school to enable the student transition to colleges. It is intented to implement support programs after high school. If you are having a transition plan, make sure the adult service providers are at the ITP?IEP meetings.
http://wlcdr.everybody.org/announce/2001-04-16/7.mason
Learning Disabilities by Janeen Steel herself learning disabled has workshops to educate parents about the rights of our children through the Western Law Center for Disability Rights, in Los Angeles, California.
There are numerous free pamphelts by the individual states to help parents, educators and professionals become aware of the rights of students. However, many times the teachers are not even aware that a student is under the 504 plan, therefore in the written accommadation, have it included that all the teachers a student has are aware of his needs. This too must be without undue attention or singleing out the student as that too can be a violation of his rights.
As an advocate for disabled rights and learning disabilities, awareness and education is the key. More information and resources provided at Artists with Brain Injuries site under "Advocacy and Resources Page"
Artists with Brain Inuries: http://tbihome.org/members/pearl/home_1.html
Pearl
ARTISTS with BRAIN INJURIESLearning Disabilities Western Law Center for Disability Rights
