IEP vs 504

[ecki]

My older DD with PDD-NOS was just declassified. She no longer has an IEP but is on a 504. I suppose this is OK because her disability is not affecting her academically at this time (although I worry because when she doesn't understand material she melts down). She was only receiving 1 group and 1 indvidual a week from the social worker as far as services on her IEP. Now they are going to drop the individual because she is really deficient in social skills, but her coping skills have gotten much better.

I'm a bit confused about the difference, since her services are not affected. From what I understand, IEPs are based in IDEA, wheras 504s are based in ADA.

Could someone enlighten me more?

 

[bookwormde]

If she is still having “meltdowns” then it is clear that they never finished her social skills and EF training which is necessary for her to receive an appropriate education. An appropriate education is not just academic. They should have never changed her status until this was complete (which is rare with children with aspie characteristics). I would call a “meeting to discuss this and review the basis that was used to end her IEP. If it was based on academic factors only then it was probably invalid and is open for challenge. A 504 is used for less complex issues or for children who do not meet the specifics of a particular diagnosis of the IDEA regulations and it lacks many of the safeguards that are include in an IEP.

There a very limited times to do an easy appeal of their decision so it is important to act quickly

bookwormde

 

[Selket]

I like this comparison chart that is found in some TX publication of IEP and 504: http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/schoolhealth/exhibit2.PDF

Because IEP and 504 are federal it doesn't matter that it is a Texas chart as it applies the same throughout the USA.

These two Nolo guides (available from Amazon.com for much less) are really helpful if you think the IEP is the way to go:

The Complete IEP Guide: How to Advocate for Your Special Ed Child

Nolo's IEP Guide: Learning Disabilities

I've had one child on an IEP for awhile - now on a 504 and the other is on a 504. I think school systems are way more used to dealing with IEP's (usually) and not so much with 504's. The school system should have a 504 coordinator to turn to if there are problems (if the school is not following it) - of course you can always file a complaint with the gov't.

My kids had IEP/504's for completely different issues - it is always good to try to find others with the same issue and see how an IEP or 504 works for them - what issues they face, if they are similar to your child, etc.

 

[daneenm]

Wow, this is a great link Carol! I am going to pass it on to the e-mail group I belong to for parent of children with T1 Diabetes. The 504 vs IEP conversation comes up quite a lot.

--Daneen

 

[kimsuenew]

I like this comparison chart that is found in some TX publication of IEP and 504: http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/schoolhealth/exhibit2.PDF

Because IEP and 504 are federal it doesn't matter that it is a Texas chart as it applies the same throughout the USA.

These two Nolo guides (available from Amazon.com for much less) are really helpful if you think the IEP is the way to go:

The Complete IEP Guide: How to Advocate for Your Special Ed Child

Nolo's IEP Guide: Learning Disabilities

I've had one child on an IEP for awhile - now on a 504 and the other is on a 504. I think school systems are way more used to dealing with IEP's (usually) and not so much with 504's. The school system should have a 504 coordinator to turn to if there are problems (if the school is not following it) - of course you can always file a complaint with the gov't.

My kids had IEP/504's for completely different issues - it is always good to try to find others with the same issue and see how an IEP or 504 works for them - what issues they face, if they are similar to your child, etc.

WOW, thank you so much for this information!