Iep??

[zurgswife]

I figure some people here might be more familiar with IEP then I am (pretty much zero here). Would mental health issues ie. Bi-polar fall into the disability catagory that might qualify for accomodations with an IEP or maybe even a 504? Or is there another school document that these type of mental health issues would fall under.

TYIA

ZW

 

[coinkc]

Possibly.

An IEP can be written for accomodations for any reason deemed neccesary by the school team whether it be physical disabilities, learning disabilities, or mental disabilities. However, with an IEP, goals are set and are expected to be monitored and reached within a certain time period and re-evaluated each year. That said, there are some students who have IEPS specifically for behavior issues.

It depends on what types of modifications the child with bi-polar would need. A 504 may be more appropriate in this case. It can be written to allow a child to take a "break" when needed, leave the room and go to a "safe spot", etc.

so yes, an IEP can be written for mental issues, but sometimes it may not be the best plan.

Hope this helps...each state and even school district is a different in how they write IEPS so it would be best to call your school/district psychologist to see what they think is the best way to help the child.

 

[zurgswife]

Thank you.

 

[Snow Brite]

It would fall under the "Other Health Impaired" on an IEP. One of my sons has ADHD, Sensory Perception Issues and this year was also diagnosed with dysgraphia and he is on an IEP for the types of modifications he needed.

Another son has an IEP for speech.

The other son does not have anything.

My daughter has a 504 for ADD issues and the types of accomodations she needed. She was close to an IEP, her classroom teacher and I both thought it was in her best interests but the team overall decided on the 504.

 

[tw1nsmom]

The basic difference between an IEP and a 504 is that a child needs an IEP if they aren't performing academically or socially at a level equal to their intelligence scores. A 504 is when the child is performing well academically, but has a documented disability that needs to be accomodated. An IEP is covered under the IDEA (Individuals with Disability Education act). A 504 is coverd under the ADA (Americans with disabilities act).

In reality there is a lot of fuzzy area between the two, especially when in comes to psychological/neurological issues. When in doubt, push for an IEP as it has many more protections and oversite and is taken more seriously (usually). When it comes to bi-polar, you will want to be careful/think about the classification with an IEP. I would push hard for OHI (other health impaired). However the school might want to list it under ED (Emotionally Disabled). If you need to go with ED to get the services, then go with it.

Feel free to PM me and I'll try to answer any questions or at least point you in the right direction.

 

[Schmeck]

Also, the 504 carries through after high school graduation, doesn't it? I know the IEP does not, so if the children are college bound, having a 504 might be very useful.

 

[LauraAnn630]

The schools will not tell you...

They have a responsiblity to have your child evaluated for add/adhd or any learning disabilities.

A phaciatrist, social worker and his teacher were all involved in the evaluation

They did this for our son, ONLY after we requested in writing. I thought for sure they would say YEP! He has add! but they didnt.

They found he had problems with reading comp and need to learn his all his addition, subtraction and times tables.

We hired a tutor for the summer to help us catch him up to speed.

 

[tacomaranch]

What is a 504? We have an IEP but I have never heard of the IEP.

To share information, an IEP is an Individual Education Plan, with the word individual, it should address the needs of your child, not the disorder in general. It should be what you child will need to have the very best outcome, not just want the school offers. Never sign an IEP unless you feel it is exactly what you want. Do look into your local advocacy group should you need more help.

Do educate yourself. I was ignorant and it was harder to go back and say that to the CDC and then have to fix the IEP rather than doing my homework and knowing what to do.

Good luck, please PM for help, but I am only 7 months into this walking waking nitemare.

April

 

[Selket]

I've been doing a lot of research into 504s and IEPs for William as he enters school for his diabetes and severe peanut allergy. His case if more of a 504 one I would think. There is lots of good info out there on juvenile diabetes and 504 plans at the ADA, JDFR, CWD, etc. Perhaps there is a site for bipolar and 504/IEP's?

William will attend public school but perhaps someone knows if a person is legally entitled to a 504 or IEP if the school is not a public school nor receives public funds. Here is a quote from the Amer. Diabetes Assoc. website though: " Section 504 protects individuals with disabilities against discrimination in any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance. This includes all public schools and day care centers and those private schools and centers that receive federal funds."

You didn't mention if the child was in public or private school, etc. - you might want to find out what protections are available if private school is an issue.

I have read that schools can be more willing to give an IEP than a 504. With an IEP I think they receive additional money to make the accommodations. With a 504 they generally don't get additional resources but the 504 offers legal accountability in case of problems (so all stick and no carrot!).

 

[zurgswife]

I've been doing a lot of research into 504s and IEPs for William as he enters school for his diabetes and severe peanut allergy. His case if more of a 504 one I would think. There is lots of good info out there on juvenile diabetes and 504 plans at the ADA, JDFR, CWD, etc. Perhaps there is a site for bipolar and 504/IEP's?

William will attend public school but perhaps someone knows if a person is legally entitled to a 504 or IEP if the school is not a public school nor receives public funds. Here is a quote from the Amer. Diabetes Assoc. website though: " Section 504 protects individuals with disabilities against discrimination in any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance. This includes all public schools and day care centers and those private schools and centers that receive federal funds."

You didn't mention if the child was in public or private school, etc. - you might want to find out what protections are available if private school is an issue.

I have read that schools can be more willing to give an IEP than a 504. With an IEP I think they receive additional money to make the accommodations. With a 504 they generally don't get additional resources but the 504 offers legal accountability in case of problems (so all stick and no carrot!).

The reason I asked the question is that we are considering sending my dd to public school for the first time ever. She currently attends a relegious High school and even though we have been open to them from the beginning, it just seems to be a battle. My dd is frustrated and unhappy right now and I think maybe a change might do her good. She has gone to school with the same 30kids since Kindergarten. Makes for a very small peer group. We are meeting with a guidance counseler in 2 weeks to discuss it. I just wanted to know if anybody had an experience or knowledge about either of these 2 optioins. Thanks for all of the info.

I have 2 type 1 diabetics also and we go to a small relegious school. Because they don't get any federal funding they are not required to do anything for my kids. We don't have a 504 for them though I wish we did. I go back and forth on sending them to public school but so far still opt for no. You should visit the ADA message boards http://community.diabetes.org/n/pfx/forum.aspx?nav=messages&webtag=adaparents there are lots of people there that know tons about 504's

 

[tw1nsmom]

Just wanted to add, if a child qualifies for an IEP, the public school must provide the services even if the child is in private school. They can't necessarily force the private school to change their ways, and they may make a child travel to the public school for therapy/services, but if a student qualifies for an aid, or a consultant teacher, then those people would have to provide the services at the private school.

When it comes to a 504, it was my understanding (and I could be wrong) that it would apply to private school as well. It's an ADA issue and should transfer in any situation/organization that is obliged to follow ADA guidelines. Of course, just because they're supposed to do something, doesn't mean they actually will.

 

[Selket]

I thought I had read something once that your kid(s)(?) attend a private school so I thought perhaps you didn't have the option for a 504 plan with the diabetic ones.

If you are moving one to a public school then having a 504 or IEP is not an issue - in that it is certainly your right to request one or both.

They are complicated documents IMHO (I have limited experience already in that my older son was evaluated for ADD by the school although he clearly didn't have it - his teacher was just terrible in 2nd grade is all ) Long story but it ultimately helped to go through the evaluation as I finally was able to get him moved out of that class to a different teacher. He also had an IEP (I think) for his speech issues when he first started school - just to get speech therapy.

Good luck figuring it out

 

[BCV23]

The basic difference between an IEP and a 504 is that a child needs an IEP if they aren't performing academically or socially at a level equal to their intelligence scores. A 504 is when the child is performing well academically, but has a documented disability that needs to be accomodated. An IEP is covered under the IDEA (Individuals with Disability Education act). A 504 is coverd under the ADA (Americans with disabilities act).

In reality there is a lot of fuzzy area between the two, especially when in comes to psychological/neurological issues. When in doubt, push for an IEP as it has many more protections and oversite and is taken more seriously (usually). When it comes to bi-polar, you will want to be careful/think about the classification with an IEP. I would push hard for OHI (other health impaired). However the school might want to list it under ED (Emotionally Disabled). If you need to go with ED to get the services, then go with it.

Feel free to PM me and I'll try to answer any questions or at least point you in the right direction.

Our daughter had an IEP throughout her public school years despite performing very well academically including honors course so I do think it varies from area to area. Put me in the camp of not hearing of 504s. Everyone I know in our district who receives any special ed support gets an IEP even if the child only receives speech therapy.

Her IEPs were rewritten each year but did carry through high school. The same was true with our son who has Down Syndrome and type I. Our DD has CP and is visually impaired.

Good luck, zurgswife. Your family sure has had more than your share lately.

 

[zurgswife]

Just wanted to add, if a child qualifies for an IEP, the public school (the underlying issue is that our town does not have a public school, we have an agreement with the next town over to pay for each child that attends but that is it. So, there isn't a public school for them to get IEP services. My oldest son is severly Dsylexic and he doesn't get any special services.) must provide the services even if the child is in private school. They can't necessarily force the private school to change their ways, and they may make a child travel to the public school for therapy/services, but if a student qualifies for an aid, or a consultant teacher, then those people would have to provide the services at the private school.

When it comes to a 504, it was my understanding (and I could be wrong) that it would apply to private school It only applies if the private school gets federal funding and if it is a religious school it doesn't apply at all. Since we get we don't get federal funding and are a religious school all bets are off as well. It's an ADA issue and should transfer in any situation/organization that is obliged to follow ADA guidelines Religious orangaiztions don't fall under any guideline. Of course, just because they're supposed to do something, doesn't mean they actually will.

So, for the diabetics stuff we don't have any options other then sending them to public school if we want the accomodation we prefer. Though we haven't gone that route as my diabetics aren't interested in changing schools and they put up with enough in their daily lives and i'm not ready to push it. The bi-polar dd it's not so critical but she's unhappy and we think the change could be good if she really is interested in a change.

 

[Selket]

The 504 is more to allow accomodations for kids with health issues to attend school. Like diabetes for example - one could require someone on site at all times to give glucagon, test the bgl, etc. Also spells out where the child can test (in the classroom, etc), where supplies are kept and so on.


An IEP could be for any child who has a condition that impacts their learning. For example, a diabetic child could have an IEP if their learning is severely affected. From the ADA website:

To receive services under IDEA, a child with diabetes must show that he or she needs special education and related services in order to benefit from an education. An evaluation of the child must show that, because of the child's diabetes (or other qualifying disability) the child has limited strength, vitality, or alertness that adversely affects the child's educational performance. Simply put, the diabetes must make it more difficult for the child to learn.

For example, it is often difficult to learn when blood sugar levels are either too high or too low. If a child with diabetes is having difficulty controlling his or her blood sugar level, this may hurt how well the child does in school. Classwork might also suffer if a child with diabetes misses a significant amount of classroom instruction each day in order to test his or her blood sugar level.

Although this is a bit OT from the bipolar issue I thought it highlighted well the differences between a 504 and IEP. The 504 offers a good deal of protection. If a school violates the 504 they could lose their funding.

 

[mlwear]

You have a lot of good information.
To simply answer your question, Bipolar disorder and other mental health disorders can be a disability that is best addressed by an IEP or 504. It will depend upon testing at eligibility. Have you taken any steps yet? If not andwondering what to do first, just write a letter to your child's teacher or to the school administration referring your child for testing. That's all you have to do to get things started.
My son is diagnosed as bipolar, OCD, ADHD. he has a gifted IQ. We knew that going into eligibility testing. I started just thinking he would get a 504 but the testing showed an IEP was needed. There were some "skews" in his testing and even though he was an A-B student, his testing ability showed that he should be an A student with no effort. I just give that as an example because I think it shows how different the need for an IEP can be than what most think.
He only has two goals on his IEP. One is to basically score well at school and the other is for organizaiton skills. He has about 15 accomodations, though. You can get the accomodations with a 504, but I think, although it isn't right, teachers follow those accomodations better because their is a case manager closely monitioring and advising. I'm not saying 504 accomodations won't be followed. It is a legal document and they will be...I just see that my son get more consideration--above and beyond than some other students I know have 504's (maybe I'm the driving force, though). All of this is so complicated: children with IEP's are also covered by the 504...just a note for the poster who asked about later education.
If your child gets an IEP, carefully consider the primary disability you want to list. I would really think hard about listing Emotionally Disturbed as primary. There can be unfortunate problems with placement later and there is still that stigma. Do a bit of Internet research and you can find info. to make a case that bipolar should be listed as Other Health Impaired (OHI) as it is a physiological disorder. In the case of my son, I suggested that the ADHD was the primary and OHI was listed and ED is listed as secondary. I am always very careful to be sure that his IEP states that he cannot be placed in collaborative classes. (That is not to say they aren't for anyone. My younger child needs them, but has that level of need. I won't let a label written on paper alone determine the placement of my child).
Hope some part of this made sense.
Feel free to PM me, if you think I can help.

 

[tw1nsmom]

I know how frustrating the whole process is. Just know that the entities involved don't always tell the truth when it comes to their obligations.

Even though the school district isn't in your town, they are still obligated to provide services for your DD if she's eligible (they're receiving school tax dollars as well as state and federal funding for the students in your town).

When it comes to a 504 and religious schools, if they receive even $1 in federal funds, even indirectly, then they have to comply with the 504 law. When it comes to the ADA, it applies to all institutions/businesses that serve the public in any way. Here's a link that might exlplain that further.
http://library.findlaw.com/2000/Mar/1/132912.html

However, even with all the laws behind you, many institutions/school districts won't do what they're supposed to until lawyers become involved. They're basicly assuming that you'll blink first and they won't have to spend the money on the services/accomodations.

 

[zurgswife]

I know how frustrating the whole process is. Just know that the entities involved don't always tell the truth when it comes to their obligations.

Even though the school district isn't in your town, they are still obligated to provide services for your DD if she's eligible (they're receiving school tax dollars as well as state and federal funding for the students in your town). See they don't recieve any money for the kids in our town. We have our own tax base and because we don't have a public school we don't pay state taxes like others do. The arrangement our town has is sort of a private arrangement that was made many many years ago. It has been let stand because of how long it has been in place.

When it comes to a 504 and religious schools, if they receive even $1 in federal funds, even indirectly, then they have to comply with the 504 law After battling with our school for 6months over the diabetes issue I'm certain they don't recieve and federal funding. When it comes to the ADA, it applies to all institutions/businesses that serve the public in any way. Here's a link that might exlplain that further.
http://library.findlaw.com/2000/Mar/1/132912.html

However, even with all the laws behind you, many institutions/school districts won't do what they're supposed to until lawyers become involved. They're basicly assuming that you'll blink first and they won't have to spend the money on the services/accomodations.

Thanks for the comments though.

 

[patchchild]

Hi there, special education teacher checking in. No attacks please, I really do try to do my best with what I'm allowed to do.

504 and IEP are similar in that both require there to be a documented disability of some type. Just not doing well in school doesn't cut it. There has to be a disability of some recognized type. That can be educational, medical, or emotional.

The big difference comes with what type of support the student needs. For an IEP, the Team has to agree that,
1. there is a disability
2. the child is not making effective progress
3. the lack of progress is directly due to the disability
4. specialized instruction is necessary

Unfortunately, those 4 elements leave a lot of room for interpretation. The big piece that makes a student eligable for an IEP rather than a 504 is #4, specialized instruction. Generally, that means that the student needs something above and beyond what is generally provided by a classroom teacher. A student with ADD who needs help redirecting their attention back to their work wouldn't necessarily get an IEP because that is something that a classroom teacher can be reasonably expected to do. They might still qualify for a 504 plan if what they need are testing accommodations or the right to wear headphones while working.

Emotional disabilities definately qualify, as someone previously posted, they come under other health impairments. As long as there is something during the school day that is effected, it can be academically or socially, then they certainly qualify for some type of support. 504 or IEP is based on what they need to be successful.

Both IEPs and 504 are effective through college.

 

[eeyore45]

mlwear has outstanding advice - go back thru it.

The problem as I see it for you is you live in Pennsylvania!! While I'm not familiar with IEP's in PA, I am for IEP's for hearing impairments/interpreters and PA is the worst!! It is quite shocking what 2 of my friends went thru, even tho they had IEP's and they had deaf kids - the one mom was so angry she up and moved!! And her son got a better education, one that fit his needs, he got a qualifed interpreter, my other friend, her dd has some hearing, and just continues to fight -

so the more educated you can be, the harder you can fight for your child's RIGHTS - under the LAW!! The most basic tenet is for us as mom's to follow our instincts, you know what is best for your child - but it is so frustrating when we start doubting ourselves, esp under the "advice" of "professionals"

Good Luck, but keep looking, and again, maybe mlwear, and others with similiar situations can help -

You do need to write down your request for testing - asap!! Its just a start, but sometimes, esp at this time of year, it can take a long time - even if you are in a private school, you write a letter, and you deliver it in person to the school districts adminstration building... ask where to deliver it, ask what services, ask to talk to someone who can answer basic questions!!

Good Luck!!