Parents of children with Pedi IBD often consider whether or not requesting accommodations for health related issues at school is right for their family. Knowing what laws are in place to protect and help students with special health needs, such as Pedi IBD, can be useful when making this decision.
SECTION 504 OF THE REHABILITATION ACT OF 1973
Section 504 ensures that no child can be denied access to education because of a physical disability at any institution that receives federal funds.This Act gives parents the legal right to set up a 504 Plan with their child’s school that will accommodate any special physical or health related needs a child with Pedi IBD may have.This means that your child with Pedi IBD cannot be excluded from taking part in any school activity including classes, field trips, school sponsored clubs and athletics.
A 504 Plan helps to make sure that your child is able to participate in all of these activities with the least amount of disease related anxiety.A 504 Plan is a formal agreement between parents and school personnel that outlines any necessary accommodations or ways to make your child’s life at school as easy to manage as possible.A 504 Plan lists all accommodations related to your child’s special health needs, in this case a diagnosis of Pedi IBD. A 504 Plan is used by a general education student who is not eligible for or does not need special education services.
INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES ACT OR IDEA (ENACTED 1975)
IDEA also requires that all children have the same access to public education regardless of disability. This Act gives parents the legal right to set up an Individualized Education Program or IEPAn IEP allows parents and school administration to create a plan that outlines any and all accommodations a child may need in order to reach his or her educational goals. An IEP is used primarily to address the needs of a child with learning disabilities who, for example, may need more time to take tests or finish assignments.
THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT OR ADA (ENACTED 1990)
The ADA sets out very similar regulations to Section 504 and IDEA regarding equal access to education regardless of disability. The ADA further extends legal access to education by requiring institutions that do not receive federal funds to accommodate the needs of students with disabilities.If your child attends a school run by a religious organization, the above Acts may not apply and the school may not be legally bound to provide a 504 Plan.It is important to remember that even when a school is not legally required, most schools are willing to work out a written plan to accommodate any special health needs your child may have related to their diagnosis of Pedi IBD.