<<Disclaimer: Verify this information before applying it to your situation.>>
At 07:24 AM 5/17/2006, Kristin Wiley wrote:
>*I think it is important to stress again that 504 plans are implemented for
>academic reasons, not convenience/inconvenience, such as snacks on field
>trips, classroom projects, etc.*
So in making this statement, are you suggesting that families of children
with Celiac Disease should not seek a 504 plan to ensure appropriate
accommodations for their child?
I agree, that for "extra" foods, such as parties, field trips, and class
projects, parents need to partner with the teacher to ensure their child's
food safety (i.e., the school is not required to provide special foods for
these events unless they are providing foods for the other children, too
which falls under ADA rather than section 504).
However, accommodations for a child's medical necessity - free access to
the bathroom for example - ARE things that can impact education for a
student with CD and would fall under a 504 plan for students not
qualifying for an IEP. Also consideration for behavior/attentiveness at
times, especially if there is a lapse.
ADA ensures that students who attend school and have CD should be provided
with alternative foods for a medically diagnosed case of CD, with the
proper documentation as CD is, indeed, a life-threatening disease, just
like diabetes. The decision whether or not a parent puts their child's
diet in the hands of a school district is a personal choice and a right
their child is entitled to. Their specific PREFERENCES are not a right, but
nutritionally adequate food selections that are gluten-free is their right.
When I student has a life-threatening condition, such as CD or diabetes,
504 plans define for the staff what to do and how to accommodate that
student so they can learn to manage their medical condition respectfully.
There are times when the medical condition CAN impact education for
students with CD.
Once a 504 plan is implemented, many schools find it useful to define who
will be responsible for what in different situations (provision of food on
field trips, etc) so that staff know what to expect and do. I believe, if a
student has very sensitive CD that can lead to fast-moving fevers and
hospitalization, a 504 plan is essential, just as it is for a student with
diabetes. IT is also essential if managing CD (if a student is having
trouble finding equilibrium due to CD and needs to use the bathroom more
often, has trouble concentrating at times due to symptoms, etc), then it is
often best to implement a 504 plan - they aren't forever.
When students are learning well and managing their diet and health well,
there usually is no reason for a 504 plan if they have Celiac Disease. In
these cases, working with your school to be sure they know what to do in
case of an emergency is appropriate. And, it's true, one does not need a
504 plan to provide a teacher or staff with a list of foods that are safe
for the student should there be an unplanned party or need for food for a
student.
HUNGER effects education - so seek a good plan with your teachers and
principals.
Joan Medlen, RD, LD
www.downsyndromenutrition.com
*Please provide references to back up claims of a product being GF or not GF*
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