<<Disclaimer: Verify this information before applying it to your situation.>>

I sent this message to Joan Guthrie Medlen.  She  suggested that I send 
it on to the whole group. I hope you find it helpful.


I am sorry to have to say that I do not agree with  Kristen Wiley. Any 
child with a medical problem is entitled to have a 504. It has nothing 
to do with academic ability. The child could have a straight A average 
and still would be eligible for  for 504.  I think that Joan Guthrie 
Medlen has  been very helpful.

The most significant thing is that the child would not receive any 504 
services if a parent just walked in and  said, "my child has celiac and 
needs this. "   504  is a mandated program and one has to proceed in 
the formal steps.

A physician has to document that the child has a diagnosis and write  a 
prescription that would identify what needs to be done-- NO  Gluten. I 
would take care of  getting this first.  I then would go to the nurse 
and the principal with a copy of the doctor's note. I would fill out a 
formal request to the School Nurse, Principal,  Special Ed Director and 
the Superintendent of Schools that a formal meeting be held to set up a 
504 plan. I would keep the teacher informed of what you are doing, but 
she is not in charge of this  decision at all. She should be at the 
meeting so she can learn what has to be done and what her role should 
be.. I would be polite and positive with her and explain that the 
meeting has to be convened. Keep track of all communications and write 
down verbal interactions. It would be helpful to include the School 
Food Service Director. The people in the kitchen at many schools work 
only under her direction and may not know any thing about the 
procedures. A definite plan should result after a meeting which defines 
what adjustments need to be made. Children on 504 plans are eligible to 
participate in any activity sponsored by the school.  Snacks on field 
trips, if provided by other parents would not be the schools 
responsibility. Any food that is provided by the school has to be 
considered. If you have to provide special foods you can ask for a 
reimbursement.  Some people may ask for a child to have  a short time 
access to an aid who could microwave food  in a separate microwave etc. 
(Students are usually not allowed in the kitchen area because it could 
be hazardous to them.)

It may be helpful to bring information about celiac disease and the 
gluten free diet with you. A lot is available on the internet.

If you have any difficulty,  speak to people at the state level.  Also, 
  if there is a local support group,   parents may have recently  gone 
through this process and may  be able to help you.

Retired School Psychologist.
Irma De Bruyn

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