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Reply To: | Harold F. De Bruyn |
Date: | Thu, 18 May 2006 19:39:49 -0400 |
Content-Type: | text/plain |
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<<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
*Support summarization of posts, reply to the SENDER not the Celiac List *
Archives are at: Http://Listserv.icors.org/SCRIPTS/WA-ICORS.EXE?LIST=CELIAC
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