Parents ask the public school for help for their child who is struggling. The child has a diagnoses from a medical professional of ADHD and has provided that document to the school.
The school staff tells the parent the school doesn’t test kids for ADHD, and, they don’t have a program for kids with ADHD. This is true, however, students with significant ADHD might qualify for “special education” under a category called “Other Health Impaired”. This is often referred to as “OHI”. This is within the process known as “special education under the IDEA”.
Another approach which parents choose is separate from the IDEA process. Some students who have significant ADHD may qualify for a “504 accommodation plan” under a civil rights law. Most school districts don’t make this known and have experienced developing few of these plans. Parents may get a blank stare from school personnel when a parent requests a 504 accommodation plan.
504 accommodation plans are to allow for students to not be penalized since the student is different from other students. I have helped parents deal with this scenario multiple times.
Advocate Marilyn McClure,
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Copyright 2016 Special Education Parent’s Advocacy Link LLC dba The IEP Center SEPAL helps parents by providing information and advocate services to parents regarding their children’s civil rights in the public schools. These services are offered at low cost.
We are not attorneys and do not give legal advice. We do not represent parents or students. Consult an attorney.
Kansas Special Education Advocate 