Dept Ed Updated 504 Guide

[ajasfolks2]

http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/docs/504-resource-guide-201612.pdf

[Macabre]

Thank you!

[gvmom]

Skimmed it yesterday. 

What struck me was not a lot of "hidden disabilities" language.  It was definitely implied with different verbage though.  Also, I think the first time I saw food allergies (tree nut/peanut) as an example was around page 20.

It has been awhile since I've read anything 504 though.  Sort of interesting to see how they are framing it all these days, and presenting the resource material.   

[ajasfolks2]

In my opinion, this updated 504 Guide is partly to help reduce the 3 o phone call and cases for OCR. 

#1 -- correct the misperception on part of many schools (and parents) that learning must absolutely be affected to qualify for 504.

#2 -- to correct the wrong-headed beliefs in schools (and some parents) that if an IHCP or other health plan -- or blanket "food allergy policies" -- in place, then no "need" for 504 for food allergic.

#3 -- to make it EVEN CLEARER to schools that they have a true responsibility to identify those potentially qualifying for 504 and must offer / make parents aware.

. . . .

I truly do believe that we at FAS and others on the front lines of 504 and school issues wrt food allergy have made a difference and been part of this change and improvement.

Thank you to all here and over the years for keeping the heat on the schools and the Dept of Ed / OCR to make positive change in the lives of ALL the food allergic.