504 Plans by KY-SPIN & Aetna

[00:00:00] Nick Carpenter: Section 5 0 4 Plans. What is a 5 0 4 Plan? A Section 5 0 4 Plan gives accommodations related to a student’s disability to meet their needs. It is a civil rights law and not just for education. It is a written plan offering related aids and services that are aimed to meet learning needs as fully as students without disabilities are meant.

[00:00:25] Where does it come from? Section 5 0 4 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Section 5 0 4 provides a broad range of protections against discrimination based on the disability, the recipients of federal financial support, which includes public schools. The disability does not have to be a lasting disability to qualify under 5 0 4. Examples being temporarily wheelchair bound or on crutches. 5 0 4 definition of disability.

[00:00:53] To qualify, a person must meet one of the following: physical or mental impairment that substantially limits a major life activity, [00:01:00] has a record of such an impairment, or is regarded as having such an impairment. Major life activities could include caring for one’s self, communicating, concentrating, bending, breathing, eating, hearing, learning, lifting, performing manual tasks, reading, seeing, sleeping, speaking, standing, thinking, or walking.

[00:01:24] Examples of physical or mental impairments could be diabetes, A D D, A D H D, food allergies, and autism. The determining factor is, “Does disability limit a major life activity?”

[00:01:37] 5 0 4, step by step.

[00:01:42] Referral. Anyone with knowledge of the child can refer in writing or verbally contact the 5 0 4 coordinator at your child’s school. Consent to evaluate requires parental permission or initial evaluation.

[00:01:58] Eligibility. A 5 [00:02:00] 0 4 Plan will be written if your child meets a definition of having a disability and qualifies. Provide the school documented history of disability and requested be used as part of the 5 0 4 evaluation.

[00:02:11] 5 0 4 meeting. The student’s team writes a 5 0 4 Plan describing accommodations and supports.

[00:02:18] Yearly meeting. The team will meet yearly to review and update your child’s plan. Meetings are held at least once a year, but you can request a 5 0 4 meeting at any time.

[00:02:30] Reevaluation. The school district will reevaluate your child at least every three years and before a major change of placement. If needed, you may request a reevaluation. Check with your local school district for the timeline of when reevaluation will occur.

[00:02:46] 5 0 4 meeting, before. Ask for a draft of the 5 0 4 Plan and any evaluation and progress data or reports. Write your child’s abilities, strengths, and areas of difficulty to share at the meeting. Have your child list their current [00:03:00] abilities, strengths, and areas of difficulty that you or your child can share at the meetings. Contact a support person, a person who knows your child well, to help you prepare or invite to the meeting.

[00:03:12] During the 5 0 4 meeting, be positive, thank them, and point out the good you see. Share what works for you and your child. Give input on what your child is currently able to do. Focus on your child’s strengths and discuss options to help your child be successful.

[00:03:29] During the 5 0 4 meeting. The 5 0 4 needs to be specific on who, what, and when services and supports are provided. Request periodic updates. The after meeting summary should be an accurate picture of what took place at the meeting. Review it before the meeting ends and request items be added if they’re not on the summary. Leave with a copy of the 5 0 4 Plan, or plan for you to receive a copy

[00:03:54] After the 5 0 4 meeting, thank them. Clarify anything you have questions about and check on anything that [00:04:00] is in the process following the meeting. Stay in touch. Keep an open line of communication. Share when things are going well with them, not just when there are issues. Monitor how the accommodations work for your child.

[00:04:11] And remember, you can request a 5 0 4 meeting at any time.

[00:04:17] The team. The 5 0 4 team may include the student, family, the 5 0 4 coordinator, school nurse, teachers, school staff, to students, therapists and interpreter, other specialists, social workers, and people who have knowledge of the child.

[00:04:35] Students are important members of the team. Involve them to foster self-advocacy and to prepare them for the future.

[00:04:44] Permission must be given before an evaluation can take place. Parents are vital members of the team. If your child has an individualized education program, they’re also covered by Section 5 0 4. If you feel your child may qualify for an I E P, refer them for an evaluation. The [00:05:00] Individuals with Disabilities Education Act provides an I E P for children with disabilities.

[00:05:07] Kentucky’s Special Parent Involvement Network. We’re a statewide 5 0 1 (c)(3) nonprofit organization. The mission of Kentucky SPIN Inc. is to link families and individuals with disabilities to valuable resources that will enable them to live productive, fulfilling lives.

[00:05:21] Learn more at www.kyspin.com.

[00:05:27] SKY, Supporting Kentucky Youth. Ask about SKY at www.aetnabetterhealth.com/kentucky/supporting-kentucky-youth.html or events at www.aetnabetterhealth.com/kentucky/news-events.html.