If a student doesn’t qualify for services under an IEP but still requires accommodations, then they can get a 504 Plan. These include:Ī 504 Plan is for students with a disability or impairment that may limit their ability to learn. To be serviced under an IEP, a student’s education must be adversely affected by at least one of the 13 disability categories covered in IDEA. 504 Plans versus IEPs: What’s the difference? An IEP can ensure that students are getting the exact support they need to be successful in the classroom. These plans are clearly written with the exact services each child requires throughout the day.

An IEP sets measurable goals for each student, which can help track their academic progress each year. If diabetes is a significant barrier that negatively impacts your child’s educational success (or they have multiple disabilities) then an IEP may be for you. These plans or programs lay out a child’s educational performance levels, their progress in a general education classroom, the specific accommodations they qualify for, and their annual educational goals. IEPs are covered by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). What is an Individualized Education Program?Īn IEP is a plan developed for children with disabilities who require specialized instruction. Don’t let diabetes catch your child off guard at school – get those plans in place. A 504 Plan can mandate extra bathroom breaks, more time on assignments, permission to eat whenever necessary, extra absences, and so much more. It’s best to have accommodations in place ahead of time so that when diabetes demands attention at school, learning isn’t negatively affected as a result.Ī 504 Plan is individualized to each student, so you can decide what accommodations are best for your child. In addition, you never know when diabetes technology will fail. That includes dealing with sudden low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) episodes or high blood sugar spikes that result in frequent trips to the bathroom. Why should my child have a 504 Plan?ĭiabetes is always a balancing act that can be especially hard for children to manage. If problems persist, complaints can be made to the Office of Civil Rights in your state. If these plans are not being followed, the first step is talking with teachers and school administration. This document also holds schools accountable for meeting the needs of children and ensuring staff members are adequately trained on disabilities and health conditions like type 1 diabetes. If a child has a disability that impacts their ability to learn in any way, they qualify for a 504 Plan. The name refers to section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which is a federal law that prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities – including diabetes. What is a 504 Plan?Ī 504 Plan is a legal document that lays out specific accommodations or modifications that school staff must provide for your child. These initiatives, which include Individualized Education Programs (IEP) and 504 Plans, allow students with disabilities – including chronic conditions like diabetes – extra accommodations to help them succeed in the school setting. I’ve also taught many students who needed school support plans for various disabilities, including autism, ADHD, and anxiety. Over the past five years, I’ve taught at the elementary school level, educating many students about my experience with diabetes while trying to foster positive relationships with them. I learned the ropes of teaching under the guidance of a veteran teacher while also navigating my diabetes diagnosis.

I was a senior in college and had begun my first semester teaching in a fifth-grade classroom. I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes five years ago at age 21.

Parents of students with diabetes may be nervous about letting schools take over their child’s diabetes management and meet their child’s needs. Students are eager to meet teachers, see old friends, and make new ones. Navigating school with diabetes can be tough, but these plans can make it a little bit easier.įor families of children with type 1 diabetes, the start of the school year can be nerve-wracking. Individualized Education Programs and 504 Plans are school support initiatives for kids with diabetes.

Diabetes 504 plan accommodations