IEPs and 504


THE LAW: 
No otherwise qualified individual with a disability in the United States . . . shall, solely by reason of her or his disability, be excluded from the participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance . . .  
-- Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973


The Individualized Education Program (IEP) Meeting
Sadly, many schools are not proactive in educating parents their rights, and many parents do not know where to start. The NYC DOE has very helpful and complete information about the process. We recommend that you read it thoroughly, advocate for your rights, don't be afraid to ask a lot of questions, and enlist the assistance of a 3rd party adviser.

Parent's Guide to Special Education Service
This 61-page guide addresses the full spectrum of Special Education services. Although much of the material in this guide does not pertain to mainstreamed students who receive SETSS or CTT services, it's good to know how the whole system works.   

Accommodations for NY State Tests
Not all accommodations described in a student's IEP are available for NY State Tests. 

Private and Independent Schools
For students in non-public schools (private, parochial, charter) evaluations are managed by the ten regional Committees on Special Education (CSEs):



NOTICE OF NON-DISCRMINATION UNDER §504
POLICY STATEMENT

It is the policy of the New York City Department of Education that, in accordance with §504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (§504), no other qualified person with a disability shall, solely by reason of his/her disability, be excluded from or otherwise denied participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subject to discrimination under any program or activity sponsored or provided by the New York City Department of Education. Confidentiality rights of persons with disabilities will be respected.

A parent's guide to Section 504 in public schools
This important civil rights law can provide educational benefits to kids with learning disabilities and/or AD/HD in public schools.
http://www.greatschools.org/special-education/legal-rights/868-section-504.gs 


The High School selection and application process
A Guide for Students Receiving Special Education Services

School Health Forms: 
Health Services/Section 504 Accommodations
Several health forms are used in the New York City public schools. These forms help assure that children get the care, services, and accommodations they need during the school day:
http://schools.nyc.gov/Offices/Health/SchoolHealthForms/default.htm


More information...

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability. This law applies to public elementary and secondary schools, among other entities.


After High School, The Rules Change
An interesting comparison of the differences between the high school experience and the college experience, especially useful for students with learning issues:

http://specialpopulations.org/Vol%2030-2%20Chapters/JVSNEVol30-2_Winter08_NewsYouCanUse.pdf


Advocates for Children
Dedicated exclusively to protecting every child’s right to an education, focusing on students from low-income backgrounds who are struggling in school or experiencing school discrimination of any kind. They also have extensive on-line resources and information:
http://www.advocatesforchildren.org/get_help/guides_and_resources