The school informed me that when my child turns 18 there will be a transfer of my parental rights to the student. My child needs me to continue participating in their IEP. What can I do?
A: I recommend to my clients for their child, if they agree, to sign a letter on their 18th birthday that says that they need parental/guardian involvement and assistance to make all decisions about their educational services, graduation, and transition planning and therefore they need any requests for their agreement to be in writing and sent simultaneously to their parent/guardian. The student may also make a formal request in an IEP meeting and have it documented in the
FAQs about Section 504
Q: What is Section 504? A: Section 504 of The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 prohibits discrimination based upon disability in federally assisted programs or activities. Section 504 is an anti-discrimination, civil rights statute that requires the needs of students with disabilities to be met as adequately as the needs of non-disabled students. Under Section 504, students with disabilities have the right to a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE). Section 504 of the Rehabi
How effective can an Advocate be for me?
Q: Just how effective can an Advocate be for me? A: Very effective! Read what other parents have to say: According to the latest parent satisfaction survey results: 100% of parents said they are, "Very likely to recommend" Amy’s services and workshops to other families and gave Amy a rating of, “Excellent.” 94% of parents said they gained knowledge and strategies from Amy that they can effectively use in advocating for their child in the future. 97% of parents said they
What is the difference between an IEP and a Section 504 Plan?
This is a question that I am asked frequently. While there are similarities between a 504 Plan and an IEP, each has different provisions. For students with disabilities there are two federal laws that protect and guarantee their rights: Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act, or IDEA (originally enacted in 1975) which regulates IEPs and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, or 504. Both laws provide students with disabilities with a Free Appropria
Will my student with a disability be able to have an IEP after leaving high school?
No. Many parents I consult with are often surprised to learn that once their child completes high school or turns 22, they will no longer have an IEP or be eligible to receive services under the IDEA. However, disabled students who attend college are protected from discrimination based upon disability under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as well as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is an anti-discrimin
Will my student with a disability be able to have a Section 504 Plan in college?
Yes. Disabled college students and individuals with disabilities in the workplace are protected from discrimination based upon disability under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as well as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is an anti-discrimination, civil rights statute that requires the needs of individuals with disabilities to be met as adequately as the needs of non-disabled individuals. Section 504 st
