School Resources

Changes that can be made to help your child learn or allow your child to be able to participate in the regular school life, such as after-school activities. Accommodations do not change the content of the education. Rather, accommodations make it easier for the student to learn and participate in the same ways as their classmates. For example, a student may be allowed extra time to complete tests.

The Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 are the laws that require schools to give special help to children with medical needs.

To learn more visit https://www.ada.gov/ 

Contact the school and ask for a meeting to talk about your child’s medical issues and educational needs.

The meeting should include you and the school staff who will be working with your child – administrators, teachers, nurse, etc.

Your doctor may be willing to provide useful information about your child’s medical condition. You could also request that a member of your child's healthcare team, such as a nurse, join the meeting to further advocate for your child.

Keep a log of everything in writing. Your log should include the meeting date, where it took place, the names and positions of the people who were there and what they promised to do. Write down contact information for everyone who came to the meeting. Include the date of the next meeting.

You will talk about the child’s disability and their schooling.

The meeting results in a “504 Plan”. This plan lists the help or “accommodations” that your child will get at school. Every child is different, so every 504 Plan is different.

This includes the classroom teacher, substitutes, cafeteria staff, gym teacher, recess staff, etc.

Children with chronic pain have the right to participate in all school activities. This includes trips, field days, etc.

If necessary, the school must make special plans so that your child can participate.

Talk to your child. Ask your child about learning. Talk about successes and challenges.

Talk to the school and the teachers. Make sure your child is getting help. Schedule a meeting if there are problems or if your child needs more help.