Challenging Questions for Parents:

• Do you suspect your child may have a learning disability
  and don't know where to turn to identify or address it?
• Do you want to get help for your child, but are unsure of
  the types of assistance he needs or how to obtain it?
• Is it worth "labeling" your child in order to receive special services?
• Is your child eligible for special education, but not getting
  what is appropriate?
• How can you determine if your child is making progress
  under a current special needs education plan?
• Do you feel overwhelmed by these questions and very
  alone in the process?
• What are "504" accommodations, how could they benefit
  your child and how can you ensure he obtains them?
• What is an IEP (Individual Education Plan) and how can it assist your child?

*The difference between an IEP and a 504 plan:

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a civil rights law that follows an individual with a disability throughout their lives.

In school aged children, a 504 plan establishes accommodations that will assist the student in
obtaining their education. For example, a student who
is in a wheelchair would be covered under this law and would be afforded a 504 plan. The school would need to make accommodations so that the student would have access to the school (i.e., ramps, automatic doors, etc.)

The Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) is another
civil rights law that guarantees free an appropriate
public education to all students regardless of ability.
If a student is unable to or struggles to learn and needs specialized instruction, they would be covered under this law and an Individual Education Plan (IEP) would be developed to meet their individual needs.

*Glossary of terms

Christine M. Riley
Phone: 508~428~2288
Christine@CapeCodAdvocate.com

Guiding families
through the education
process for students with learning challenges.

Contact me today and
move forward.