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Misconceptions about students with chronic illnesses influence the way teachers and school administrators view children with chronic illnesses. The following are some misconceptions we need to dispel if we are to help our students: (more…)
Tag Archives: discrimination against students with chronic illnesses
504 Plans
When my son, Aaron was 11 and needed help in school to deal with his migraines and Crohn's Disease, I didn't know what a 504 plan was. Aaron attended two different schools during the first two years of his diagnosis. In both schools, the guidance counselors were not sure whether or how 504 plans were used to help students with chronic illnesses. We were given a lot of misinformation, and little help for our son. I researched 504 plans, and spoke with other parents, a social worker, and a lawyer—all who had experience with the rights of students with chronic illnesses. We got a 504 plan in place for Aaron, which has helped him a great deal in school. I hope this guide helps other parents and students, so they do not have to dig as much for answers.
Please share your stories, advice, and ideas! Does your child (or do you) have a 504 plan? Did the plan help? Have you had any problems getting accommodations in school? Have any advice or stories you'd like to share? — Rachel
504 Plans for Students with Chronic Illnesses: A Guide for Parents and Students
What is a 504 Plan?
A 504 plan is used in schools to help students with chronic illnesses and other disabilities. Each plan outlines accommodations that are custom-made to fit the needs of an individual student. 504 plans are formal and binding plans created under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
A 504 plan can be requested by parents, students, or school administrators and is used at the pre-school through college levels. Accommodations can include things like: helping students get class notes and materials when they are absent; allowing students to take breaks to deal with their medical needs; providing a peanut-free environment due to severe allergies; allowing a diabetic student to eat snacks during class; and allowing students with digestive disorders to use a bathroom without restrictions.
There are differences in the types of accommodations provided at the elementary and secondary school level compared with the college level. Accommodations are generally more generous in pre-school through secondary school and more limited at the college level.
Who Can Have a 504 Plan in School?
504 plans are for "qualified" students in pre-school through college. In order to qualify for a 504 plan, a student must have "a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities (Federal Dept. of Education, Office of Civil Rights-OCR)."
"Major life activities" include, but are not limited to: "functions of the immune system, normal cell growth, digestive, bowel, bladder, neurological, brain, respiratory, circulatory, endocrine, and reproductive functions (OCR)." By definition, most chronic illnesses effect a major life activity in some way, so, students with diseases like diabetes, Inflammatory Bowel Disease (Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis), asthma, and migraines could qualify, for example.
Having a diagnosis of a disease does not automatically qualify a student to have a 504 plan; "the illness must cause a substantial limitation on the student's ability to learn or another major life activity (OCR)." And yet, the definition of a "substantial limitation" in Section 504 is quite broad. The laws allow for students to qualify for 504 plans EVEN WHEN:
- Their illnesses are in remission;
- Their illnesses are episodic in nature, such as epilepsy or migraines;
- Their symptoms are mitigated by treatments; and
- They are doing well academically.
Students with chronic illnesses may not always need to rely on their accommodations, but with a 504 plan in place, there is no need to scramble when a student is not doing well.
Would a student with a chronic illness ever not qualify for a 504 plan? Yes. If a student has an illness that has only a minor impact on his life, even during episodes or flare-ups, then he probably doesn't need a 504 plan, and may not qualify for one. However, students may still want to let teachers know about their medical conditions and have an informal plan to deal with times when they need a little help or understanding.
Public, Private, and Religious Schools
Only students attending grade schools and universities that receive federal funding—however small the amount—are entitled to 504 plans. This includes all public schools and the majority of private schools since most do get some federal funding.
Secular private schools that do not receive federal funding are still regulated under the American's with Disabilities Act (ADA). The ADA requires the same accommodations as Section 504, so students would see little difference between plans created in private and public schools.
Religious schools are not governed by either the ADA or Section 504, unless they receive some federal funding for their programs—and many do. In the case a school does not receive any federal funding, it is up to the religious institution to implement its own anti-discrimination policies. Religious schools can decide whether or not to admit students with disabilities and they can charge extra tuition for these students. Those religious schools that accept students with disabilities set their own policies on accommodations.
The issue of which, if any, anti-discrimination laws apply to religious schools has become murky in states that provide publicly funded school vouchers. In 2011, The Americans Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) filed a complaint against the Wisconsin school voucher program with the Department of Justice arguing that religious schools accepting school vouchers should have to accommodate not be able can deny admissions and accommodations to students with disabilities.
Students in Elementary and Secondary Schools
Many students with chronic illnesses find it helps to have a formal plan in place with their schools, so they can take care of their health needs and keep up with work when they are not well. Our federal laws have required elementary and secondary schools to meet a very high standard in the way they accommodate for students with disabilities—particularly those between ages 5 through 21 (who have not graduated from high school). For this age group, schools are obligated to identify which students have qualifying disabilities and are mandated to create plans and accommodations to meet their students' needs "as adequately as the needs of students without disabilities are met (OCR) ."
IEP or 504 Plan?
There are two different plans available to students with disabilities in primary and secondary schools. In addition to 504 Plans there is the Individual Education Plan (IEP) which is part of the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA). Students would have only one of these plans. IEP's are limited to students who need special education services to help with cognitive, learning, or physical disabilities. Section 504 plans include students with a wider range of disabilities that do not require special education services.
IEP's are limited to students ages 3-21, through secondary school (colleges do not have IEP's) with one of 13 types of disabilities including:
Autism, deaf-blindness, deafness, developmental delay, emotional disturbance, hearing, impairment, intellectual disability, multiple disabilities, orthopedic impairment, other health impairment, specific learning disability, speech or language impairment, traumatic brain injury, visual impairment, including blindness.
504 plans include more disabilities, including chronic illnesses
504 plans are generally better suited for students with chronic illnesses as many illnesses do not affect students' cognitive or learning abilities. However, students with chronic diseases who also require special education services would use an IEP rather than a 504 plan. In such cases, the IEP would include both accommodations related to the student's chronic illness, and special education needs.
For more information on IEP's and how to request one, see the guide to IEP's on the National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities' website.
Steps to Getting a 504 Plan in Elementary and Secondary Schools
The process involved in getting a 504 plan varies slightly in different school districts. This is because Section 504 left it up to states and local school districts to develop their own procedures for implementing the federal law. Some school districts have added deadlines for when decisions have to be made on 504 plans, and how often 504 plans must be re-evaluated after they have been approved. Each school district will have its own 504 plan request forms and may vary in its evaluation process. You can get your local regulations from your school, or on the school district's website.
These are the general steps that should be common to every school district:
1. Contact the guidance counselor, principal, or the school office and let them know that you would like to request a 504 plan. Don't wait for the school to notice that your child needs help—doing so could delay getting a plan in place.
2. The school will give you a "504 Request Form" with sections for a parent/guardian and the child's doctor to fill out. It often asks for a description of the illness, how the illness impacts the student in school, and the types of accommodations the student needs in school. Give the completed form back to the guidance counselor or other school administrator in charge of 504 plans.
3. The school will form a "Section 504 team" to determine whether the student qualifies for a 504 plan. If the student qualifies, the team will develop a plan with accommodations. A "504 plan coordinator"—often a guidance counselor or advisor–will be assigned to oversee the implementation of the plan. A copy of the plan will be given to teachers and other school staff who will be involved in its implementation. 504 plans are considered legal documents, and must be followed by the school.
In New York City Public Schools, A 504 team consists of:
- at least 2 people, other than parents/guardians, such as a teacher, guidance counselor, principal, or school nurse:
- at least one person who is familiar with the student's illness;
- at least one person who can evaluate whether the student qualifies for a 504 plan;
- at least one person who is familiar with the services available to help the student.
- Parents/guardians have the right to be part of the 504 team and attend meetings, but the school can meet and make decisions without parents, if the parents do not wish to attend or do not show up to the meetings. But the school is required to notify the parents about meetings twice before meeting without them.
- Students can participate in the 504 team meetings.
- Parents can invite other people familiar with the student's illness.
- Team members can participate in person or over the phone.
- Parents can invite a lawyer or parent advocate to attend 504 team meetings.
Note: 504 teams in other school districts may vary somewhat in their members.
504 Accommodations for Elementary and Secondary Schools
A 504 plan can be simple, having only one or two accommodations, or it can be more involved if necessary. These are some examples of accommodations students can request at the grade school level. This is by no means an inclusive list, and each student will need different accommodations based on their individual circumstances.
- After frequent or prolonged absences due to illness, teachers will meet with the student to prioritize missed school work and to review missed lessons.
- The school will arrange for tutoring for the student as needed due to illness and absences.
- The student has permission to eat snacks in class.
- Unlimited use of a bathroom without having to ask permission and without needing to be joined by a classmate.
- Stop-the-clock testing" – if a student does not feel well during an exam and cannot continue, the teacher marks the stop time, and the student is allowed to finish the test at a later without penalty.
- Extra time to hand in assignments as needed due to illness.
- No foods containing [FOOD ALLERGY] should be eaten in the classroom by classmates or school staff.
- Student is allowed to carry medications and take them independently without delay.
- Teachers will provide all class materials to the student when he misses school due to illness.
- Teachers are encouraged to share class information, materials, lecture notes, and assignments electronically–using resources such as teleconferencing software, tape recorders, Googledocs, Edline, or similar programs.
- Student is allowed to go to the nurse to test blood glucose levels before lunch and anytime the student is not feeling well and low blood sugar is suspected.
- Student is allowed to carry a phone that is turned off and is out of sight in school. This is necessary in case the student has an emergency going to and from school.
- Student is allowed to use a staff bathroom (useful for children with digestive diseases who are uncomfortable sharing the bathroom with other students, or when the staff bathroom is closer than a student bathroom).
- The student is allowed to visit the nurse and take medication without delay regardless of the activity taking place in the classroom.
- Classmates of a student with severe food allergies will be instructed to wash their hands after eating.
- Student is allowed to move her seat away from other students who are sick with infectious illness (like flus, colds, stomach viruses) due to suppressed immune system.
- Student is allowed to self-monitor energy and pain levels and opt-out of physical activities if necessary.
- For schools willing to experiment with something new: Use the Vgo robot to allow student to participate virtually in school.
Appeal Process for Elementary and Secondary Schools
What can you do if the Section 504 team denies your child a 504 plan, or if you are unsatisfied at any point on how the 504 process is going? There are ways to appeal 504 plan decisions, and get outside reviews:
- Start by discussing the problem with the school: Before starting a formal appeal process, it may be worth having a discussion with the guidance counselor or the principal, and seeing if you can resolve problem. Sometimes, problems arise because principals and guidance counselors are themselves confused about who qualifies for a 504 plan or the types of accommodations allowed. Try bringing in a copy of the 504 regulations for your school district–each school district varies slightly in its procedures. Copies of the local 504 regulations are provided by schools, on state or school district websites, or by advocacy groups working within your state. The U.S. Department of Education Office of Civil Rights<span;"> posts the official Section 504 language on their website. If you are st ill unable to get a resolution after speaking with the school, then it may be time to start an appeal beyond your school.
- Appeal to the School District: If your school says a student does not qualify for a 504 plan; there are disagreements about accommodations; or the school is delaying the creation of a plan; you can request a review from the office (or person) at the school district level in charge of the 504 process. School districts vary in how responsive they are to parents' complaints. For instance, <a;" href="http://www.advocatesforchildren.org/">Advocates for Children in New York City, tells parents that appealing to the district health liaison is not always affective, and advises parents hoping for a faster resolution to skip this step and move directly to a Due Process Hearing.
- Request a Section 504 Due Process Hearing: Families are entitled to an impartial hearing under federal law. The hearing is a formal process in which evidence is presented and an impartial hearing officer makes a decision. Students and their families are allowed to bring an advocate or a lawyer to the hearing, and can question the school's witnesses.
- File a Complaint in Federal District Court: If there are still disputes after an impartial hearing, either the family or the school can appeal directly to the federal district court. It is recommended that families consult a lawyer at this point. Here, evidence is presented by both sides and a federal judge decides the case. It is also possible for parents to seek compensation for damages on the basis that a school acted "intentionally or with deliberate indifference" in violating Section 504 laws (Mark H. v. Hamamoto).
- File a Complaint with the U.S. Department of Education Office of Civil Rights (OCR): OCR oversees compliance with Section 504 in schools. You can fill out a complaint form with OCR any time, even if you are in the middle of a hearing or during a court action, and OCR will investigate it.
- For Private Schools Regulated by ADA (and not Section 504): If you attend a secular private school that does not have 504 plans, the school still needs to provide accommodations to students with chronic illnesses and disabilities under the ADA. It is best to discuss issues with the school first, but if they cannot be resolved, you can file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Justice or you can take the complaint to federal court.
- For Religious Schools not covered by either ADA or Section 504 It is my understanding that in religious schools not receiving any federal funding, students with disabilities are not protected under federal or state anti-discrimination laws. Separation of church and state rules do not allow the government or courts to intervene on issues of discrimination in religious institutions. Religious schools can decide not to admit students with disabilities to their schools, or they can charge higher fees to these students. It is up to the religious institution to voluntarily provide accommodations to its students with disabilities. Grievances concerning treatment of students with chronic illnesses would be handled within the religious institution.
- Contact a Lawyer or Parent Advocate at any Time: If you run into any difficulties at any point and feel that you need professional advice, you can consult a lawyer or parent advocate. Some charge fees, but a few provide free services. Here are links to organizations that can connect you with lawyers and advocates specializing in helping students with disabilities, including chronic illnesses:
Advocacy for Patients with Chronic Illnesses: A nonprofit that provides free legal services nationwide on issues related to chronic illnesses.
Wrightslaw: A law firm specializing in special education rights. They have an extensive nationwide list of lawyers and parent advocates on their website.
Universities and Colleges
Universities and colleges also provide accommodations for students with qualifying disabilities. But there are differences in the way things are handled at the post-secondary level. Here's what you need to know:
- At the college level, it is up to the student to decide whether to disclose that he or she has a chronic illness. However, in order to receive accommodations, students need to contact the Office of Disabilities—or department with a similar name—and let them know about their illnesses and the accommodations they need. This is different than in the elementary and secondary school level, where schools are responsible for identifying which students require plans and accommodations, and are mandated to meet those needs.
- Students will need to have forms filled out by their doctors providing evidence of their illnesses, and proving that their illness qualifies them for accommodations. These forms are provided by the school.
- The accommodations offered at the post-secondary school level are more limited than in grade schools. Primary and secondary schools are responsible for providing students under the age of 18 with a "free and appropriate education (FAPE)." Under FAPE schools must modify their policies and requirements to fit the needs of students with disabilities. Colleges are not held to the same standard–they are not required to modify their policies or academic requirements. While post-secondary schools cannot discriminate against students based solely on disability, they are allowed to deny admission to students who do not meet their academic standards. Once admitted, students are expected to complete the work and exams associated with their classes. However, students with disabilities are not left completely on their own—colleges are required to provide accommodations that help them meet the academic requirements. See College-Level Accommodations for some examples.
- Students over the age of 18 are adults, and have the right to privacy independent of their parents. As such, their parents are not allowed access to their health or academic records and are not allowed to make decisions for their children. If students want their parents to participate and have access to their records, they can sign a waiver under the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). Students can rescind the waiver at any time. Colleges often encourage their students to take charge of their health and academic needs, as a step toward becoming independent adults. However, students may still want a waiver in place in case of an emergency.
- When a student requests accommodations, only the disability coordinator needs to know about his/her medical conditions. School staff and professors are given a list of accommodations they must follow that does not include the student's diagnosis. It is up to the student to decide how much more information, if any, to disclose.
- Universities vary in how well they accommodate their students with chronic illnesses and other disabilities. Some schools are more sensitive to the needs of their students and have systems already in place that can make things easier. Students may want to consider how well a university provides for its students with disabilities when deciding where to attend school. (campus explorer). Look at college websites and brochures for their policies and programs. You can also call the school's Disabilities Office for information before you apply.
- Students at the college level are often expected to be proactive in requesting and implementing their accommodations. For example, if a student would like a class recorded, he might be expected to buy the recorder and ask classmates or the professor to record the class.
- There are no I.E.P's at the college and university levels. Universities and Colleges are still required to offer 504 plans (if receiving federal funding), or plans consistent with the ADA.
504 Accommodations at the College Level
The accommodations at colleges and universities are more limited than those provided in secondary schools. They focus on helping students with 504 plans meet the requirements of their chosen programs, and providing accommodations related to a student's medical needs.
Here are some examples of accommodations relevant to students with chronic illnesses at the college level:
- Extra time to take exams.
- Stop-the-clock testing. If the student is not feeling well, they will be able to finish the test at a later time.
- Reduced course-load, and allowing extra time to complete a degree program.
- Extra time to hand in assignments due to illness.
- Ability to tape record classes.
- Ability to leave and rejoin class to take care of medical needs, including use of bathrooms.
- Ability to carry and take medications.
- Students are allowed to take college admissions exams with accommodations (SAT, ACT, LSAT, etc.). Students would contact the administrator of the test, and the test location, in advance to ask for accommodations.
- Colleges and Universities DO NOT have to provide accommodations that:
- Create an undue financial or administrative burden on the school;
- Fundamentally alter the school's academic program; or
- Request personal care–like help with bathing or eating (Disability Rights California).
Appeal Process at the College and University Level
If your school refuses to give you the accommodations you need or if you believe the school has discriminated against you on the basis of your illness, you can appeal the decision or file a grievance. Here's how:
- Start by discussing the problem with the Office of Disabilities: Sometimes, issues can be resolved without having to file a formal grievance. Visit the Disabilities Office and try to work out a solution together. If you cannot solve the problem with the school, it may be time to file a formal grievance with your college.
- File an internal grievance/appeal with your college: Each school will have its own process for filing appeals related to 504 plans and complaints of discrimination. Information on where to file a complaint will likely be listed on the college's website or in catalogues and brochures. The college will review the 504 plan decisions and investigate accusations of discrimination.
- File a complaint in Federal Court: If you are still not able to resolve the dispute, you can file a lawsuit in Federal Court.
- File a Complaint with the U.S. Department of Education Office of Civil Rights (OCR): OCR oversees compliance with Section 504. You can fill out a complaint form with OCR, and the agency will investigate the complaint. You can file a complaint with OCR at any time, even if you are in the middle of a hearing or during a court action.
- Contact a lawyer or parent advocate at any time: If you run into any difficulties at any point and feel that you need professional advice, you can consult a lawyer or parent advocate. Some charge fees, but a few offer free services. Here are links to some organizations that can connect you with lawyers and advocates specializing in helping students with disabilities, including chronic illnesses:
Advocacy for Patients with Chronic Illnesses: A nonprofit that provides free legal services on issues related to chronic illnesses.
Wrightslaw: A law firm specializing in special education rights. They have an extensive list of lawyers and parent advocates on their website.
LINKS to College information:
Students with Disabilities Preparing for Postsecondary Education: Know Your Rights and Responsibilities. U. S. Department of Education.July 2002
Rights of Students with Disabilities in Higher Education: A Guide for College and University Students. Disability Rights California. July 2012, Pub #5309.01.
Making the Laws Work Better
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act have been crucial in countering discrimination against students with chronic illnesses, and in creating support systems in schools that help students meet their educational goals, despite their serious health conditions.
Yet, students still run into problems in their schools despite the protections these laws offer. Some of these problems seem to stem from a misunderstanding about the nature of chronic illnesses and insufficient knowledge of how Section 504 and the ADA apply to people who have chronic illnesses.
Students with chronic illnesses and their families also face an information gap. They do not always know that they can ask for help in their schools and are not always aware that there are laws protecting students with chronic illnesses from discrimination in schools.
The laws could be so much more effective if schools and students understood them better. The obvious solution is to provide everyone involved with more information. Here's what we need to advocate for:
- Better training for school administrators and teachers about chronic illnesses; their students' rights under the ADA and Section 504; and ways to accommodate their students with health conditions.
- More information for students with chronic illnesses and their families about their rights and the accommodations they can get at schools. This information can come in the form of brochures and workshops provided in doctor's offices and in schools. Separate workshops and information should be offered to college students who need to understand how accommodations and procedures change once they get to the college level.
Click here for Sample 504 Plans for Students with Chronic Illnesses
Chronic Action's Mission
The United States has seen several civil rights movements. We are now aware of the need for equal rights for people of different races, sexes, sexual orientation, and people with visible disabilities. The struggles of these groups continue, but their efforts to raise awareness, change attitudes and change laws have made steady progress, improving the quality of life and increasing opportunities for many people. I am optimistic that our society is evolving toward a more accepting one, that allows for more understanding and equality.
There is yet another civil and human rights movement in its infancy that demands our attention. People with chronic illnesses have been denied equal access to healthcare, employment, and education. Many people struggle to pay their medical expenses; some have lost their jobs as a result of their illnesses; and too often, schools have resisted providing accommodations for children with chronic illnesses. Even though their illnesses can often pose challenges, many can be productive at work and at school, if offered some flexibility and accommodations.
What are chronic illnesses? A few examples from a much more extensive list include: Crohn's Disease, migraines, sickle-cell anemia, diabetes, AIDS, rheumatoid arthritis, primary sclerosing cholangitis, epilepsy, chronic fatigue syndrome, asthma, multiple sclerosis, and heart disease. What they have in common is that there is often no cure for them, and they usually last a lifetime. Though some diseases shorten people's life spans, modern treatments have allowed people with many chronic conditions to live long lives. Chronic illnesses can go into remission or flare up, but they don't go away. The term "invisible illnesses" has been used to describe their nature, because their symptoms are not always visible to others.
The mission of Chronic Action is to provide information and to host a discussion forum about the rights of people with chronic illnesses. As the site develops, it will include the following topics:
1. Information about people with chronic illnesses and the barriers they face.
2. Information on the current laws and rights relating to chronic illnesses, and explanations on how to navigate through schools, workplaces, and healthcare systems.
3. An invitation to people with chronic illnesses, teachers, employers, healthcare providers, and anyone else with an opinion on the matter, to post their stories and to discuss ways we can work toward more understanding and equality.
4. A list of actions we can take together to improve the civil and human rights of people with chronic illnesses.
Please share your comments, stories, and ideas! I'd love to hear about your experiences dealing with a chronic illness in schools. Did you get the help you needed from the school? Did your school "get it?" Do you think anything needs to be improved on the treatment of students with chronic illnesses in their schools? — Rachel
Aiming for an Equal Education…Despite Our Illnesses
A growing number of students have chronic illnesses. If you count all types of chronic illnesses, at least 10 to 15 percent of American kids have been diagnosed with them, according to the National Institute of Health. Nine percent of children ages 5 to 17, have one or more chronic illnesses that limit their activities to some extent (2012, Childstats.gov ).
What are chronic illnesses? A chronic illness often has no cure and usually lasts a lifetime. Though some chronic diseases shorten people's life spans, modern treatments have allowed people with many chronic conditions to live long lives. Chronic illnesses can go into remission or flare up, but they don't usually go away. A few examples from a much more extensive list include: Crohn's Disease, migraines, sickle-cell anemia, diabetes, AIDS, rheumatoid arthritis, epilepsy, chronic fatigue syndrome, asthma, multiple sclerosis, and heart disease. While chronic illnesses can be quite serious, they are not always noticed by others; people may have serious health problems and still "look fine." For this reason, the term "invisible illnesses" has been used to describe their nature. Though some chronic illnesses are associated with cognitive disabilities, most are not; so students will vary in their learning abilities and cognitive skills, just like the rest of the population.
Going to school with a chronic illness can be challenging. Students might be dealing with painful and uncomfortable symptoms, need to take a lot of medicines, eat a special diet, or get tired easily. Some may need to have medical procedures, surgeries, or be hospitalized on occasion. Their symptoms may be dull and ever-present, or come on suddenly and acutely without warning. Their illnesses can take an emotional toll as well: students might feel embarrassed about their symptoms around teachers and classmates, angry or depressed about their illnesses, or scared that they will not feel well in school. It can be difficult for students to keep up with school work when they are not feeling well.
Adding to the challenges these students are dealing with is the frustration that their teachers and school administrators do not always understand what they are going through or how to help them get an education. When my older son was diagnosed with several chronic illnesses starting at age 10, we were unprepared for the level of misunderstanding we encountered from some teachers and school administrators. My son has Crohn's Disease (an autoimmune disorder of the digestive tract), primary sclerosing cholangitis (a progressive autoimmune disorder of the liver), and migraines with auras. We encountered resistance to the accommodations he needed to take care of his health and keep up with his school work. Several of his teachers questioned whether he was "just being lazy" since he didn't "look so sick," despite notes from doctors testifying that he was indeed diagnosed with serious illnesses requiring accommodations. We were surprised to find guidance counselors who were misinformed about the laws that govern the treatment of students with disabilities, including the subset of chronic illnesses.
As we began meeting other families, we found that we were not the only ones who were frustrated, confused and surprised at the level of misunderstanding, and indeed, discrimination, our children with chronic illnesses were facing in schools. This is not to suggest that there is a malicious intent; rather, it reflects a subtle yet pervasive problem with the way our society views chronic illnesses and those who have them. Adding to this, is that teachers may find themselves struggling with how to help their students with chronic illnesses without enough training or resources–helping students with chronic illnesses can be complicated and tricky.
Despite the problems students currently face in schools, I am optimistic that we can reduce discrimination and help students get what they need more easily. Perhaps it will take some teacher training about chronic illnesses. Or perhaps our civil rights laws need to be more accessible to students and their families, so they know what their rights are and how to seek help in schools.
Misperceptions about Students with Chronic Illnesses
When I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis (an immune disorder) and migraines with auras, and later, when both of my sons developed various chronic illnesses in their elementary school years, our well-intentioned friends came to us with their sympathies and a host of information about what they had heard caused and cured our illnesses. At the risk of offending these well-intentioned friends, much of what they told me was pretty sketchy. Far too much of the information circulating comes from unreliable sources, old-wives tales, and rumors passed around so long that they are accepted as truths. The lack of understanding about chronic illnesses is unexpected, considering how many people have them. Yet, I have to admit that even I have been guilty of holding some misperceptions, particularly before my kids and I developed illnesses ourselves. Chronic illnesses are complex, and there is still a lot to learn about what causes them, how to best treat them, and why the symptoms and outcomes can differ from person to person.
The misperceptions that circulate around our society influence the way teachers and school administrators view children with chronic illnesses. Misperceptions can greatly affect whether children are given the accommodations they need, and for which they are entitled to, under federal laws protecting students with chronic illnesses. (Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act).
The following are some misconceptions we need to dispel if we are to help our students:
1. If You Don't "Look" Sick, then You Aren't Sick
When a teacher finds out he will be teaching a student with a chronic illness requiring special accommodations, he might anticipate his student will be in a wheelchair, walk with a limp, or have tubes and equipment attached to her body. Some people with chronic illnesses do need equipment or have visible symptoms, but many more do not. Though people may be very sick they often do not have noticeable symptoms. For this reason, chronic illnesses have been referred to as "invisible illnesses." I met a young man who had a serious autoimmune disorder of the liver (Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis). This young man's liver was deteriorating and he was on a waiting list for a liver transplant. His situation was quite serious and life threatening. But, on the outside, he looked fine. Some symptoms common to PSC include abdominal pain, itching, and fatigue—which are not particularly visible to others.
Confusing things even further, many chronic illnesses have periods of health or remission and times when the conditions flare up. They can also be episodic in nature—like with migraines. Migraine episodes can be extremely debilitating, and in some people, the symptoms can go beyond a severe headache, include nausea, vertigo, loss of hearing, and loss of speech. But between episodes, the person recovers completely.
It is very important that teachers understand how serious and real the symptoms of a chronic illnesses can be even when they are not visible. When a teacher tells a student he doesn't "look" sick, it can sound to the student as though his teacher doesn't believe him. The skepticism is hurtful, and can also lead to withholding the help a child needs in school.
2. A Specific Illness is the Same in all People
Nearly everyone diagnosed with a chronic illness has been told something similar to this: "Oh, you have [insert illness]?" My friend's son has the same thing. He just takes some medicine and is doing very well. It's not that big a deal for him." The punch line is usually left unsaid, out of politeness: "why are you making such a big deal, then?" The assumption that all people suffering from the same illness have the same symptoms, outcomes, and responses to treatment, is absolutely not true. The same disease can vary widely from person to person. What might be a minor problem in one person may mean several surgeries, hospitalizations, or chronic pain in another.
The intention of comments comparing two individuals suffering from the same illness, are at times meant to reassure people that they will be fine. At other times, it is more accusatory, insinuating that they are exaggerating their medical problems to gain sympathy or to benefit from accommodations they don't need. Whatever the intention, telling someone that their illness isn't a big deal can come across as dismissive and patronizing. A friend of mine has a daughter with cancer who is taking chemotherapy treatments. She gets serious side effects from the treatment often requiring her to be hospitalized. My friend spoke to her daughter's teacher about her condition. The teacher responded that she knew another child with the same form of cancer, who was never absent due to treatments. The teacher expressed her skepticism to my friend, insinuating that her daughter was exaggerating her symptoms to get attention and to be excused from doing her work.
3. It's Your Fault that You are Sick
It is common for others to blame people with chronic illnesses for being sick. The assumption is that they must be doing something wrong—too much stress, a bad diet, not enough sleep, not enough exercise, etc. First, let me be clear that scorning someone for being sick, regardless of the influence of lifestyle on their illness, is absolutely wrong and discriminatory. Additionally, chronic illnesses are complex, and can be affected by several variables, including genetics and environmental factors, which are not yet fully understood by the medical community. Lifestyle choices are but one variable, affecting some illnesses more greatly than others. Of course, taking good care of ourselves is likely to produce the best outcomes possible. But we also all know people who take particularly good care of themselves, and developed serious diseases. Others have less than perfect lifestyles, and never develop a chronic illness. There is still a lot we do not understand about chronic illness and why they develop in some people and not in others.
One example comes to mind that I think illustrates the point about how little we understand about so many chronic illness, and how unfair and hurtful it is to blame people for their illnesses, even if we think we understand their causes. Until the 1990's, people suffering from stomach ulcers were told that they had created the ulcers from having too much stress and lousy diets. They were told to stop drinking coffee, and meditate. For sure, these lifestyle changes were likely to relieve symptoms somewhat, but it was discovered in 1982 that the culprit of the majority of stomach ulcers is the h. pylori bacteria. According to the National Institute of Health, taking antibiotics has become the cure for more than 90 percent of stomach ulcers.
Regardless of the influence of lifestyle on chronic illnesses, it is absolutely wrong to discriminate against people who are sick. You can't deny a student the support he needs to get an education, because you think he should eat a better diet. Our society is best when it protects its entire population and gives everyone equal opportunities.
4. Accommodations Keep Kids from Learning how to Deal with Challenges
This is the tough love argument. It tells kids who are sick that the world is filled with discrimination so they better just get used to it, because no one is going to help them when they get out of school. The school principal and guidance counselor gave me this argument when my older son, Aaron, was in middle school. They told me Aaron should learn to live with some challenges and not seek accommodations in school. At the time, I thought this view was an anomaly, from a particularly ignorant pair…until I spoke with other parents whose children were in different schools, and discovered it was more widespread.
I would argue that students with chronic illnesses are already coping with a lot more than their peers, and many develop a level of strength and maturity unknown to kids who have not suffered in some way. The school does not have to pile on more barriers to teach them a lesson on coping with life. When students have chronic illness, they often have to work harder to keep up with their classes, while coping with physical pain and the uncertainty of whether they will be well the following day. They need to cope with going to school with uncomfortable and perhaps embarrassing symptoms, all the time trying to lead as normal a life as possible, and trying to think positively.
The accommodations mandated in federal laws protecting students with chronic illnesses against discrimination (Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the American's with Disabilities Act), are intended to provide an even playing field for students. They are not getting accommodations that give them an advantage over other students.
There are legitimate worries that protections in the workplace are weak for people with chronic illnesses, so students are likely to face some additional challenges when they enter the workforce. But, hopefully, they will be given the support and accommodations they needed in school, so they will be armed with a good education and skills. Additionally, I'd argue that the solution to the disparity between anti-discrimination protections in schools compared with the adult workplace is to improve anti-discriminations laws in the workplace, rather than rolling back the laws that exist in schools.
Aiming for an Equal Education
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 were breakthrough laws that represented a significant leap for the civil and human rights of people with disabilities, including those with chronic illnesses. For students, these laws meant that their schools were obligated to provide them with an education equal to their classmates. It became the responsibility of schools to provide individualized accommodations that addressed the health and educational needs of students with the aim of leveling the playing field in education.
Yet the situation is far from perfect, mostly because of the inconsistent implementation of these laws in schools. Some teachers and school administrators understand these laws well and know how to implement the accommodations required for their students with chronic illnesses. Other schools don't get it at all, with a wide range of experience in between. As a result of misunderstandings about the laws, and misconceptions about chronic illnesses, far too many students with chronic illnesses are denied equal access to education or a safe environment considering their medical conditions.
The following are some problems students with chronic illnesses have encountered in schools. The existing laws have already solved for all the issue that follow. The problem is not in the laws, but rather in their inconsistent implementation:
1. Discrimination in the Admissions Process
Schools are not allowed to deny admission to students based on the presence of a chronic illness, and they are not allowed to use attendance records against students who prove their absences were due to illness. Schools that are selective, however, are allowed to deny admission due to truancy that is not excused by medical issues or another excusable situation. It appears some schools are unaware of the distinction between truancy and excused absences, and are either unaware of or knowingly violate the laws protecting students with disabilities from discriminatory admissions policies.
I witnessed the violation of school admissions laws when my son, Aaron, was applying for high schools. In New York City, where we live, public school students must apply to high schools for admission. When Aaron was in 8th grade we attended a high school fair, hoping to find a school that would combine great academics with sensitivity to his chronic health issues. The schools were at first impressed by Aaron's strong academic record, and expressed interest in having him apply to their schools. We then disclosed that Aaron had chronic health issues that require some accommodations and had caused frequent absences. We felt it was necessary to have this discussion with the schools before Aaron applied, because we were looking for a school that "got it." With this disclosure, schools rolled up their welcome mats. We were told that they used attendance records as criteria for admission, and believed that their school was not the right fit for a student with frequent absences. This reaction became predictable table after table. Even schools that were not selective and therefore did not require academic or absentee records for admission discouraged our son from applying. No one wanted to bother with a kid who had chronic illnesses. We were shocked. Had these school administrators not read the bold print on every other page of the NYC High School Directory in every visitor's arms, stating the anti-discrimination policies of the district? They appeared to be either ignorant or deliberately dismissive of the laws providing equal access to education for students with disabilities.
After much discouragement, we approached a school Aaron was particularly interested in attending. When a teacher, predictably, started to tell us that absences would be a problem, we told her that this was the reaction of every school represented at the fair, and expressed our frustration at the lack of humanity, not to mention the blatant disregard for federal law we had faced all day. She paused and then said, "You know, you're absolutely right." Finally, we had found a school that might not have "gotten it" at first, but was willing to learn and work with us. Aaron now attends school there, and the teachers are doing a fantastic job with him. He made the high honor roll despite his continuing health problems.
2. Punishment for Frequent Absences
Schools don't like students to be absent. Neither do students or their parents. I think we can all agree that students benefit the most from their classes when they attend regularly. Those who are ill would much rather be in school learning than suffering at home or in a hospital bed. They need schools to provide them with a way to keep up their studies when they are unable to come to school, rather than threats and reprimands for frequent or prolonged absences. Unfortunately, the latter is too often the case.
There are instances where students who have frequent absences have been denied credits for classes, have been denied promotion to the next grade, or have had their grades reduced arbitrarily, with little regard to academic achievement. One parent sought advice from Wrightsway Law, an online legal advocacy group for special education, when her daughter was told she would not receive credits for her classes, despite receiving A's and B's, because she had frequent absences due to documented illnesses.
Federal laws, however, prohibit such treatment. The laws state that students with excused absences due to a "qualifying disability" (chronic illnesses included), must be given credit for their classes, providing a passing grade has been achieved. Rather than requiring students to repeat classes, it is the school's responsibility to do everything it can to help students progress regardless of their health conditions—including providing tutoring at school or at home when necessary, providing access to lecture notes or recording classes, to name a few examples.
There are situations where students are dealing with such acute health issues, that they cannot complete school work for a period of time, no matter what resources the schools provide. In those cases, students will likely have to take a leave of absence until they are well enough to return. In these situations, students should be able to resume their studies at whichever level they were at before the absence, and retake classes they did not complete without impacting their grades.
3. Barriers to Accessing Class Content
Schools often ask their students to copy class notes and handouts from classmates when they are absent from school. This policy is adequate for students who are absent infrequently. But some students with chronic illnesses may be away from class often or for extended periods of time, and need more consistent access to lecture content and handouts. According to the laws regarding disabilities, schools must provide their students with an equal education to those of their peers, including access to class materials and lessons. It is important for the schools to provide all the materials without requiring the student to jump through hoops to get it.
When my son, Aaron, was in middle school, he had just been diagnosed with 3 chronic illnesses, and had symptoms that were still out of control. The teachers told him to follow the school policies and get his class notes and handouts from classmates. The school administrators agreed with the teachers, saying that it would be too much trouble for the teachers and the school to provide Aaron with class materials when he was absent. They also felt that Aaron had to learn to cope in a world that would not "baby" him. The teachers did not seem to understand how sick he was despite our explanations and doctors' notes—he didn't "look" sick, so they thought he was just lazy. So, Aaron was expected to copy notes from classmates, and go door to door to each of his teachers to get copies of handouts. Some teachers would be too busy during class to provide handouts or explain a lesson that was missed. So teachers would often tell him to come see them later. Yet the teachers were not always available when he went to see them. Sometimes their doors would be locked, or the teachers would say they were busy with other students. Classmates were reluctant to lend their notes, since Aaron was not always careful with them; he was a 12 year old boy, after all. Aaron eventually stopped trying to get the class materials.
After several months of this we did some research and contacted a social worker at the hospital where Aaron was treated. This is when we discovered the laws protecting students with chronic illnesses. We requested a 504 plan for our son, and forced the school to comply with the law. Now the school was responsible for getting Aaron his class notes and handouts in a way that was easily accessible. With a system in place, the school discovered that it was not such a big burden on them as they expected, and Aaron was given the materials he needed to keep up with his lessons.
4. Denying Medically Necessary Accommodations
Students with chronic illnesses often need accommodations in school to take care of their health issues. If a student has diabetes, he may need to eat a snack during class and have easy access to his medicines. A child with ulcerative colitis may need unlimited use of a bathroom and a drink to sip in class to avoid dehydration. A child with asthma must have quick access to an inhaler, or may need a break during physical activity. Sometimes, the needs of students can be inconvenient and cannot wait to be addressed. A class may be taking a test when a student needs to run to the bathroom, develops a migraine, experiences low blow sugar, or develops severe abdominal pain.
In my own experience, I have found that most teachers are accommodating of children's medical needs in schools. They want their students to be safe and not suffer a dangerous effect in school. However, there are plenty of cases where teachers have either outright denied an accommodation or have not adequately implemented a needed accommodation. This is particularly true when the teachers did not understand the students' medical needs, or the needs were difficult to accommodate for. I don't assume these teachers wished to hurt or punish their students, but most likely did not have proper training in how to deal with their students with various illnesses. Schools need to provide such training to their teachers. When a student's health needs are not addressed adequately in school, the consequences could be quite serious.
I am aware of several cases where teachers have been negligent in allowing their students necessary accommodations. One example involves unlimited bathroom use by students with ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. These students were denied bathroom passes because their teachers thought they were using the bathroom too often. Both of these diseases can cause sudden, urgent and frequent diarrhea, sometimes accompanied by intestinal bleeding, that cannot wait for a more convenient time. When these diseases are active, some people have dozens of urgent trips to the bathroom in a day. (It's Too Hard to be Sick in America, by Jeniffer Jaff)
There are also potentially life-threatening situations involving students with food allergies. In another case described by Jeniffer Jaff, a young student with severe allergies to peanuts, dairy, and eggs, required an environment completely free of these foods. Even food residue on a table or toy could make this child suffer a reaction. The teacher had difficulty meeting the child's needs, and chose to segregate the child during snacks, and send him home when there were class activities including the foods he was allergic to. The teacher was also allowing students to use hand sanitizer instead of washing their hands with soap and water after eating, which does not wash off the allergens. The school was obligated under the law to provide a safe environment without segregating the child. It is understandably a difficult task, but there are creative solutions in place in schools to deal with food allergies. In fact, with the help of a patient advocate the parents contacted, better solutions were found to help this child. For example, the school started wiping down tables and toys in the classroom every night, and made celebrations in school that did not involve food, so the child would not be excluded. The parents did concede to having their son eat lunch and snacks with a paraprofessional in another room, as a necessity.
In another case, a 16-year old student with type I diabetes had his insulin pump, that was attached to his thigh with a tube, ripped out by a substitute teacher. The teacher heard the pump beeping and assumed it was a cell phone. In fairness to the teacher, he did not know this was a medical device. However, it is important for teachers–especially substitute teachers who do not know the students well—to be educated and aware that some of their students may need medicines or have medical devices. It would have been more appropriate for the substitute teacher to ask the student what was making the beeping sound, before pulling the insulin pump away (Orlando Sentinel).
6. Inflexible Policies for Assignments and Exams
Students are likely to come across teachers in their school careers who do not want to hear excuses for handing in late assignments. If you are absent, you are to email the complete assignment–so there is no excuse for handing the work in late. Some teachers do not want to postpone exams so students with prolonged absences have time to get tutoring and learn the material. Yet, under the guidelines of providing an education free of discrimination, teachers must allow the flexibility necessary for students with chronic illnesses to obtain an equal education. That does not mean a student has more time to complete assignments or to study for exams than other students; rather, the student is given the same time to study and complete assignments, after factoring in time lost due to illness, and time needed to attend tutoring on the subject matter.
I knew a math teacher who had a student suffering from frequent migraines. He would deduct points for work that was not turned in on time due to the child's absence. He also decided to take points off for class participation and classwork on the days the student was absent. The teacher admitted that this child participated fully in class when he was in school, and that he was consistent in handing in assignments as soon as he returned to school. The child was producing good work and doing well on exams. Yet the teacher arbitrarily lowered his overall grade, arguing that on days when he was absent, he was not participating in class, doing classwork, and handing his homework in on time. Never mind that it was impossible for him to participate in class when he was not physically there.
Laws Protecting Students with Chronic Illnesses
There are federal and state laws already in place that have been helpful in lessening discrimination in schools. These laws include Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, The Americans with Disabilities Act, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and a host of state and local laws addressing disabilities in schools. When there is discrimination, it seems to stem mostly from unfamiliarity with the content and application of the laws on the part of school administrators and teachers, rather than a deliberate attempt to violate federal and state laws.
Essentially, these laws put the responsibility on schools to make sure students with disabilities have all the resources and accommodations they need to get an equal education as students who are not disabled. If schools violate these laws, they are in danger of losing their federal funding, so the laws must be taken seriously. Built into Section 504 and IDEA, there is a means for students to develop plans with their schools that address their individual health and education needs. These plans include 504 Plans and IEPs (Individual Education Plans).
About the Laws…
1. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
Section 504 provides protection against discrimination for "qualified students with disabilities," who are attending schools that receive federal funding. "Qualified students" include those who "have a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities." "Major life activities" include a long list of functions. A small selection of these include "functions such as caring for one's self, performing manual tasks, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning, and working." This list was later expanded by the ADA to clearly include life activities covering most chronic illnesses. The law requires schools to meet the education needs of students with disabilities "as adequately as the needs of students without disabilities are met." Section 504 applies to all stages of education, from primary school through college. Section 504 applies to all schools receiving any amount of federal funding, so it includes all public schools, and any private or religious schools receiving some amount of federal funding for their programs. 504 Plans originate from this law. (Federal Dept. of Education, Office of Civil Rights-OCR).
2. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 and the 2008 Amendments Act
The ADA prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in a wide range of places, including most schools. The 2008 amendments to the ADA were important in clarifying that the definition of "disability" includes chronic illnesses, even when the symptoms are episodic or are in remission and even if the symptoms can be mitigated with treatment. The amendment also expanded the definition of "disability" to include a wider range of impairments to "major life activities", including "the functions of the immune system, normal cell growth, digestive, bowel, bladder, neurological, brain, respiratory, circulatory, endocrine, and reproductive functions (OCR)." This list is only a sample of the many life activities covered under the law. Most chronic illnesses are now clearly covered under the federal laws protecting people with disabilities.Unlike Section 504, the ADA applies to both public and private schools, though religious schools not receiving public funds are still exempt. However, many states have filled the gap by adding their own legislation addressing disabilities in religious schools.
3. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
This law relates to students with learning or cognitive disabilities, and is not specifically for students with chronic illnesses. The law provides funding for special education services, and put in place the IEP. I list the IDEA on this site, because it is relevant to students who have both chronic illnesses and learning or cognitive disabilities. For students with chronic illnesses also requiring special education services, an IEP will address all needs, including accommodations required because of a chronic illness. No additional 504 plan would be necessary.
4. State and Local Laws
Many state and local governments have added their own legislation to the federal laws concerning students with disabilities. Local school districts have also added regulations that their schools must follow.
1. More and Better Training for Teachers and School Administrators
Some schools and guidance counselors are quite knowledgeable about the regulations pertaining to students with disabilities, including their students with chronic illnesses. They create 504 Plans for their students with ease and much success. My older son, Aaron, is now attending one of these schools that "get it." Other schools don't even know that students with chronic illnesses are covered by Section 504 and the ADA, and do little to help their students with chronic illnesses. Yet others fall somewhere in between these two extremes. I imagine school districts are providing their teachers and school administrators with some information and training on laws and regulations pertaining to students with disabilities. I have also seen some material and training workshops posted online geared toward teachers and administrators. Yet, many students and parents have discovered that whatever training exists has left too many schools misinformed and sorely lacking in their abilities to help students with chronic illnesses.
I witnessed this lack of experience in schools my children have attended, and have heard similar accounts from other parents. Before Aaron started high school in what is proving to be a wonderful situation, he attended schools that had much less experience accommodating students with chronic illnesses. In middle school, I asked the guidance counselor if she could help us put a 504 Plan in place for my son, who was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease and Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome at the time. The guidance counselor told me that these plans were only for students who needed special education services, not for those, like my son, who had chronic illness but were doing fine academically—which I found out later, is absolutely not true! Accommodations are not dependent on poor academic achievement. At the time, I figured the guidance counselor was an expert at this and I didn't know the regulations. So we continued to speak to my son's teachers and pieced together the help he needed in school in an informal way.
The following year, Aaron was in another school, and had piled on his third diagnosis, this time it was Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis, a rare and quite serious immune disorder of the liver. By now, Aaron began to slip academically and was not getting the support he needed to take care of his illnesses and keep up in school. Once again, we found ourselves facing a guidance counselor who was unfamiliar with the details of how a 504 Plan applies to students with chronic health conditions. I did a bunch of research and negotiated the details of a 504 Plan with the principal, guidance counselor, and teachers. I contacted a lawyer at a nonprofit organization called Advocacy for Patients with Chronic Illnesses, to look things over and get advice. Things dramatically improved for my son with a formal plan in place.
As a result of insufficient training in schools, there are students with chronic illnesses who are not getting the support and accommodations they are entitled to. Meaningful training for teachers, guidance counselors and principals in every school, is essential if we are to help our students receive an equal education in an environment free of discrimination. School districts are constantly sending their teachers for training in just about everything else—some of this training time must be spent on educating school staff on how to help this population of students that is falling through the cracks.
2. Sharing Model Solutions for Teaching Students with Chronic Illnesses
Educating students with chronic illnesses can be quite challenging. How do you help a child who is often fatigued because of illness or medications? How do you help a child learn when she is in pain and can't focus? How do you keep a child safe who has severe food allergies? How do organize a child's learning when they need to step out of class frequently to use the bathroom, see the nurse, or take medicine?
I scoured the internet looking for model strategies schools have used to successfully help their students with various chronic illnesses. I was surprised that I didn't find very many. Not that these strategies don't exist, but they are difficult to find. It would help teachers to see what has worked in other schools to guide them through their similar challenges. If I had trouble finding solutions, I imagine teachers do as well. Maybe we can do a survey of schools and ask them to share their successful strategies.
Here are some potential models I found. Perhaps with more research and tips from readers, this list will grow:
- Posting class information using online websites like Edline to help keep up with their learning and classwork when they are absent. These programs can be used to post lecture notes, PowerPoint presentations, class assignments, videos and grades.
- Using teleconferencing software, or better yet, using a new robot called Vgo, to help students participate virtually in their classes when they cannot attend school.
- Allergy Ready is an online course for teachers and school administrators providing training to help students with potentially life-threatening allergic reactions.
3. Fixing the Woefully Inadequate Homebound Instruction Programs
The federal laws protecting students with disabilities insist that every effort must be made to provide students with disabilities an education that is not segregated from their peers. This rule has required schools to find creative solutions to difficult situations—like finding ways to keep kids in school with immune deficiencies or food allergies—rather than isolating them from other students. It is tricky to balance students' health issues with their emotional and education needs, but schools must find a way, and many students have benefited from these wise laws.
There are times, however, when students are simply too ill to come to school. If this is a temporary situation, these kids are entitled to what is called "Homebound Instruction." Teachers come to the students' homes and teach them a curriculum that is coordinated with their regular class study. The idea is that these kids will be following the same lessons as their classmates in school, and will be able to step right back in to their classes with relative ease when they are well again. In reality, this goal is rarely achieved since most, if not all, homebound instruction programs are riddled with problems. Homebound instruction is broken, and these kids are falling through the cracks.
The federal laws do not mention homebound instruction directly, so each state has developed homebound instruction programs with their own rules and guidelines. An organization called Talk about Curing Autism provides a comprehensive list of every state's rules for home instruction on their website. Each state is free to create laws that determine who qualifies for homebound instructions, the quality of their teachers, and how many hours each student can receive of instruction. Other than following the basic guidelines of providing a "Free and Appropriate Education (FAPE)" as required in Section 504, there is no federal regulation of homebound instruction, since the ADA and Section 504 are silent on the subject. According to JustChildren, an advocacy organization representing low-income children in Virginia, Homebound Instruction has serious problems "including inadequately trained teachers, watered-down curricula, scheduling difficulties, and gaps in coursework."
I live in New York City, and experienced the same problems that JustChildren describes in Virginia's homebound instruction program. My older son, Aaron, spent 4 months last year in homebound instruction. In New York State, where we live, there is funding for 10 hours of instruction weekly for secondary school, and 5 hours a week for primary school students. My son was in 8th grade, so was given 10 hours a week, which is generous compared to some other state programs, but still not enough hours for Aaron to keep up with the curriculum at his school.
The first teacher who came spent the short 2 hours allotted daily trying to indoctrinate my son into believing a conspiracy theory about the "Illuminati," a secret society supposedly made up of the rich and powerful, who are the masterminds of 9/11, the Iraq war, the 2008 recession, and every other bad event in history for over 250 years. Every time I entered the room, the teacher would flip open a book and pretend to be teaching Aaron his actual school lessons. Aaron was shaken up, and I felt as though my kid, who was so sick at the time, had just been abused. We immediately asked for a new teacher.
The second teacher was better, though not great. He was good at teaching math, but fell easily into discussions about baseball, which he justified since there were 2-pages of baseball history in my son's history textbook. Many precious hours were spent with Aaron and his teacher talking baseball. Still, it was better than conspiracy lady. I was required to be home when the teacher was present, which limited my schedule, but clearly, was absolutely necessary considering the quality of teachers sent to instruct in the home. Aaron learned very little, and the year turned out to be a waste. But being home helped him recover his health and he was ready to go back to school the following September. Luckily, Aaron was in an accelerated program…doing 9th grade work in 8th grade, so he was able to miss the year, and join his peers in high school, at a slower pace that was better for him anyway.
The situation was more serious for my friend's daughter, who was also in 8th grade and home for a year-and-a-half while undergoing aggressive treatment for leukemia. She could not afford to lose out on this much time without studying. The first teacher assigned to her daughter would ring the doorbell, and bolt before anyone could answer the door. The next teacher was much better, and actually cared about doing her best! But 2 hours a day was not enough time to make it through the lessons taught in school.
There are so many similar stories…Another student in Aaron's class was hit by a car and spent several months in the homebound program. When she came back, Aaron said it was as if she had learned nothing since she left school. The problem with homebound instruction programs has gone on for a long time. I have another friend who experienced homebound instruction for a month or two when she had mono in high school decades ago. She said the teacher was pretty bad, and the instruction time was too short for her to keep up. These stories are echoed all over the country by students and parents sharing their frustration in online discussion forums like the one on The Wrightslaw Way which is on a site created by a law firm that specializes in special education issues. The homebound instruction programs are clearly broken all over the country, yet these problems and our sickest students are hidden out of sight and forgotten. Most people don't even know there is a homebound instruction program.
Homebound Instruction must change. I think it would help if there was more regulation of the programs at the federal level, and better oversight of the teachers. Despite our complaints and those of other parents about specific teachers, we got the sense that there were no investigations or disciplinary actions…the teachers were simply reassigned to other students.
Homebound Instruction must also evolve to incorporate creative use of technology to connect students directly to their classrooms and their classmates. How about using video-conferencing software and providing class materials, lecture notes and assignments online? There is also a new robot that a couple dozen homebound students are testing, called Vgo, which could truly revolutionize homebound instruction. The robots cost $6,000 each, with a $100 per month service fee. Using Vgo, homebound students can participate in their classes virtually. The robot is 4 feet tall and has wheels. The student operates the robot remotely, and can follow her class around a school building, and can speak to her classmates and teachers. Every school could own a couple Vgo robots to help students when they are stuck at home for extended periods due to injury or illness.
4. "504 Plans, IEP's, and Your Rights in School: A Guide for Students with Chronic Illnesses" Pamphlet Distributed to all Students with Chronic Illnesses
As far as I know, this pamphlet doesn't exist yet. But it should. Many of us who are in school with a chronic illness or who have young kids with health issues are left to find all this information on our own. In the meantime, students suffer in school and parents drive themselves nuts dealing with school issues without enough guidance.
Yes, there are versions of this information provided by various organizations—government agencies, nonprofits focusing on specific medical conditions, advocacy groups for people with various disabilities–but they aren't being distributed widely, and I have yet to come across information that is comprehensive and universally relevant to all students with every type of chronic illness. Providing one single pamphlet in doctor's offices and schools would assure consistent and widespread information that every student with a chronic illness should know; not just the ones with a better-funded illness, or those who have joined organizations with good outreach.
When Aaron was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease, the first of three chronic illnesses that would surprise us, we had no idea what a 504 Plan was. We had heard of the American's with Disabilities Act, but thought the law was meant to address the rights of people who were in a wheel chair or needed other equipment to get around and to communicate. Our son's doctor handed us lots of useful information about Crohn's Disease and about the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America, but nothing about 504 Plans. When we told the teachers and the school nurse about our son's new diagnosis, there was no call from the guidance counselor letting us know he was entitled to accommodations in school and that it would be helpful to initiate a 504 Plan. Aaron went to school and we dealt with his needs informally with all his teachers. Nothing was coordinated, and Aaron was struggling with his health while trying to keep up with school.
Nearly a year later, I went to my first parent support group at the hospital where my son was treated for Crohn's Disease. By this time, he had also developed a rare migraine variant called Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome, and the Crohn's symptoms were still active. At this meeting, I heard other parents talking about 504 Plans, and how necessary they were for kids with Crohn's Disease. Why hadn't I heard of this before?
Speaking with other parents I found that our experience was not unique. Several of them had no or only partial information about the rights their kids were entitled to in school by law, and or how to develop a 504 Plan. It would have been much easier for all of us if a doctor or a guidance counselor had handed us a brochure with information on the rights of students with chronic illnesses and offered to help us develop a plan for our kids in school.


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NuCO2 - Burlington, VT, USA
High School Diploma or GED equivalent EXPERIENCE * Must be at least 21 years of age. * Minimum of 1 ... Minimum CDL - Class B * HAZMAT and Tanker endorsements * No air brake restrictions * M...
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Green Mountain Transit - Burlington, VT, USA
Whether it is a bus driver out in the field or an administrative employee in the office, GMT employees are committed to providing the quality transportation services Vermonters deserve. GMT supports&n...
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Part-time Drivers $500.00 sign on bonus
Green Mountain Transit - Saint Albans City, VT, USA
Green Mountain Transit is looking for Part-time Bus Drivers with excellent customer service skills, great driving records and a positive team attitude to join our team of professional drivers
- 4 Days ago
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No internet access available.
Free parking! Free public parking is possible on site (reservation is not needed).
From 14:00 hours
Until 12:00 hours
All children are welcome.There is no capacity for extra beds in the room.
Pets are not allowed.
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H&M dress $99 http://www.hm.com/us/product/24652?article=24652-A#article=24652-A
The gown includes a fitted waist and beaded embellishment along the neckline. | H&M Debuts A $99 Wedding Dress
Julia Reston Roitfelt for H&M's Conscious Wedding Dress Collection | StyleCaster
Shop the nehm w #wedding dress collection in your size with eyefitu free shopping and sizing app! While these designs are championed by the Swedish fashion giant as 'eco-friendly', the company has been accused of using it Conscious collection as a ploy to make the company appear more ethical by the Clean Clothes Campaign (CCC), which campaigns for workers' rights
Рокля от органза без презрамки | H&M 179 bgn


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PHILADELPHIA, PA -- 02/23/10 -- Alteva, North America's largest enterprise hosted VoIP provider, today announced that CEO William Bumbernick will speak at the Channel Partners Conference & Expo (March 1-3) in Las Vegas. Bumbernick will speak on "Positioning Hosted VoIP for Business Continuity/Disaster Recovery" as part of the Business Continuity/Disaster Recovery workshop on Monday, March 1st, 2:30-4:15 pm.
Unlike most other disaster recovery products, if positioned properly, hosted VoIP is not perceived as an additional cost, but rather a cost savings. Bumbernick's session will show how, with hosted VoIP, you can assure inbound call capacity to any planned or unplanned recovery site, mitigate failure points on the premises and with the carrier, and save the customer money.
"Businesses choose hosted VoIP for many reasons: lower upfront fees, unlimited scalability up or down, mitigation of technology obsolescence, but during this session, I will focus on how hosted VoIP improves telecommunications continuity and brings profit opportunity to the channel," said Bumbernick.
Bumbernick added that the importance of preparing to recover your voice systems for unplanned downtime -- power outages, acts of God, fires, floods, etc. -- does not go away in a downturn. "Whether it's an environment-related catastrophe or small neighborhood blackout, these interruptions can cost your client thousands upon thousands of dollars in lost revenue, potential customer loss and even a reduced corporate image," said Bumbernick.
The Channel Partners Conference & Expo is the communications industry's only event exclusively for indirect sales organizations -- agents, VARs, systems integrators, interconnects and consultants -- focused on transforming their businesses to become converged solutions providers. Over the past decade, this premier conference and expo has tripled in size to more than 3,000 participants, providing exhibitors with a more diverse audience, more traffic and more exposure for their brands.
For more information about the Business Continuity/Disaster Recovery workshop, visit: http://www.channelpartnersconference.com/2010/vegas/education/business-continuity.html
Alteva, North America's largest provider of enterprise hosted VoIP, has become the pioneer for showcasing the high quality and reliability of hosted unified communications solutions. Alteva provides businesses with "Communications as a Service" that requires minimal installation and configuration while eliminating monthly phone and on-premise system maintenance charges and reducing overall communication costs by leveraging the power of cloud-based computing. With a sophisticated open standards infrastructure, Alteva enables businesses to easily integrate existing business applications. Rather than building their processes around the limitations of their phone system, Alteva's customers build their phone systems around their ideal processes. Based in Philadelphia, Alteva provides internet access, telephone system/service and hosted Microsoft Exchange/SharePoint/OCS services to multi-location growth-oriented businesses in 50 states and 14 countries. For more information, visit www.altevatel.com/, www.altevatel.com/blog/, or call 1-877-258-3821.
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Reducing expenses is one of the main reasons that businesses switch from traditional office phone systems to VoIP technology. But many people rush this decision and end up spending more than they need to. The costs of implementing a new VoIP system can increase quickly, especially if you don't strategically plan for it ahead of time. more
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"2015" sounds very futuristic to me. Something about the 15 I think, it just has a sci-fi ring to it. In a kind of Ground Hog Day way the whole notion of a new year comes around, well, every new year. And every year in January I think and write about how we might all gracefully step into that new threshold in the best ways possible. But this year I've had a hard time with it, every thought I've had felt stale, overwrought, like it had all been said before ad nauseam. I had made the enlightened switch from 'resolutions' to 'intentions' years ago and usually speak easily from my heart about my own ideas regarding how I am thinking about approaching it all. But this year I have been stuck, I don't seem to have it in me to list my desired changes and say 'happy new year' without taking a pause, a beat, a breath...and unravel a bit of why I've felt so stymied.
The truth is that 2014 was a brutal year in many ways. Globally there were so many tragedies and horrors, far too many to go through individually, but the feeling of it is clear in my being. Empty. Dark. Disillusioned. Women and children, and so many human beings, suffering unspeakable horrors. Then...
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Kim Foxx secured the State's Attorney of Cook County, Illinois position in a landslide election against republican candidate Christopher E. K. Pfannkuche, according to NBC Chicago. The high profile position is responsible for prosecuting criminals and protecting the state against litigation.
Foxx was nominated as the democratic candidate for the role after winning the county wide primary election against incumbent Anita Alavrez in March, securing 59% of the vote.
Foxx's nomination came in the wake of a firestorm of criticism for Alvarez, who was highly criticized for her poor handling of the death of unarmed teen, Laquan McDonald.
"The work is just beginning, and our struggles here are very real," Foxx told her supporters in a victory speech. "The need to rebuild a broken criminal justice system here in Cook County is not work that should be taken lightly."
Even though this win is a victory for Foxx, she has an uphill battle ahead of her. Foxx rode a campaign of transparency, a stark contrast to the outgoing state's attorney Alvarez. Voters will expect her commitment to honesty to continue throughout her tenure in office. Her moves will be highly monitored considering Chicago just had it's deadliest month of 2016 in October.
Foxx has a lot to prove to the state, but she's just the woman to do it.
31 Celebrity Instagrams You Missed This Week (2/18/-2/24)
31 Celebrity Instagrams You Missed This Week (2/18/-2/24)
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8 thoughts on "Kim Foxx Becomes First African-American Female State's Attorney For Cook County, Illinois"
another affirmative action hire! sick, affirmative action will be completely overturned. pandering and appeasing these violent beasts is incorrect
Why are you always on this website? If you are so filled with hate, share it with the neighbors next to your trailer. And leave your daughter alone!
Marilyn Mosby is a classic example of an official being elected because of her race. She is wholly unqualified to be State's Attorney. Both blacks and whites in Baltimore agree on that fact.
Larry why be so negative, what does affirmative action has to do with being elected. One thing I know for sure when it come to affirmative action women of color never really benefited from it. You either was qualified for the job or you didn't get it. One thing I do know about it that white women was able to break that glass ceiling and became CEO's of their own businesses and of corporations. Do your research before putting it out there.
Hope to God she not an affirmative action elect like the worthless, incompetent Marlyn Mosby
Why does every black have to hired only because of Affirmative bAction. Let me educate you. African American women are the most educated of any group. Fact you can't help, we are smarter than a whole bunch of other folks and that truth bothers you. Oh well, nothing you can do about it. We're not going anywhere! #boom
hahahahahahahah ! you have got to be joking me! where did you learn that at your nation of islam or black panther convention? Fact blacks have the lowest iq of any race and there has never been a single iq test administered where you beasts havent scored the lowest ahahahhahahahhahhaahha
Why are you always on this website? If you are so filled with hate, share it with the neighbors next to your trailer. And leave your daughter alone!