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A GIRL SCOUT GOLD AWARD PROJECT BY EMILY REICHARD EMILY’S VOICE

BACKGROUND Add local story of a child with JM here.

WHAT IS SECTION 504? Section 504 is a part of the Rehabilitation Act of It is a civil rights act and is a national law that protects qualified individuals from discrimination based on their disability The IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) specifically lists types of disabilities which render a child entitled to receive special education. Section 504 is much broader than the IDEA; there is no categorical listing of disabling conditions.

Common Physical Reasons for 504 Hearing disabilities Birth defects Respiratory conditions Urinary conditions Vision Cancer Muscular diseases Autoimmune diseases Common Psychological or Mental Reasons for 504 ADD ADHD Anxiety Depression OCD

MY 504 PLAN Add example of a local 504 plan experience here. Include what went right and what cold have been improved.

TYPICAL 504 ACCOMMODATIONS Use of elevator Extended time for class change Extra set of books Extended time on assignments Extended time on tests Different setting for tests Use of restroom as needed Modified P.E. No sun exposure Exempt/excused absences for any illness related absences

MY 504 EXPERIENCES ① I have been asked if I’m contagious ② My mom was told I didn’t belong in public school ③ I was told to be homeschooled ④ I was told that I wouldn’t succeed in higher level AP and IB classes ⑤ I have been questioned and ridiculed for riding the elevator ⑥ I’ve been sent to ISS for being tardy ⑦ In P.E., I was forced to publicly do pushups even though I was not physically able

THOUGHTS FROM A DOCTOR’S POINT OF VIEW Q: What is it that you would like to tell teachers? A: These students need extra time for assignments- extra time for basically everything. A lot of children have issues, and IT IS NOT THEIR FAULT. All teachers need to be aware of the students with a 504. Q: Why do you feel so strongly that kids with medical issues should not be homeschooled? A: Research shows that homeschooled kids tend to have more depression and anxiety. Socialization is key to feel “normal” with everyone else.

Q: What particular problems have you dealt with as far as teachers understanding? A: Recognizing the disease and the services available. Teachers not being aware and half of them not being aware of the accommodations. Q: Have you had patients successfully move onto college? A: Yes! I have had patients move on into medical school, nursing school, engineering school, and law school.

THOUGHTS FROM STUDENTS AND PARENTS “It would be great if teachers could be more empathetic and approachable about 504s” “I’m already embarrassed that I can’t do things the same way others do. I don’t need a teacher to add to the embarrassment by making me constantly remind them of my accommodations” “Basically, in high school, nothing remains confidential. I don’t have a disease. You can’t catch ADHD from me. I have a hard enough time- I don’t want people looking at me like I’m some freak.” “I feel as if teachers look at me as if I am a ‘problem’” “I wish it just didn’t have to be so difficult for these kids in high school. They’re great kids with just this one thing.” “My daughter was afraid to approach her teachers.”