504 plans...need help!!

Both my boys have Lyme. One is about to start middle school and the other high school. My younger one has more health issues then the older one. He was out with a tutor the end of last year.

She only came a few hours a week. I didn't feel he had enough work to keep him busy. He is very smart and actually tested gifted. Really not sure that he learned much at all during that time! So I don't know that we want to go that route this year? Plus I want them to get the opportunities like band, art and extra things that they miss while home.

I just don't know how he will be able to make it every day all day? Fatigue, insomnia, urinary urgency, vertigo, focus, concentration and memory problems to name a few.

So I am very very worried about all this already even though it's weeks away. I can't stop thinking of how much I dread it

I was thinking of requesting a 504 plan for both of them. I just don't know where to start and what to ask for?

I have Lyme myself and my cognitive issues are bad or I would just home school and save myself the worry.

Any advice at all would be appreciated!! Thanks!

I have 504's for both of my kids.
It has been a big help- if for no other reason, that when my son (is sicker than DD) has issues in Middle School-- I can always refer the teachers back to his 504.

I would never ever be able to home school and I am a certified teacher. My brain just doesn't work so good anymore, esp. in the planning and organizing sector :)

I posted here for help, so if you search through, you might be able to find my thread-- prob April 2008.... I'll also look for it and link it

I was able to have a meeting with the kids' principal, teachers, school nurse and a couple of other teachers who are part of the child study team.
I had a list of things I wanted included, such as extra time for tests, a HW buddy, allowed to lay down at nurse's office if fatigue, gym was allowed to be approached at their own level of comfort.

I was able to add some things to it as needed.

I can't think of anything else ATM, but I would definitely have them in place.

Thanks everyone! I am working on a list of what accomidations they will need. Everyones ideas are very helpful!

My youngest son is labeled as gifted in the schools. (don't know if this is helpful or not to me?)
I knew he was but when I requested an IEP for Aspergers they ran every test in the book. Then they said, "Did you know your son was gifted?" Umm yeah! LOL

Anyways, they gave me a hard time about an IEP for his Aspergers. I refused to sign the form that said I agreed he didn't need it. I left it at that bc I knew something else was wrong with him. Then I figured out it was Lyme.

I am going to try the 504 route 1st and see how that goes. The end of last year we just went off of a doctors note only and they didn't give me any problems. So I am hopeful!

My older son won't need as many accomidations but he is going into high school so that makes me a bit nervous as to how they will help us.

Maybe I post a draft of my plan and see what everyone thinks?

Thanks!

Good news is that our new LLMD is more then helpful with the schools. His nurse said she would call then directly and that she had some letters she could give me. So that is a relief!

Hi Amy,

Try searching the net for parent advocacy groups in your area. I did this and found a couple of groups that offer to help parents with all this stuff. I think they did it free of charge! They may be very helpful to you and may already be familiar with your school systems and what they offer.

It's great that your doctor's office is so accomodating. I hope all goes well for you and your children.

Best wishes, bablymers mom