My son's High School wants to kick him out because he missed so much school. We just returned from Mayo Clinic. My son was diagnosed with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome. He has chronic fatigue and can only go to school 1hour a day. But the school won't cooperate!!! What can we do??? He is willing to go to school 1 hour a day, and do the rest of the homework at home, but they won't let him. HELP!
He is capable of walking to and from class, he doesn't need a wheelchair or anything. Just the fatigue, the Dr specified only 1 hour a day to start, work his way to full-time in about 1 year's time. School won't cooperate at all. Is my son being discriminated against because he is ill?
2006-10-15 13:19:38 · 8 answers · asked by just me 4 in Education & Reference ➔ Special Education
If you have reports stating your child has this diagnosis (and the treatment plan clearly states one hour per day) it shoulds like he has a medical need that impacts his academic success. Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEIA), he might be regarded as having an Other Health Impariment (OHI). This would get him an Individual Education Plan (IEP) that might be written to include home instruction so he can get his subjects.
It seems like that might be the route to go. The American with Disabilities Act has a provision called Section 504 for medical needs. A plan under this act might also work to make accommodations, but it seems like your son has more severe needs, thus an IEP might better serve him. In any case, a team (that includes you!) nmust meet to decide what services your child needs.
To start, I suggest scheduling a meeting with the school psychologist to get the ball rolling (NOT the school counselor, by the way- these are two very different positions). Sometimes, the school psych is the only one in the building who understands the ins and outs of special education law, especially in a high school. Teachers at that level don't often have much experience with identification of special needs children. The school nurse can also advocate for you in the building (they need to be alerted to write a medical plan anyway). Be sure to take your medical paperwork with you to any meetings scheduled, as well as your child's grades (you have to prove your child's education is adversely affected). There should be an evaluation of some sort completed, and then a team will meet to determine the severity of the impact on education. If your child qualifies for services, then an IEP will be written. Many districts provide home instruction to students who are unable to stay in school the entire day. Finally, be careful with lawyers, they can sometimes bring an air of hostility with them that often impedes the process.
As an aside, one reason why your school may not let your son have miss school without an IEP or 504 plan is because of No Child Left Behind. Did you know schools have to maintain 93% attendance for all students? I've seen schools labeled as failing because of one kid with poor attendance. Someone mentioned test scores- kids with IEP's often do better because they get accommodations- more time, etc. (which it sounds like your son would definitely need). If someone at school forgets, remind them of these things and I'm sure they want to do all they can to be sure he's successful.
2006-10-15 16:21:01 · answer #1 · answered by Twin momma as of 11/11 6 · 4⤊ 0⤋
You need to call the special education liason officer for the district and tell them what is goin on. Your son is legally entitled to recieve his education in a way that best suits his medical needs. You will need to have a copy of his diagnosis and the recomendation from his dr when you do so. You may also want to sign a waiver and place it on file with your Dr. giving him permission to discuss your son's health issues (only as they pertain to his educational needs) with the school district. Be sure to include a copy of that waiver in your packet to the school.
I would not be surprised if the school offers him home education rather than a combination of home and an hour a day. The reason for that is more than likely economical and to save them any risk of legal actions if your son suffers an injury due to the illness. And, since this is not an area I have advocated for before, I would certainly suggest you contact a local parent advocate group. They may be able to hook you up with an advocate who works for free and will be the place to look for a lawyer with background in educational law if that becomes needed. Good luck, but remember...the school is legally bound to provide an education for your son. Fight for what you want and what you know is best.
2006-10-15 13:40:34 · answer #2 · answered by Annie 6 · 4⤊ 0⤋
FIRST of all, YOU need to go through the IEP process in this situation -- and YOU will need to provide the Medical Evidence of his care and doctor's recommendations at the time of the request and during the IEP process.
If the High School's Guidance Department does not want to put you in contact with their IN-SCHOOL Special Needs coordinator (to start that process), then go to the PRINCIPAL of the School. If no help there, GO DIRECTLY to the District Special Education Office, and the District Superintendant of Education.
2006-10-15 17:21:08 · answer #3 · answered by sglmom 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have never heard of anything like this before. I am assuming you had a meeting with the school and you had letters and proof of your son's disease to show them?
I would think they would be prepared to help children like him. What happened to the "no child left behind" thing?
I guess I would contact the local T.V. station and newspaper. Some times that is the only way to get attention. It's sad, but true.
2006-10-15 13:25:45 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Your son is probably eligble to be educated at home by a certified teacher while he is working on his endurance to attend regular school. You must pitch a big enough fit that the school will comply. Tell them you want a 504 meeting and you want it now. If they won't comply, then contact your state's board of education and file a complaint and then contact a lawyer who adovcates for the rights of the disabled.
2006-10-16 09:46:40 · answer #5 · answered by meridocbrandybuck 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You bet he is. Do you have the medical reports from the Dr. to back you up. Try the school board.A social work might be able to help. Maybe home schooling might work. There may be help from teachers who will come to your home. Social worker might know & be able to arrange something. Might be less stressful for him.Setting a pace that works for him. Most important do what ever you have to be heard for his sake. Good luck
2006-10-15 13:28:30 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
What do you expect from the public school system? Do you know they tried to kick out that one kid who had AIDS from the public school a while back because he had AIDS? They probably don't want any chance your son MIGHT bring down test scores. I think you can take this to court if they persist, and I suggest you do it!
2006-10-15 13:23:24 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
I'd get a lawyer. This really doesn't sound legal to me
2006-10-15 13:22:57 · answer #8 · answered by leena 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋