How can I request special education services for my child with a diagnosed with ADHD?
To initiate the process of securing special education services for a child with a diagnosed qualifying condition, you can reach out to the school counselor, principal, or teacher. It’s crucial to clearly articulate your concerns and furnish any pertinent information or documentation related to your child’s diagnosis. It’s important to understand that merely having a diagnosis does not automatically guarantee a student accommodations or modifications. The school will conduct a comprehensive evaluation to assess whether your child meets the eligibility criteria for special education and associated services.
It’s worth emphasizing that being diagnosed with ADHD alone does not automatically entitle a student to accommodations or modifications. While public schools are mandated to provide special education and related services to eligible students, the child’s academic performance or social and emotional development must be significantly adversely affected by their diagnosis. Academic institutions will scrutinize relevant information and collaborate closely with parents to determine the most appropriate supports and accommodations required to facilitate the student’s success in the classroom.
In an Arkansas school district, a child may be found eligible to receive special education services if they have one or more of the following 13 areas of disability:
- Autism
- Deaf blindness
- Hearing impairment, including deafness
- Emotional disturbance (ages 5-21 only)
- Intellectual disability (ages 5-21 only)
- Multiple disabilities
- Non-categorical (ages 3-5 only)
- Orthopedic impairment
- Other health impairment (such as ADHD)
- Specific learning disability (ages 5-21 only)
- Speech or language impairment
- Traumatic brain injury
- Visual impairment
To qualify for special education services, a student must have a disability that affects their ability to learn and make progress in the general education curriculum. The student’s eligibility is determined through a comprehensive evaluation process, which is conducted by the school in collaboration with the student’s parents or legal guardians. If you need further assistance or advocacy support in navigating the special education process in Arkansas, you can reach out to local advocates or organizations that specialize in this area.
What qualifies as a disability in Arkansas? and if you need further help visit advocates in Arkansas.
If your child qualifies for special education services, the type of support they receive depends on their specific needs. Students with physical or mental disabilities that limit their ability to learn in a typical classroom may be eligible for accommodations, modifications, or an Individualized Education Program (IEP).
A 504 plan provides accommodations to make learning more accessible without changing the curriculum. They allow students to learn the same material and meet the same expectations, just with adjustments like preferential seating, extended time, or recorded lessons.
IEP modifications change the curriculum by adapting what is being taught or expected of the student. This can include reducing assignments, using alternative materials, or rewording questions. Modifications alter the content or performance criteria.
An IEP outlines customized academic and behavioral goals, accommodations, modifications, and other services tailored to the individual student. It provides a comprehensive plan with the adaptations needed for the child to succeed. Modifications are commonly included in IEPs.
The specific accommodations and modifications deemed appropriate for your child will be determined through assessments and collaboration between you, teachers, and specialists. The services align with your child’s unique abilities, challenges, and goals for learning and independence. Clear communication with the IEP team is key.
If you are in college, it’s important to note that the process for receiving accommodations is different than it was in elementary or secondary school. While in elementary or secondary school, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires schools to identify and evaluate students suspected of having disabilities at no cost to families. However, in college, it’s the student’s responsibility to inform the college or university that they have a disability and to request accommodations.
In college, students with disabilities are covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, which require colleges and universities to provide reasonable accommodations to ensure equal access to educational opportunities. To receive accommodations, students with disabilities must provide documentation of their disability and request accommodations from the college or university’s disability services office. The process for receiving accommodations may vary depending on the college or university, so it’s important to reach out to the disability services office early and familiarize yourself with their specific policies and procedures.
Contact your college’s Access & Accommodation Services department for guided information on facilitating opportunities for a barrier free environment:
Arkansas State University, Williams Baptist University, Black River Technical College, New York Institute of Technology, Jonesboro Arkansas Campus
Accommodations and modifications in school are designed to ensure that educational barriers are removed and that your knowledge is being accurately assessed. If you believe that supportive services could help you or your child, it’s important to take action. You can contact the school district directly or contact an advocate online for assistance.
Receiving accommodations or modifications can make a significant difference in a student’s ability to learn and succeed in school. Whether it’s through a 504 plan, an individualized education plan (IEP), or other services, there are options available to help ensure that students with disabilities receive the support they need. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your school or other resources for assistance or contact Daniel Wysocki Ed.S for educational testing.
