Ms. Lindsey Gaouette: Case Study

Williams is familiar with due to her experience teaching special education classes before becoming a principal. According to Mrs. William’s point of view, the Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act is a way to formally document how the school meets the needs of students with a documented disability and provide protection to these students while they are in the public school system (Williams, personal communication, 2/3/17). One of the major premises of Section 504 is that it prohibits discrimination of any kind against a student of any disability. Students with disabilities cannot be excluded from participating or denied benefits or be discriminated against under any program receiving federal financial assistance (DOE, 2015). Students with disabilities such as hearing or vision impairment, learning disabilities, or emotional disabilities can receive teaching accommodations as well by using a 504 plan. This plan ensures that students with disabilities receive equal access to benefit from any needed educational aid, benefits or services. Students with disabilities are entitled to a free appropriate public education just the same as non-disabled students. They need to have the correct tools provided in order to access this education on the same level. These tools might include larger print books, enlargements of paper assignments, or even a personal monitor that is connected to the teacher’s workstation in order to better see the board work like the other students. Students with other disabilities are provided the resources they need to access their education as normally as possible. Additionally, students with behavior disabilities are given the protections they need to be able to have time to work on making improvements. For example, a student in 2nd grade that was recently placed on a 504 plan for an emotional disability which can manifest in violent, inappropriate behaviors has certain rights now. He has

Throughout history there have been many educational mandates and laws in which have provided more opportunities for equal educational access. Section 504, the first Civil Rights Law for protection of students with disabilities was signed into law in 1973. This paved the way to many rights for students with disabilities to have a Free, Appropriate, Public, Education. This law in essence means, no program, that receives federal funds, can discriminate based upon their disability in which substantially limits one more more major life functions. Throughout this paper I will be reviewing the historical perspective on Section 504, the federal and state mandates, legal cases pertaining to Section 504, current issues, and applying the information to my current districts implementation of 504 plans.

One of the biggest hurdles I had to jump through in my life was being diagnosed with convergence insufficiency (CI) in the fifth grade, an eye muscle abnormality that caused me to see double of everything. The only thing I remember about the day I was diagnosed was that everyone asked me why I did not say anything about seeing double; however, this was the only way I saw my entire life and I assumed everyone saw this saw. One thing I do remember, is the amazing fifth grade teacher, Mr. Siegel, that had a great impact on me, which is now the reasoning I want to be a special education teacher. While I did not receive an IEP or a 504 plan, Mr. Siegel made special accommodation for me, especially in reading. My reading and spelling skills were severely compromised because my diagnosis. I was reading and vocabulary was nowhere

In this article, it talks about two students who are academically successful but needs additional transition services to address nonacademic skills if they are to succeed in the postsecondary setting. Damien is sophomore and has autism spectrum disorder. He has a high grade point average but struggles to uphold for accommodations and to be accepted by his peers. Damien’s IEP team is concerned with his interpersonal, collaboration, and self-advocacy skills. Jasmine is a junior and receives special education services for her specific learning disability and hyperactivity disorder. She struggles with homework completion, time management, test taking, and paying attention. Since the two students are on the right track to graduate, their special education teacher believe that in order for both of them to succeed, in their identified

Due to Skye's disability of reading, written expression, and mathematics she is in need of special education supports within the regular classroom. As a result, in order for Skye to make meaningful progress within general education, the general education curriculum will need to be presented with adaptations and modifications as outlined in the Specially Designed Instruction section of the IEP. Her rate of progress may be slower than that of non-disabled peers. Skye will receive itinerant learning support services in a general education class. The modifications listed in this IEP will be addressed in all

Our district makes a conscious effort to comply with the guidelines set forth by Section 504 of The Rehabilitation Act to ensure the needs of students experiencing difficulties as a result of a physical or mental impairment which prohibits them from experiencing success in the learning process. Our district has policies and procedures in place for the purpose of assisting special education teams in making eligibility determinations for Section 504 placement. The established policies and procedures will assist the district to ensure that all guidelines and requirements of the Section 504 plan have been developed and fulfilled to meet the specific needs of the student.

Beakstead, personal communication, October 31, 2013). Alternately, another student’s area of concentration might be based solely on independent living skills at home or with caretakers, and less focused on academic goals. As the goals are implemented by the special education team the student’s achievements can be evaluated daily, weekly, or monthly and in independent and group settings until mastery of the IEP goal is achieved, and where the learning goals of the IEP are age and skill level appropriate and address the future needs of the student. Additionally, these experiences encourage opportunities to practice new knowledge and skills, where teacher-directed and student feedback is available, and where instructional practice and student expectations can be reflected on and adjusted if necessary (Johnson-Gerard, 2012).

IEP team determined that the student had a disability and needs special education and related services.

After a student is identified with a disability, special education is provided. Special education is individulaized to meet the needs the student. It is fundamentally important that the plan is individualized, that is why educators, parents, and professionals develop an IEP for each student. To ensure that the student has a plan that will most benefit them, each IEP has eight components. The IDEA has six principles which are: zero-reject, nondiscriminatory evaluation, appropriate education, least restrictive environment, parent and student participation, and procedural due process.

This week we read about the history of assistive technology and assistive technology. In addition, we read about the reauthorization of IDEA 1997 and how it changed the individual educational plan (IEP) by requiring that IEP teams consider assistive technology for all students with IEPs. (Grand Canyon University, n.d. Lecture 1) Initially, I thought that I had limited experience with assistive technology. It became clear to me this week through the readings, that many accommodations and methods I have used in the classroom, are actually a form of assistive technology. I am speaking of the low- tech tools, for examples, pencil grips, paper holders, sticky notes and reading guide to name a few. (Dell, Newton, Petroff, 2012, p.6.) In addition,

The use of technology in educating children with special needs has widely grown in the past few decades, and has since has changed the way people with disabilities live, work, and learn” (Winzer, 2002, p. 98). Individuals with special needs are unique and all have different areas in which they need assistance. Due to the advancements in assistive technology, computer programs, software, and other technology tools, have helped people to find useful and easier ways to become educated.

I am delighted to write a letter of recommendation for Ms. Monica Elgawly. I highly recommend her for admittance into the Research Associate Internship program at NYU School of Medicine, NYU Langone Medical Center.

Provide Assistance with children who have an IEP It is understood that when a parent is worried or concerned for their Child’s academic performance they contact the school to set up a meeting with the school's child study team. A child study team consists of a psychologist, a learning disabilities consultant and social worker. From that point on they will discuss the needs that would be better suited for the child’s academic performance. For instance, the social worker along with the child study team must follow certain guidelines set by law and must be included in every Child’s IEP. For this reason it must state the Child’s performance in school during the present term, it must also include educational goals, including the support and services that the school will provide to help each student meet these goals, it also includes modifications and the accommodations to help with their progress, accommodations when taking standardized tests, and a report of how and when the school will measure the child’s progress toward annual goals, and the transition planning that prepares for life after high school. (Stanberry, 2017)

The use of technology in educating children with special needs has widely grown in the past few decades. Individuals with special needs are unique and all have different areas in which they need assistance. Due to the advancements in assistive technology, computer programs, software, and other technology tools, it has become much easier for people to find useful and easier ways to become educated. Because of this, “technology has changed the way people with disabilities live, work, and learn.” (Winzer,98)

As in any situation with any student that is special or gifted or that IDEA, IEP, and 504 Plans, have to be the first and foremost concern for all parties involved. “Education For All Handicapped Children Act Passed in 1975 Guaranteed and enforced the right of all children with disabilities to receive free and appropriate education Considered the foundation of special education in the United States; 1990- Law renamed to IDEA. What is an IEP? Individualized Education Plan Written plan that describes the program and special services a student requires to be successful Developed by parents and educators Individualized- plan specifically developed for a child’s special needs