Not Once, Not Twice, But Three Times
Being an Advocate for Children's Hidden Disabilities and 504 Plans
by
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I have been an elementary teacher for twenty-four years and the mother of three children with special needs. When I was younger, I was very naive and thought that the best interest of the child would always be considered. I learned my knowledge of 504 Plans and hidden disabilities through the hard way. Eventually, I became someone more aggressive and was known as the ‘B’ mom. Often, I have entered a room full of professionals geared toward intimidating me. The usual method has been to use technical language that a parent is too embarrassed to ask for more clarification. Nevertheless, when these situations have another professional in the hanger, those methods do not work. Sometimes the reply of being one of them, insinuates one’s security of a teaching position and the intended victim becomes nervous. If I had to do it again, I would never have lived in the same district where I taught at. From my personal experiences, as well being a teacher, I am aware of students with hidden disabilities. Although, my profession does not allow me to state what I know and what I have learned, otherwise, I could be held liable. Often, I wish I could have said something to a parent, even if the child were not a student of mine. Many students would qualify for the 504 Plan. Sometimes, they are misplaced into a special education program. Two of my three children could have been placed that way, but their needs would not have been met. Ultimately, I have become a better teacher. I use various strategies in helping all of my students succeed. It is just a simple matter of respecting the child and knowing the key to that child’s success. Too often I have witnessed teachers wanting to mold the child to their way of instructing, instead of providing reasonable accommodations for that child. In certain situations, the only way of attempting to insure that a child is given appropriate instruction is by implementing the 504 Plan. The 504 Plan is an individual educational plan written to fit that specific child. The child must have a disability and cannot qualify for special education. A medical doctor must diagnose this disability. The doctor needs to write a letter of diagnosis and hopefully will include suggestions for classroom accommodations. In my situation, when they diagnosed my first child with a disability, I did not know that I needed a letter from a doctor. I did not realize the importance of having a letter and what it would legally entail. I would simply approach the teachers and state my child’s disability. They diagnosed Lisa, my oldest offspring, with CAPD (central auditory processing disorder) in the sixth grade. I only asked for preferential seating and that homework should not be given orally, since she always managed to do the wrong homework. Obtaining a simple courtesy, for my child’s disability, was impossible. So, when did I learn about 504 Plans? It did not come from a doctor, organization or co-worker. It came from a new principal at Lisa’s middle school. She introduced me to the 504 Plan. I learned that 504 Plans had been around for twenty years. It is just that no one wants to be held accountable for maintaining one, since it is considered a legal matter under the Department of Civil Rights. My story is true and some events that take place might be shocking and unbelievable. I have withheld the actual names of people, places and events to protect my family’s privacy. From my experience and personal commitment in helping others, I decided to share my story. Included in my story, will be copies of my children’s 504 Plans and their medical letters of diagnosis. Anyone can become familiar with hidden disabilities and the importance of knowing the law, reading my true-life experience.
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About the Book
This book is a true story about handling the educational needs of three special needs children. My oldest had central auditory processing disorder. My middle child had moderate cerebral palsy and my youngest had juvenile glaucoma. All three of my children were misdiagnosed. My oldest was labeled as being mentally handicapped. My middle child was mislabeled three times. The first time was ADHD, the second time was autism and third time was emotionally disturbed. My youngest was labeled with dyslexia. Through my own self-determination, I finally learned about their hidden disabilities and was able to obtain a 504 plan for each of them. My book is written to help any parent, whose child is having difficulty in school
About the Author
I am the mother of three special needs children. Even though I had a bachelor of arts degree in elementary education, along with a master’s in reading, I was not prepared to handle the unnecessary mislabeling that all three of my children received. Through self-determination, I became an advocate for my children. My name has been widely know in my educational district and for personal reasons, I must remain anonymous.