Thanks Jaye, I was feeling unable to respond in any kind of appropriate or articulate manner, although--and I mean this gently--I don't think lilsparrow was serious there, I think she was making a point that is similar the points you and I have tried to make.
More generally, the similarity in "lumping" cognitive disabilities and medical disabilities together is not about their programming or classroom placement, it's about the disability part of the phrase. That's key.
Section 504 of the Americans with Disabilities Act states that when a person has a disabling condition that impacts a major life activity--breathing, walking, seeing, hearing, learning--that person is entitled to accommodations by all other entities, in this case, schools. Section 504 is the broader category in which special education is in. If you think of it as a series of circles, you have a large circle encompassing all people, then you'd have a smaller circle within that includes all people with disabilities of varying levels--a person with a cochlear implant maybe, who is likely to need to receive preferential seating (otherwise known as an accommodation). A person with diabetes is likely to fall within this circle if we look exclusively at the diabetes, and no other co-existing condition. Thus, that person, under federal law, is entitled to that extra step that the school district must take. Schools have monies budgeted specifically for this, and they have reserves as well that they might dip into in a pinch. If they don't, seriously consider electing new board members next election round
. Then, a smaller circle within that 504 circle includes special education, and these are disabilities that directly impact a child's ability to learn and succeed within the general education classroom without specialized instruction.
So no, a child with either type of diabetes is not necessarily comparable to a child with a cognitive impairment. However, a child with diabetes, is entitled to accommodations under Section 504 just as a child with special education needs is entitled to those same (and more) accommodations. It is not the responsibility of the parent to do the work, although I do agree that common sense and a sense of working together for a common cause is better for all. I've never said a parent shouldn't work with the school district. But a family needing to leave a district for the district's failure to appropriately accommodate is a very serious thing. Children with ADHD are also entitled to accommodations under Section 504, and that tends to be a popular topic around here. Why so much trouble with a child who has diabetes? Still medical, still out of that child's control, why should that child not be entitled to attend school without fear of dying or falling into a coma?
More generally, the similarity in "lumping" cognitive disabilities and medical disabilities together is not about their programming or classroom placement, it's about the disability part of the phrase. That's key.
Section 504 of the Americans with Disabilities Act states that when a person has a disabling condition that impacts a major life activity--breathing, walking, seeing, hearing, learning--that person is entitled to accommodations by all other entities, in this case, schools. Section 504 is the broader category in which special education is in. If you think of it as a series of circles, you have a large circle encompassing all people, then you'd have a smaller circle within that includes all people with disabilities of varying levels--a person with a cochlear implant maybe, who is likely to need to receive preferential seating (otherwise known as an accommodation). A person with diabetes is likely to fall within this circle if we look exclusively at the diabetes, and no other co-existing condition. Thus, that person, under federal law, is entitled to that extra step that the school district must take. Schools have monies budgeted specifically for this, and they have reserves as well that they might dip into in a pinch. If they don't, seriously consider electing new board members next election round
. Then, a smaller circle within that 504 circle includes special education, and these are disabilities that directly impact a child's ability to learn and succeed within the general education classroom without specialized instruction.So no, a child with either type of diabetes is not necessarily comparable to a child with a cognitive impairment. However, a child with diabetes, is entitled to accommodations under Section 504 just as a child with special education needs is entitled to those same (and more) accommodations. It is not the responsibility of the parent to do the work, although I do agree that common sense and a sense of working together for a common cause is better for all. I've never said a parent shouldn't work with the school district. But a family needing to leave a district for the district's failure to appropriately accommodate is a very serious thing. Children with ADHD are also entitled to accommodations under Section 504, and that tends to be a popular topic around here. Why so much trouble with a child who has diabetes? Still medical, still out of that child's control, why should that child not be entitled to attend school without fear of dying or falling into a coma?
and I know many people personally whose lives have been enriched by having the priveledge of caring for some of these special children.
: You took the words right out of my mouth.
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