How do I go about getting 504 services and/or accommodations for my child?

Although the law says that schools have an obligation to identify children who may be in need of 504 assistance and to evaluate those students for their needs, in New York City parents almost always have to take the first step.  (As mentioned earlier, this is not always a bad thing, because it leaves you, the parent, in control.)  To get 504 services or accommodations:

1.         Contact the 504 coordinator either in your child's school or at the district office and get a current copy of the Section 504 Form "Authorization General Education Students Provision of Accommodations." (If your child needs medication dispensed in school or needs their blood checked or any other medically prescribed treatment, you will need to pick up separate forms from the 504 coordinator for those services.)

2.         The next step depends upon what kind of disability your child has.

a.         If your child has a medical or physical condition that is monitored by a doctor, have that doctor fill out the form, describing your child's disability and listing the accommodations that s/he needs.  Although it is not necessary, it is a good idea for your child's doctor to attach a statement describing in more detail exactly why your child needs specific accommodations and/or services.

b.         If your child has a learning disability or other disability that does not require medical care (for example, auditory processing delays or Attention Deficit Disorder), you will need a professional who can evaluate your child and explain why your child needs specific accommodations and/or services.  (To find an evaluator you can either consult your child's doctor, or call Advocates for Children at 212 947-9779 and ask for a listing of evaluation sites.) It is important that you talk to the evaluator before the evaluation and explain that you are trying to get 504 accommodations and that the report is an important factor in whether or not your request will be approved.  The evaluator will write a report with his/her diagnoses and recommendations.  Because many districts require it, you should also ask the evaluator to fill out the 504 form.

3.         Once you have all the above documentation, write to your child's principal requesting 504 services and submit all evaluations, the form, and any other relevant documentation.  If you do not feel comfortable about requesting the services from the principal, you can send your request either to the Section 504 coordinator in your district or to: Chancellor's Section 504 Designee, 110 Livingston Street, Room 510, Brooklyn, NY 11201.

The principal, district or Chancellor's designee must respond within 30 school days and:

•           Inform you in writing whether or not your child is eligible for 504 services,

•           If services are approved, the school must prepare a written plan;

•           If services are denied, they must notify you in writing on how to appeal the decision.