School Advocacy Resources
Blurb
If your pediatric patient is presumed to have a disability—even if he or she does not yet have an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or 504 plan—the treating clinician should consider providing the school with a letter of support with a description of concerns, any relevant diagnosis as well as recommendations for evaluation and accommodations. It’s necessary for the parent to also make the request in writing. Providing parents with a sample letter is often helpful. Not only can this help your patient receive appropriate support at school, but it will also help with advocacy efforts later, should the school consider disciplinary action in response to school behavioral problems.
Sample School Advocacy Letter
Sample School Advocacy Letter
To whom it may concern,
This letter is regarding PATIENT in support of her/his and her/his parents seeking necessary educational support services. She/he has been diagnosed with ADHD. She/he is currently under my treatment at CLINIC. Symptoms that may impact school performance include but are not limited to difficulty paying attention, difficulty staying on task, disorganization, forgetfulness, and emotional dysregulation.
PATIENT is a bright and motivated young person; with appropriate accommodation she/he will be able to achieve her/his goals to do well in school and participate fully in school activities. She/he would benefit from appropriate 504 educational services and intervention to promote her/his academic and developmental success in the classroom setting. Recommended accommodations, as needed, include:
Seating and Environment:
- Provide a quiet and distraction-free area for the student to work.
- Seat the student near the teacher or in a less crowded area.
- Use flexible seating options, such as standing desks, wiggle chairs, or bean bags.
Organizational Support:
- Provide clear and concise instructions.
- Use visual aids, such as charts, diagrams, and organizers.
- Break down assignments into smaller, manageable tasks.
- Provide a checklist or agenda for the student to follow.
Movement and Activity:
- Allow the student to take short breaks for movement or fidgeting.
- Provide opportunities for the student to walk around the classroom or engage in quiet activities, such as standing or stretching.
- Consider using fidget toys or other sensory tools to help the student focus.
Time Management:
- Provide extra time for completing assignments and tests.
- Allow the student to use a timer or break tasks into smaller intervals.
- Consider chunking assignments into smaller, more manageable pieces.
Social and Emotional Support:
- Encourage peer collaboration and group work.
- Provide opportunities for the student to receive positive reinforcement and praise.
- Teach the student coping strategies for managing impulsivity and hyperactivity.
Other Accommodations:
- Use assistive technology, such as text-to-speech software or digital note-taking tools.
- Provide access to preferential seating or a quiet room for testing.
- Offer opportunities for the student to self-monitor their behavior and set goals.
As PATIENT progresses through school, it may be useful to modify these accommodations as symptoms may wax and wane and the school environment changes.
Please feel free to call with any questions or concerns.
Sincerely
Advocacy Resources
- Equip for Equality empowers individuals with disabilities and their families to understand and exercise their rights within the educational system. They advocate for free, appropriate public education, provide resources and guidance on IEP and 504 accommodations, offer advocacy, and promote inclusion. Call their Special Education Rights Parent Helpline 1-866-543-7046 today.
- Family Resource Center on Disabilities provides parents of children with disabilities with information, training, and assistance. This organization specifically serves the Chicago metropolitan area, encompassing the following eight counties: Cook, DuPage, Grundy, Kane, Kendall, Lake, McHenry, and Will.
- Family Matters Parent Training and Information Center (PTIC) exists to provide education, support, resources, and community linkages for families navigating the Special Education system, experiencing key educational transitions, and seeking needed supports and services in the school and community. This organization serves the remaining 94 counties in Illinois that are outside of the Chicago metropolitan area. So, if you are looking for services outside of those 8 counties listed above, Family Matters PTIC is the organization that covers those areas.
- AAP ADHD resources: The AAP offers ADHD resources for diagnosis and treatment, providing tools for pediatricians, families, and teachers to support comprehensive assessment and effective treatment plans.
- Understood.org: This site offers valuable resources for families, featuring user-friendly navigation and informative content, including instructional videos, on IEPs, 504 plans, and accommodations. They also provide recommendations for classroom accommodations for ADHD.
- Anxiety in the Classroom is a great resource that provides classroom accommodations for anxiety and OCD.
- International Bipolar Foundation has an article related to classroom accommodations related to bipolar disorder.
- Child Mind Institute provides comprehensive mental health information for children and adolescents, including depression, and offers resources on classroom accommodations.