It's the Law: IEPs, IDEA, Section 504 and Interventions

image via:http://www.asylum.com/2009/06/08/hangovers-what-causes-them-and-what-cures-them/

What are the difference between and IEP and a 504? Do general education interventions include modifications? How does this all include FAPE and IDEA? What does FAPE and IDEA mean for my child? There are lots of questions when you start discussing interventions for you child in school. Here are some of the answers.

image via: http://www.aspergerssociety.org/articles/72-Aspergers-and-Autistic-ChildrenHow-Does-a-504-Plan-Differ-From-an-IEP.htm

We should cover some definitions to understand the differences between plans so you can get the best education for your child.
IEP: Individual Education Plan; it outlines special education goals and services for your child as well as providers for those services.
Section 504 - This a section of a civil rights law, The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 that insures equal access to education, the disabilities can include physical and neurological disabilities. For examples of what kinds of disabilities are covered by IDEA and Section 504 refer to this link:http://www.ldinfo.com/idea504.htm
This is not the same as an IEP and the school doesn't get reimbursed for any measures outlined in the 504 plan.
IDEA is Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. It includes what must be in a child's IEP.
FAPE is Free Appropriate Public Education, and again is a part of  IDEA's disability law.

The simplest explanation I have found defining the differences between an IEP and a 504 plan is the following from the University of Kansas Medical Center website:
"A 504 plan is a legal document that outlines the accommodations needed by a student with a disability in order to have equal access to education. An IEP is an individualized, legal document that describes necessary accommodations, modifications and services for students with disabilities. IEPs provide the most intense and comprehensive support because schools receive additional funding to implement them. No funding is provided for general education interventions and 504 plans." - from: http://www.kumc.edu/cchd/fs_schoolsupports.html

image via:http://www.ldinfo.com/idea504.htm

The above handy flow chart is to help guide you through the process of getting your child's needs met in school. If given the option between your child having an IEP and a 504 plan, choose an IEP. A child with an IEP is covered by section 504 of the disability law. Know that your child has the right to a free and appropriate education under the law no matter what kind of accommodation or modification is needed.

Resources:
http://www.wrightslaw.com/blog/IEPand504
http://schoollawpro.com/freestuff/
http://www.wrightslaw.com/info/fape
http://www.wrightslaw.com/advoc/articles/504_IDEA_Rosenfeld.html

Accommodations, Modifications and Interventions: Words to Make You Wise

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What are accommodations, interventions, and modifications? What are the differences between these? These words get thrown around during Individual Education Plan (IEP) meetings often. I know I have been confused about the differences at times. What about adaptations? What are those and how do they fit in?  Briefly stated, an intervention is defined by the Minnesota Department of Education as: " a proactive strategy for defining, teaching and supporting student behavior resulting in academic and social gains and a positive school environment."
Accommodations are defined as involving changes in instructional methods, including alterations in the format of assignments or tests, without changing content, that allows students with disabilities to do the same work as their typical peers in the classroom.
A modification is a change in the curriculum, for example assignments may be reduced in number. Accommodations and modifications are used in IEPs and 504 plans.
An adaptation is a change in the delivery of the lessons, the kind of accommodation or modification.  These terms are used interchangeably and sometimes incorrectly by both parents and educators.

 Accommodation                        Modification:                    
 No change to curriculum                        Change to curriculum                  
 Change in instructional methods           Alternative or reduced                        
                                                                     assignments


   Intervention:                        Adaptation
    Addition to cirriculum                   Change to delivery of 
    Data collected                                    instruction

Here is a link to a comparison guide: http://kirkwoodschools.org/upload/4b69f57e40578.pdf

You want to be familiar with these terms so you can make sure you have them written in the documents that detail your child's education plan. Some things to include may be:

Accommodations:

Schoolwork and homework broken down into small steps

Instructions for assignments presented orally and in writing

Written assignments read aloud to student

Graphic organizers used to present material visually

Small group or individual testing assignments

Use word processor for writing assignments

Additional breaks during class

Extended time for assignments

Modifications:

Homework assignments reduced

Focus on functional skills curriculum

Alternate math or reading curriculum at student’s level

Alternate tests will be used

Shortened writing assignments

Interventions:

Social skills group

Reward chart for assignment completion, behavior, etc.

Visual schedule

Access to a counselor, social worker or therapist

Tutoring for specific academic skills

Speech therapy, occupational therapy, or physical therapy

Adaptations:

Either an accommodation – change in the delivery without changing content,

or a modification – change of content

You can see how the actual help provided may be simple things but they must be documented. If you don't have it written down in an IEP or 504 then the teachers don't have to follow through with the changes to the learning environment needed to help the student get an education.  They may not do this because they don't know how.  This can also be addressed at the IEP meetings and meetings with your child's educators. This is why it is important to know which kind of change is being made and how it effects both the teacher and the student.

image from: http://schoollawpro.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/Accommodation1.jpghttp://schoollawpro.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/Accommodation1.jpg

resources:
modification info: http://www.washington.edu/doit/Stem/articles?83
accommodations: http://www.connectwc.org/definitions.html

interventions: http://rtiteacher.blogspot.com/2008/11/interventionsaccomodations-whats.html
accommodations, adaptations, modifications: http://www.uic.edu/orgs/stepup/documents/March2005stepupnewsletter.pdf
useful educational interventions: http://www.aane.org/asperger_resources/articles/education/educational_interventions_asperger.html

Special Thanks to SensiGirl's teacher for checking that I got this right.