What's a 504?

Once I accepted my daughters allergy I began thinking about what it would be like for her to go to school. I knew she was going to need some sort of accommodations to attend a public school. Thankfully the majority of the ground work had been done for me.

So a 504 or Section 504 is a part of The Americans with Disabilities Act, basically stating that a person with a disability can not be excluded from a federally funded program, such as school. Ok so how does this apply to a child with a food allergy? A "Disability" in this context refers to a "physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more major life activities." This can include physical impairments; illnesses or injuries; communicable diseases; chronic conditions like asthma, allergies and diabetes; and learning problems.

A 504 is very inclusive and will help you spell out what steps need to be taken to make reasonable accommodations for your child. Notice I said "Reasonable". You can make any demands you want, and the school doesn't have to accept them. And in the very off chance it should go to court, the higher courts view reasonableness of the demands.

Most children with food allergies can very safely attend public school, with minimal interruption of the school program. My nieces attend a Peanut Free School, other options are allergy free tables, and the teacher or school can choose to make allergy free classrooms.

All of these things are possible as long a you communicate with the school. And I don't mean calling them the week before classes starts. Start an open line of communication before your child is even ready to be in class.

I began by looking up the school handbook, available online from most schools. I spoke with my neighbors, I called the school, and best of all I spoke with my daughters future teacher. If you can not speak with the teacher or nurse, I recommend writing them a letter and mailing it to the school. Tell them who you are, express your concerns, and be sure to leave them ways to get in contact with you.

I am a big supporter of having things in writing, so if its a 504, or an Emergency Action Plan, I recommend having something in writing. Remember 504's require prep-work and meeting with the key players, principal, nurse, teacher, teacher aids, 504 coordinator, and parents.

A great source that outlines 504 is http://foodallergyadvocate.com/?p=112