Expert: Joyce A. Anthony - 1/13/2008

Question
My 14-yr old son has been suspended for the remainder of the school year for threatening another student. We had him evaluated and he was diagnosed bipolar. His school doesn't seem to want him back. Is bipolar a disablity covered by 504 plan?(he already has this for adhd) Are his rights to an education being violated? He is on medication and will begin therapy this friday. The environment at his school is not very good (a lot of troubled kids, drugs, truancy, etc.) So I
am not sure I even want him to go back there. Can you suggest alternatives?  We really can't afford private school. He's already failing all his subjects and may have to repeat the grade. Does the school district have to help us find alternatives for his education?

Answer
Hello Michele:

You did not state whether or not you are in the U.S.  If so, the school district has to legally provide an alternate means of education, at their expense, if they do not allow your son to return to public school.  Yes, bipolar disorder is covered the same as ADHD.

Request a meeting with the school district to discuss alternative education.  Many places now have schools especially for students who do not seem to be doing well in regular programs.  There is also the option of homeschooling or having a private tutor come into your home each day.

Whatever the alternative, it is the school district's responsibility to provide an adequate education and legally they must cover the expense of alternative education as long as they are a part of the decision as to what that alternative will be.
                   Joyce A. Anthony