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Question
The parent of one of my students, who is a 2nd semester senior requests a 504 plan due to what she says are difficulties in school. Does one write a 504 plan in such a case? My feeling is that this parent wants an advantage to help this child pass a class that should not be even taken. The student is low average, and will struggle in this upper level class, but the parent wants to make sure the student can re-take failed exams, have extended time, reduce work load, etc. and i don't see that it is fair. Is a 504 usually written so late in the school term, especially for suspicious reasons? Can the condition affect performance that severely?
Bipolar disorder is one of the very few psychiatric conditions that is determined to have such a significant risk for impairing an individual's work, social, and/or academic abilities, it is accepted by the Social Security Administration with regards to applying to the SSI program. This being so, it is safe to assume that there is a good possibility that the student's performance is being affected greatly. From what I understand, a 504 plan is typically done at the beginning of the school year, although if the class is an elective course taken for one semester, it may be permitted later in the year. Still, is the 504 plan expected to only apply to a single course, and have you talked to the appropriate person in your school's administration about the matter? Accommodations made for disabled students who fulfill the requirements set are not intended to allow an individual who does not meet the necessary abilities standards expected of other students, and the accommodations are stipulated to be only those that are reasonable & when the student meets all the basic requirements for the courses that they will be taking. You cannot make a determination regarding whether or not the reasons for the request are suspicious, since there is no legitimate way to prove such a claim. I'd advise you to meet with your facilitator and go over the situation and options you may have together in order to make the appropriate decision.
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Answers by Expert:
Jennifer
Expertise
I am available to answer questions of a general nature about bipolar disorder, provide online resources that address bipolar disorder in a more in-depth manner and sources to serve as a starting point for those looking for substantial information on the illness from a healthcare professional approach. I am not a doctor or a psychiatrist, my background is based in personal experience and extensive reading in my own process of understanding my diagnosis. I can also take questions that deal with the social issues surrounding bipolar disorder such as relationships; coping for family, friends, and the patient; marriage, choosing to start a family and related. Answers to questions of a legal nature will provide general information but anyone with a serious legal problem should consult an attorney licensed to practice in their jurisdiction.
Experience
I was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder type II in 2000; as a SSI beneficiary, have experience and knowledge of the limitations and processes involved with the program; I understand the moods, the feelings, the worries, the doubts, and a lot more that there's not enough room to express - from the personal experiences of being bipolar. I have first-hand experience with the challenges of returning to college following hospitalizations and various combinations of medications that were tried before my doctor and I finally arrived at the most effective medication program for my treatment. My family and I have learned so much about each other in the process of dealing with the highs and lows that followed my diagnosis. I've had relationships with someone who also is bipolar and someone that is not - romantic relationships are no easier on either side! I feel that many of the ideas and beliefs that people have regarding bipolar disorder and those who have the condition promote the continuation of social stigmas associated with mental illness in general, and after learning from others with bipolar disorder, hope to guide others who may be trying to navigate the government health care system,& share information on other possible means of obtaining assistance with the cost of medications and/or mental health services and limited financial assistance programs for meeting basic living expenses for qualified individuals, dealing with problems from or with family & loved ones, co-occurring substance abuse problems, medications and side-effects (and when it feels like nothing will work, or why it's not helping the situation to ask whether or not a patient has taken their 'meds' when they seem hostile or moody to those around them).
Education/Credentials
I have a B.A. in Liberal Arts and will earn my J.D. upon completion of the Spring 2011 term after which I will be preparing to take the multi-state bar exam.
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