Miles for Migraine in collaboration with US Pain Foundation will host this valuable session. Questions encouraged.
Topics will include:
- What is an Individualized Education Program (IEP)
- Understanding a 504 Plan
- Is my child eligible for an IEP and/or 504 Plan
- Eligibility clarification
- Is my child eligible
- How to request school accommodations
- How to maneuver the system and handle barriers
- Introduction: Jen Grove explains educational services for children with chronic pain disorders like migraines, focusing on special education options such as Individualized Education Plans (IEP) and 504 Plans.
- Special Education Overview: Special education offers an array of services tailored to a child's unique needs, ensuring access to a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) to support further education and independent living.
- IEP vs. 504 Plan: Children with disabilities can qualify for either an IEP or a 504 Plan. An IEP involves special education services, while a 504 Plan offers accommodations for access to general education.
- Eligibility Criteria: IEP eligibility requires specialized instruction due to a disability's impact on learning. A 504 Plan is for children with a disability that limits a major life function but doesn't require special education.
- FAPE: FAPE ensures access to education. For IEPs, it means meaningful progress aligned with the student's abilities; for 504 Plans, it guarantees equal access to general education, not necessarily progress.
- Child Find Obligation: School districts are required to identify, evaluate, and provide services to children suspected of having disabilities, even if parents don't request an evaluation.
- Evaluation Process: Evaluations must be comprehensive, considering cognitive, academic, and social-emotional needs. Schools are responsible for evaluating students before providing services.
- Independent Educational Evaluations: If parents disagree with a school's evaluation, they can request an independent evaluation at public expense, which must be considered by the school.
- Chronic Pain and IEP/504: Chronic pain, including migraines, may qualify a student under "Other Health Impairment" for an IEP, provided it affects their ability to engage in education.
- Team Participation: Developing an IEP requires input from parents, general education teachers, special education teachers, and a district representative, with meetings held at least annually.
Meet the Speaker
Jennifer Grobe, Esquire
Ms. Grobe is an associate attorney at McAndrews Law Offices where she concentrates her practice on special education and civil rights.
Ms. Grobe earned her Juris Doctor from George Washington University Law School in Washington, D.C. While in law school, Ms. Grobe served as a student attorney for the George Washington University Family Justice Litigation Clinic and volunteered in the Family Court Self-Help Center within the D.C. Superior Court. Additionally, Ms. Grobe interned with the U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division, Disability Rights Section; the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, Philadelphia Office; and the Public Interest Law Center of Philadelphia.
Ms. Grobe served as law clerk for the Honorable Mark D. Buckworth at the New Castle County Family Court in Delaware.
Ms. Grobe serves as a board member for Bournelyf Camp. She volunteers with the ACLU of Pennsylvania and PA Voter Protection.