This Month's Topic: Edducation Terms

I have a child with a severe hearing loss and her primary mode of communication is lip reading. Due to the teachers writing problems on the board and turning away from her, she cannot keep up in math class. She is going to the 10th grade and has a 2nd grade math level. However, she understands math when she is in a one-on-one environment and the teacher is sitting beside her so she can understand what she says. The school says she does not qualify for special education and the only accommodation they would agree to on a 504 is that she needs to self advocate. Please give me your opinion. Thanks so much.

Thank you for your question. The question of 504 accomodations is certainly one that many parents and students face when they have physical disabilities, such as your child has. There are several factors at play here, and I can give you some information that you may be able to pursue further with both your child's physician as well as her school.

1.) If your child has severe hearing loss, you should be sure that the specialist you see for your child's hearing loss has thoroughly documented the effects of the loss in writing. This can include audiology reports which specify the levels of hearing loss as well as a narrative piece which documents the effects of her disability. This is important, as there are many different levels of hearing loss; some children are only impacted at the upper ranges of speech, some at all levels, for instance. Your physican should be able to give specific information regarding what your child can and cannot be expected to hear.

2.) A specialist should also document their recommendations for your child. As a physican, he or she is aware of the special needs that your child's unique condition. Therefore, they can generally make recommendations such as providing an FM speaker system in the classroom, receiving written copies of all lesson material, having preview material for home review for new material being taught, as well as other accomodations he or she may consider necessary.

3.) With the achievement levels that you have specified, it is possible that your child qualifies for special education services. As I am not sure of your specific state, the local process for evaluating special needs may be different from my own. However, your child appears to have a significant learning difficulty in the area of mathematics. I would suggest making an appointment with the local special education administrator to discuss the options for academic testing that your child may benefit from. This type of testing may determine there is more going on than a hearing issue; rather, there may be learning disabilities which need to be identified which would qualify your child for special education services. A written request for academic testing from you may be required to get the testing completed. Remember that having a physical disability does not automatically mean that there is no underlying learning disability that is also contributing to her difficulties, an d does not automatically disqualify your child from special education services.

4.) If you are not sure of the rules surrounding both 504 and special education regulations in your school, you may choose to contact an independent advocate who can guide you though the process. There are a number of services available, and many can be reached through support groups, your pediatrician or physician's office, in your local business directory, or even on the internet. These people are trained in working with parents and schools in order to achieve a positive result for your child. Try to locate an advocate who has experience with families dealing with hearing loss.

Remember, that through all, parents are the best advocate for their children. By keeping careful and accurate records of all of your meetings, reports, and other contacts with the school, teachers, and physicians, you will have the documentation you need to help get the services you need for your child. Please let us know how you do in your work for your child. Wishing you the best in your effort- Jen Cummings