Important New Educational Advocacy Resources for the Eosinophilic Community

Many of us struggle as we advocate for our children in school, trying to make sure they have appropriate modifications and accommodations as needed for their Eosinophil-Associated Gastrointestinal Disorder (Eosinophilic Esophagitis and other EGIDs) and receive a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) according to the law.  For many parents, it's overwhelming and we may not even know where to start.  We might say something like "I don't want to rock the boat at the school but I want to make sure my child is safe and isn't left out."  We also might ask:

• "What is a 504 Plan?
• "What is an IEP?"  
• "Which one do we need or do we need both?"  
• "What is an IHP?" and "Why do we need one?"  

Years ago, I was one such parent and it took far too long to figure it out on my own.  Thankfully, there are new resources available to assist parents with educational advocacy.

Just in time for the new 2012 school year, APFED has added very helpful videos/webinars to their website as well as their YouTube channel and will be adding more in the near future. Some of the available videos and webinars now include: 

• “All About EoE”
• “How Do I Inform My Child’s School and What Do They Need To Know?” 
• “What is Section 504 and How Does It Impact Sending a Child To School With an Eosinophilic Disorder?”
• "What are the Most Important Things To Know About Advocating for My Child?"

APFED now also has a specific section for School Advocacy, which includes resources prepared by an educational advocate in Georgia who has experience helping parents obtain necessary modifications and accommodations for their children with Eosinophil-Associated Disorders (EoE / EGID):

• Overview
• Getting Started
• Section 504 Eligibility
• IEP Eligibility
• Elementary School Accommodations
• Middle School and High School Accommodations
• Post-Secondary School Accommodations (College and Beyond)
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Info For School Staff
• Guidelines for Students With Chronic Illnesses (NIH resource)
• Templates and Forms (for 504 plans and IEPs)

Please take time to visit each of the above helpful advocacy links if you are potentially in need of a 504 plan or IEP for your child with EoE / EGID.

FAAN also has a new educational advocacy resource in the form of an Ask The Expert Q & A with Pete Wright of Wrightslaw. While the majority of the information on the FAAN website is available to everyone, this particular web feature is only available to registered FAAN members at:
http://www.foodallergy.org/page/july-august-2012---pete-wright-

The NJ/PA Eosinophilic Information site has recently been updated with additional links and resources, but more updates are coming soon.  Please remember to visit the Advocacy section for additional educational advocacy information and resources or you could just click on the Advocacy Info page of this blog.

Some of the resources that have just been added include:

Office of Civil Rights info about Section 504/ADA

Americans With Disabilities Act Amendments Act of 2008 (provides broader coverage)

Does a Child Need an IEP AND a 504 plan? The answer is “No”.

Migraines, Medication and Missed Instruction – Requesting Eligibility
This information can be applied to other medical issues, including Eosinophil-Associated Gastrointestinal Disorders.  There is also a template for a letter to the school, requesting an identification meeting.

SPAN (Statewide Parent Advocacy Network) of NJ:

Basic Rights

What is an IEP?

The Individual Health Plan (IHP)

Helping Families Navigate the Education System (pdf)

Please be sure to pass along any other new resources you might have that apply to those in the eosinophilic community!  Your comments are always welcome!