What's actually in the 504?

I shared the meeting process in a previous post but I didn't share what's in her actual 504. Today, I'll share what adaptations we make for school and what we have written in her 504. I'm doing this in hopes that it will help someone who is the parent of a child with a limb difference. I'm also sharing this so others know the things that help Bella be more successful in the school system.

Super simple change #1- put paper towels in a drawer near the sink in the classroom. While this may seem like a small thing, her teacher last year did it for the first time. Bella found it super kind that her teacher did that AND it was helpful because the paper towels didn't shred every time she tried to pull one from the dispenser. You know those dispensers that show a picture of both hands, try using one hand next time. They tear into small pieces or shred all together. Small changes= big difference!

A big focus is physical education and safety. We have it written in our plan to "consult between parent, PE teacher, and district PT quarterly to review unit activities and adapt if necessary". Bella's PE teacher and I have really great communication and this has helped. We actually met last week which was really helpful for talking about what units are coming up and our plan. We had a solid plan in place prior to the 504 meeting which is one reason we breezed through the official 504 meeting.

Bella and her PE teacher for pre-teaching outside of the classroom. This occurred last year and according to her PE teacher a really great boost in her self-confidence. Once the skill came up during the class, Bella and her PE teacher already had their plan in place for adaptations if necessary. This allowed her to walk into PE and start the skill right away. This allows her to feel comfortable and also helps that it doesn't take time away from the actual activity during PE.

Safety during PE is essential, especially when it comes to weight bearing on her upper extremities (arms). When a person is missing fingers, their balance and stability is compromised. Her prosthetic has really leveled the playing field. It allows her balance and stability and allows her to safely weight bear on her arms and hands. That alone is worth the cost in my eyes! When Bella does strength or balancing activities in PE, I've asked for her to be closer to the teacher so she can be more closely observed. This is written in her 504.

Another "little thing" that we do is photo copy longer math work or class notes to reduce writing fatigue. In fourth grade in our district, kids are assigned an I-pad through school. This is really helpful because now Bella can take a photo (suggested by the principal- which I think is a great idea!) so that she can have the information for later. You can also edit the photos so she could "write" on the screen. Anything we can do to help decrease the workload of that right hand, we will!

She also has the option to use technology resources for assignments, such as Voice to text, read write, word prediction and see saw. That's written exactly in her 504 plan. I wanted her to be able to voice to text for longer assignments, again to reduce workload on her right hand. Sometimes, I will transcribe her answers or write things when we are home in order to decrease the workload. If she has a paragraph to write, she will tell me what to write and I write her words exactly.

The last thing is allowing her extra time for self help and daily living activities. Buttons, zippers, shoe tying are usually a non-issue at this point, however sometimes it does take her a little longer. I'm not talking 10 minutes longer, just a minute or two. The transition from lunch to recess when you have to change to winter gear can be problematic. We are still working on a glove that will work to keep her left hand warm and allow her to still be independent.

This year, we'll face recorders in music. Lord help me... kidding, kind of! Anyhow, we'll have to figure out what works for that!

Navigating the 504

Apparently creating a 504 is easy for some and more difficult for others.

We were initially told by our principal that a health plan would be a better option for Bella. I trusted her and agreed. Then, after doing my own research, and a lot of it, I disagreed. A 504 would legally protect her and give something in firm writing that would help us to help her.

We were told that "if she qualifies"... I'm not sure how she wouldn't "qualify". If you read the legal language, she "qualifies"... Here is what I sent over to her school: According to the Dept. of Education website, the exact wording is "cosmetic disfigurement, or anatomical loss affecting one or more of the following body systems: neurological; musculoskeletal..."

She was born with a congenital limb difference, which is an anatomical loss affecting her musculoskeletal system. This is documented on my prenatal record, her health care record, as well as easily visible to all.

I'm thankful for the Lucky Fin Project, Born Just Right, and Camp No Limits. Those places are primary places of support for our family in times like this. The people that are part of those sites bend over backwards to help, give advice, give guidance and support. It's essential when navigating things like this. As an "experienced" mom of a child with a limb difference, I'm still learning.

Why am I sharing this with you? Because this is already a trying process. It's taken a lot of effort and energy on my part. I'm working hard to make this happen for Bella. We need to have some things in place to help her continue to be successful in school, without injury and without overusing her right hand. Remember, that if your child has ONE hand, that hand does 100% of the work, 100% of the time.

I'm not saying your child needs a 504 just because they have a limb difference. I'm saying that my child does. She had a neck injury last year at school that could have been prevented. She also has complained over some soreness in her right hand, palm and fingers. I want to be sure I'm doing what's best for you. She's almost in third grade and so far, we've made no adaptations in school for her. This year, there will be some changes. This year, we have thought about some adaptations that will keep her safer and also keep her right hand in good order so that she doesn't cause injury at a young age. Any pressure we can take off of her right hand, we will. Talk to text is something our school utilizes currently so I'm hoping that she will be using it more so save her hand. That's something that can be "built" into our 504.

I want to do anything I can to help our community as well. Our official referral was sent over and now we are waiting once again. I'll keep you posted on the process as I find things out. If you have any questions, comments or advice, feel free to share! I've had a hard time finding 504 information for kids with limb differences. Most of the information that I search is popping up with kids that have ADHD.

Back to school, already?

Our back to school list is posted. I've already done some shopping. I might be slightly obsessed with getting the best deals possible AND buying some extra. I can't believe it's time for back to school. Part of me loves the routine, part of me is dying that this means summer is coming to an end.

I keep seeing parents post on Facebook about back to school and supplies. I'll share with you our back to school list.

Parents are seriously complaining about "50 pencils?" and "15 glue sticks". Really? I mean I found a 24 pack of pencils for $1, buy three and you are well over your 50 mark. Have you had a kindergartener AND volunteered in the classroom? Holy glue sticks. Kids leave the caps off, glue dries out. They also use it every day for gluing word work, it's a lot of glue people!

Why do I care? I care because are you bringing your negative attitude home to your kids? What sort of excitement are you creating? I never once heard my parents complain about back to school shopping or school supplies, not once. Here's the thing, your attitude wears on your kids. The good and the bad. They are watching you.

(Obsessed with wolves and beyond thrilled about his wolf backpack!)

My mom especially brought TONS of excitement for back to school. She ahh'd and oooh'd over our supplies and how fun it was to get new stuff. She made the process of packing our backpacks fun. Maybe that's where my love of back to school comes. My mom even makes it fun for MY kids! She offered to take them to buy a new outfit, lunchbox and backpack. She's crazy :) I promise that my kids are excited to get a "date" with her. Date days are the best days.


How much have I spent? So far, about $10 on each kid. I'm almost done. I still have to get spiral notebooks. My advice, start early, watch sales, buy what's on sale then wait for other sales, get a little each week.

Why am I sharing this? I'm sharing because it doesn't have to be a big expense. However, I'm mostly sharing because as an educator myself, don't we want our kids to have plenty of all of the tools that they need to be successful? Don't we want to arm them to succeed? Do we want them to have to worry about too many broken pencils or not enough erasers? No, they are kids. Excite them about education. Be the one that pushes them to do their best. Be their biggest support and the most positive energy in their life.

At the end of the day, 50 pencils should be the least of your worries.

Backpack shopping tips

1.     Pick the right size- I’ve always opted for a normal size backpack, not the kid size.

2.     Pick something durable- Yes the elmo one is SO cute, but it’ll wipe out after just a couple months of school. Then, you’ll be buying another $15 backpack that will meet it’s death soon after… by the end of the year, you’ll have spent at least $30 on backpacks.

3.     Pick one with decent straps- The straps are what they feel on their shoulders, the more padding, the more comfortable. They should be adjustable so you can fit your child correctly, curved straps are also more comfortable for daily wear.

4.     Pick one your kid likes- This ensures that they won’t freak out after a few months. The other thing about character backpacks is that my kids are over that character pretty quickly. We’ve always picked a design that’s more neutral.

5.     Zippers, snaps, buckles- does everything work with ease? Highly important. We bought a cheap backpack that had a zipper that lasted for 2 months. We’ve also had threads break and get caught in the zippers.

Have fun with it! We picked Grayson a bag that was out of our normal qualities and it failed. It was the perfect style with a wolf on the bag but it wasn’t durable or comfortable and the zipper was a big bummer. Bella, however, has had the same bag for two years. She was able to get another bag at a rummage last year that was the same brand but a different style. We typically stick with Jansport because their quality is amazing. I’ve had the same Jansport bag since I was in nursing school, 15 years ago! Are you kidding me? That’s serious quality. That bag went through the ringer and back.