I sent message to some of you, please check your mail box.

[lakeswimr]

If you are one I sent it to I hope you will reply asap.  Thank you!

[CMdeux]

 

[twinturbo]

Don't forget to summon The Weeping Angel.

[lakeswimr]

That reminds me, if there is anyone you think I should send that message to in particular please give me their screen name here or via message.  Thanks!

[CMdeux]

She who has the weeping angel avatar, I presume?

Does anyone know or have a copy of my letter/Gail's for 504 eligibility?

I can certainly repost it (I think, anyway) if not.

[CMdeux]

{sigh}  I have it, unfortunately the copy that I have is a scanned PDF, so I can't just copy-paste it and redact.  I'll need to retype the entire thing to post it.  It's also tailored to adolescent age, so there are some things that are different than when my DD was your DS' age/grade.


Something else that might be helpful:

Tips from Momcat regarding doctor letter (thanks Momcat!)

The first step to getting adequate accommodations for you son is to get a good letter from the allergist. It should include

1. A diagnosis of peanut allergy with the risk of life-threatening reactions. The life-threatening part is crucial.

2. Description of symptoms and emergency treatment protocol (Epipen, Benadryl Rx)

3. Description of preventative measures required, e.g. peanut/nut-free classroom, eating area.

4. Description in the right legal terminology showing that your son is substantially limited in his ability to breathe, eat, and care for himself (i.e. manage his own allergies).

Once you have the letter, you need to formally (in writing) request an evaluation for 504 eligibility for your son.

If he is found eligible for a 504 Plan, then you will meet with the school to discuss accommodations (i.e. the specific contents of the plan.)

If I'm understanding things correctly, this is a matter not of ELIGIBILITY, but of shifting accommodations, though...

[twinturbo]

Lemme check my desktop. I remember saving it once upon a time.

Found the saved letter--is this it?

Adolescent version

(DATE)

To Whom It May Concern:

  I have been asked by DS1's parents to provide medical information regarding DS1's allergies.  I understand that you need specific and current information that will be used to determine whether or not DS1 meets the criteria for disability under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (ADA and ADAA of 2008).  I believe that DS1 qualifies for this designation based upon his diagnosis and clinical history of life-threatening (anaphylactic) food allergy.

Anaphylaxis is defined as a systemic allergic reaction which may cause death or permanent disability.  At least 150 people die each year in the United States due to anaphylactic reactions to foods, most commonly to peanuts.  Below, I briefly describe the body systems affected during anaphylaxis:

Systems and Symptoms:

Skin and subcutaneous tissues: flushing, mouth itching and swelling of the lips, tongue, or mouth, and/or hives.

Gastrointestinal system: nausea, abdominal cramps, vomiting and diarrhea (if severe, can cause intravascular volume depletion and shock).

Respiratory system: sense of tightness/itching in the throat, hoarseness due to edema of the larynx (may close the airway), hacking cough, shortness of breath, and/or wheezing.

Cardiovascular system: "thready" pulse, decreased cardiac function, decrease in blood pressure which may lead to dizziness, loss of consciousness, shock, and possible cardiac arrest.

DS1 has required emergent medical care for anaphylaxis on more than one occasion.  He has a history of rapidly progressing anaphylaxis involving the skin and respiratory systems.  Due to this reaction history DS1 is at elevated risk for fatal anaphylaxis.

DS1 was diagnosed with life-threatening food allergies at 17 months, following emergency medical care for peanut-induced anaphylaxis.  Since that time, he has also been diagnosed with life-threatening allergies to eggs. He has a clinical history of reactivity to ingestion of microscopic quantities of allergens, and contact with allergens. Possible anaphylaxis symptoms must be treated as a medical emergency.

For the purposes of a Section 504 designation, I attest that DS1's medical condition substantially and significantly affects the life functions of caring for himself, normal immune function, and eating.  Anaphylaxis can, when active, also substantially and significantly limit the life functions of breathing, talking, walking, normal cardiovascular function, thinking and performing manual tasks, among others.

There is no cure for food anaphylaxis.  Unlike other allergies for which treatment options include medications or immunotherapy (allergy shots), presently all such treatments for food allergy are considered investigational and high-risk.  There is no such approved treatment or device that can act as a mitigating measure for those who are anaphylactic to foods.  Regular maintenance medications do not eliminate the need to practice avoidance, nor does epinephrine or any other rescue medication or device necessarily resolve anaphylaxis or eliminate the need to seek additional emergent care.  Death or permanent disability is a possible outcome any time anaphylaxis is triggered.  Peanut is of particular concern since triggering doses may be very small and too variable to be reliably determined for an individual.  Therefore, total avoidance of allergenic foods is imperative.

Avoidance of all contact with food allergens (peanut, egg, and tree nuts) is the only way to avoid a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction.  Such avoidance is a highly complex task requiring excellent judgment and social skills, particularly when needs place a person in conflict with a peer group.  This is difficult for adolescents, whose executive skills are not yet mature and who may take unacceptably large risks or even hide/dismiss emergent symptoms in order to gain social acceptance with peers.   Adolescents must be strongly encouraged to advocate assertively for their needs as appropriate and guided toward good management decisions as they assume the responsibility for their food allergies.

Successful avoidance requires a comprehensive written accommodation plan in consultation with the patient, parents, and physician.    I consider DS1's parents; Dr. Turbodad, Ph.D., and TT, to be knowledgeable about the successful management of their son's medical condition.

Sincerely,

Awesome Person, M.D.
{additional fancy qualifications as he sees fit}

Younger kid version

This may be what you received, but I've posted it before(great letter from another member, but I changed it to fit *my* child)...GOOD LUCK!!

To Whom It May Concern:
I have been asked by XX XX's parents to provide medical information regarding XX�s allergies. I understand that you need specific and current information that will be used to determine whether or not XX meets the criteria for a 504 Designation under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. I believe XX qualifies for this designation based upon his diagnosis and clinical history of life-threatening (anaphylactic) food allergies.
Anaphylaxis is defined as a systemic allergy reaction and can cause death or permanent disability. Approximately 150 people die each year due to anaphylaxis to foods, most commonly to peanuts. Below, I briefly describe the body systems affected during anaphylaxis:

Systems & Symptoms

Skin and subcutaneous tissues: mouth itching and swelling of the lips, tongue, or mouth, and hives.
Gastrointestinal system: nausea, abdominal cramps, vomiting and/or diarrhea (the vomiting and diarrhea can be severe, leading to intravascular volume depletion and shock).
Respiratory system: throat itching and/or sense of tightness in the throat, hoarseness sue to edema in the larynx with the possibility of closure of the airway, hacking cough, shortness of breath, repetitive coughing, and/or wheezing.
Cardiovascular system: "thready" pulse, decreased cardiac function leading to drop in blood pressure and shock, leading to possible cardiac arrest.

XX has a history of rapidly progressing anaphylaxis involving the gastrointestinal, skin, respiratory, and cardiovascular systems. Due to this reaction history, XX is at elevated risk of a fatal anaphylaxis.
XX was diagnosed with life-threatening food allergies at the age of 1 1/2 years. Since that time, he has also been diagnosed with severe, potentially life-threatening allergies to all tree nuts and eggs. (Test results available upon request). XX has a clinical history of reactivity to ingestion of microscopic quantities of allergens, contact with allergens, and inhalation of allergens.
For the purposes of this letter for a Section 504 designation, I attest that XX�s medical condition substantially and significantly affects the life function of caring for one�s self, and may also substantially and significantly limit the life functions of breathing, talking, walking, and performing manual tasks.

There is no cure for food anaphylaxis. Unlike other allergies for which there are medications or immunotherapy, there is no medication, immunotherapy, or device which can act as a mitigating measure for those who are anaphylactic to foods. Regular maintenance medications do not eliminate the need to practice avoidance, nor does epinephrine or any other rescue medication or device necessarily resolve anaphylaxis or eliminate the need to seek additional emergent care. Death or permanent disability is a possible outcome any time anaphylaxis is triggered. Peanut is of particular concern since a triggering dose cannot be reliably determined, even for an individual. Total avoidance is imperative.
Avoidance of all contact with food allergens (peanut, egg, and all tree nuts) is the only way to avoid a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction. Such avoidance is a highly complex task, impossible for a child without the ongoing assistance of an adult who is knowledgeable about the condition. Successful avoidance requires a comprehensive written accommodation plan in consultation with parents and physician.
I consider XX�s parents, XX and XX XX, to be knowledgeable about the successful management of their son�s medical condition.
Sincerely,
Dr. XXX, M.D.


Please change/edit to suit your personal situation.

[CMdeux]

Those are them-- grazi!

[Macabre]

Oh ha--just now seeing this.

[LinksEtc]

Here are some sample 504 links ... not all of them to do w/FA, but maybe they can still be useful.

"SECTION 504 PLAN OUTLINE"
http://foodallergyadvocate.com/504Plan.htm

"Sample 504 Plans"
http://specialchildren.about.com/od/504s/qt/sample504.htm

http://www.foodallergysupportmn.org/images/Docs-_School/504plan.pdf

GLOUCESTER - OCR Case: *** Section 504 Plan ***

"Sample 504 Plan, Free To Click And Print"
http://blog.onespotallergy.com/2012/09/sample-504-plan-free-to-click-and-print/

http://www.diabetes.org/assets/pdfs/schools/504-adanasndredf-2007.pdf