brownie,
you don't have to prove "need" -- you have to document
eligibility for 504. THEN there will be 504 plan meeting where you must work toward "proving" that each line-item accommodation is
necessary and appropriate.
See Stinky's fabulous thread for some discussion along those lines so that YOU are super clear!
He doesn't need a 504 - an IHP will act as his 504 See this link for info that is straight from the language of Section 504:
http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/504faq.htmlSo, for purposes of LTFA (life-threatening food allergy) you will want basic letter from the physician attesting to the anaphylaxis diagnosis (which, actually IS already on file and school is under notification since you have a health plan and epipens and all that with school). However, a separate letter will be helpful. (Will also get a link in here to our letter discussions.)
From that link above:
STUDENTS PROTECTED UNDER SECTION 504
Section 504 covers qualified students with disabilities who attend schools receiving Federal financial assistance. To be protected under Section 504, a student must be determined to: (1) have a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities; or (2) have a record of such an impairment; or (3) be regarded as having such an impairment. Section 504 requires that school districts provide a free appropriate public education (FAPE) to qualified students in their jurisdictions who have a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities.
Then you show that LTFA affects one or more major life activities: eating, breathing, immune system function, etc . . .
See threads in Resources with Mac's "arguments" along those lines!
Our 504 "case statement"*ALSO* -- You will want to be sure you've got that USDA form on file (for special dietary needs) as this also helps seal the eligibility and has on record this need for future (thinking college)!
504 index - USDAOK -- that should keep you busy, but I know I need to grab that doc letter link & get it in here . . . will try to find before day is over, but somebody else may beat me to it!
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For what it's worth -- you are making VERY SMART decision to get this 504 on record. Now!