Most children diagnosed with ADHD will require some accommodations at school to help them learn. A section 504 plan can help them get the tools and resources they need, such as being seated away from distractions, taking tests in a different environment, or other special needs. In order to get these accommodations to be made for your child, you must contact the appropriate department in your school district with a written letter requesting your child be evaluated. Below we’ve included a sample letter that you can use and modify for your own personal needs.
When sending the letter, you will either want to hand deliver it with a written confirmation from the person who sent it, or you can also choose to have it delivered via certified mail with a receipt. The reason for this is because by law the school district must reply and comply with your request for an evaluation to be completed within a reasonable period of time.
It will greatly vary between school districts who exactly the letter should be addressed to, but in general it should be safe to send one copy to the school’s principal, as well as another copy to the school’s director of special education. Making a quick phone call to your school district’s main office will help you locate the appropriate person to contact, as well as how they can be reached.
Here is the sample section 504 letter request:
Date
Education Director Name
School Address
Dear Mr./Ms. ____________,
I am the parent of (your child’s name) who is a student at (school name) in the (grade level, teacher’s class). (Child’s name) has an ADHD/ODD diagnosis and we are concerned about how it is affecting (him/her) academically. Therefore, I wish to request an assessment of my child for appropriate educational services and interventions according to the provisions of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.
I look forward to working with you as soon as possible to develop an assessment plan to begin the evaluation process. Thank you in advance for your assistance. I can be reached anytime at (your phone number).
Sincerely,
Signed Name
Printed Name
Address
Phone
Email
This letter is effective, and straight to the point. If you have specific concerns, you may also wish to include those. Sending this letter will enable you to set up a meeting with the appropriate department of the school to help evaluate and access your child’s needs at school.
For more information on section 504, and your rights as a parent and your child’s right as a student, you may want to check out the United State’s Department of Education website which explains it in greater detail here.
