You Will Never Believe This!

[Tamara Gamble]

I am so excited I don't even know where to start. I went for the 504 meeting for Tyler today. I'm getting everything I asked for and more. I asked for it all to, all of it. They are even going to let Ty carry his glucogon on him, he can test where ever, whenever he can have everything everywhere.

I know I'm rambling but I am so happy I want to scream! They are going to appoint 3 DTP's and all of their staff will not only recieve initial training, we are working together to set up reminder training etc. once a month, a requirement the principle laid out. They are also going to push for a full time paid staff member to be exclusively in charge of type 1 kids. The board has to approve this of coarse but I'm so thrilled. I didn't even suggest this at all.

They want to hire me in some way, possibly as the DTP. The qualifications haven't been outlined yet. I would get paid for this. I can't believe it. If I don't qualify or it doesn't pass they don't care. They are looking for a possition for me at the school as we speak! They are going to assist me in setting up not only a school wide program but a district wide one. I think I'm going to cry. Just cry.

We have alot more than most but it's been so hard since I've left my job. I thought I would not be able to go back to work and be available for Ty at the same time. I'm praying that this is the answer to my prayer's.

I feel so blessed. I know I sound scattered. That's because I am. I just can't believe this. I am so overwhelmed with everything, I don't know what to do with myself. My prayers for myself as well as all of you is that all of these things would be possible at our school as well as yours.

They were so impressed with everything that was presented to them that they understood all of the needs completely and even went on to say, if it's not in the 504 and Ty needs it, give it to him, understood.

I want to thank all of you who helped me when I was looking for the info on the 504/ OHI etc. I absolutely could not have gotten this accomplished without you! A special thanks to Carol G. who provided me with so many websites. The support was priceless as well.

If I can help anyone of you in anyway please let me know. I will make sure to update you as to how the process progresses so that you can do the same for your little ones.

God Bless! Tami

[Taocat]

Tami,

I am so excited for you! That's just wonderful news! Everything you asked for and even more!!! yippeee yipppeeee

Kim, my d-in-law just called and she's excited too! Kylee started kindergarten today and one of her little friends from daycare is going to be her escort down to the nurses's office for the first few weeks. Kylee and her little friend are just so excited about this adventure! Too cute

AND every Friday is snack day and it's a sweet fruit salad something or other, anyway, Kylee is keeping her sugar free popsicles there and she will have one of those, which she is perfectly happy with, and then bring the snack dessert home to eat later. Kim and I were talking that after Kylee goes on the pump, this will be much easier to plan for.

Anyway, good news Tami and I am so happy for you - you are such a great person - so encouraging and warm.
May you continue to be BLESSED - and I am so happy for Ty too.

Donna, Gramma of Kylee, 5.
I changed my name - to Taocat, in case anyone thinks I sound familiar! I didn't know that D, G of K, was going to be my actual name! hee hee

[wendyc]

That's great! You are so lucky, so many families do not have the best of experiences. I would love to get a job, but for what I do that the pay would make it worthwhile, the closest jobs are in the next state. My husband and I agreed someone needs to be 10min away from school, so I need to find a new career for a while:(
We had a really good response to our 504/Med plan also. I am happiest that they are letting Abby be tested in the class instead of going next door to the nurse (I didn't mind, since it was litteraly 3 steps to the right, but she can't be bothered!) and in addition to two nurses, the reading specialist is also a RN and they are training her as the backup:)

I also would like to thank Carol for all her help and advice, Carol, maybe you have a new calling...504 expert!

[selketine]

Tamara

What AWESOME news! WOW! Double WOW that they are trying to give you a position to help other diabetic kids in the school district. You deserve every bit of it as you took a lot of time to educate yourself and others. If they do create that new position you will be able to help out in ways you hadn't imagined - that is just fantastic.

You are more than welcome for any help I have given - I learn so much by helping others!

So you have a 504 and not the OHI designation of the IEP right? I'm just trying to keep that straight:p

[EmeeSu]

Tami - congratulations!

You don't have listed what state you're in. I am contemplating doing a 504, but they keep telling me that I can just "tack it onto to Matthew's IEP." Well, I think there is more to it than that. I just haven't pushed it. However, when I read some of the examples that people sent me, I see that the school is very lacking in some basic principles of diabetes management. With Matthew going on the pump next week, I think I am going to have to get more firm in pushing for a 504. Can you send me a copy of yours as reference? If so, please send me a private message and I will reply with my home email address.

Again, congratulations on your good fortunes today!

It's a great opportunity for you!! :D

[dmconrad]

I am a little ignorant...ok a lot ignorant on what a 504 plan is:confused: . My dd will be starting Kindergarten next year and if this is something that we need to have for that, at what point do we start working on it? I am assuming that it is something that we write??:confused: It sounds like you have all done a lot of work and research on it and I wonder if I need to get started. Since my non-D son is already in the school, when should I approach the staff.

[wendyc]

We started working/researching ours over the summer. We had some last minute changes after meeting with our CDE, but we met with the school nurses on Tues, with school starting Wed. The one thing the school requested was that we use a large font, as they want the info to "Slap them in the Face" when they need it in an emergency.
I used the template from the 504 section here on the CWD home page. We adjusted to fit our needs, and reflected the set up of the school.

[selketine]

EmeeSu - So you child already has an IEP in place for another issue right? It is possible to get an IEP for diabetes as well and it offers similar protections as the 504. I don't see a downside in getting an IEP for diabetes if the school is willing to offer you one. Here is a good chart for comparison of the 504 and IEP: http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/schoolhealth/exhibit2.PDF

Dmconrad: here is some general info on the 504 and IEP. Most parents pursue a 504 for a diabetic child with no learning issues. It is from a short website I created with links to other sites: http://cradleofbones.tripod.com/thingsnottoforget/id11.html I suggest you go through the links in order mostly.

You can ask at your school but I would think the Spring before your child starts in the Fall is a good time. It would be best to have everything in place if you can before school starts. You have plenty of time!

[zimbie45]

Wow, great job.. IM happy for you, I hope you get what ever job they find for you..

[EmeeSu]

[QUOTE=selketine]EmeeSu - So you child already has an IEP in place for another issue right? It is possible to get an IEP for diabetes as well and it offers similar protections as the 504. I don't see a downside in getting an IEP for diabetes if the school is willing to offer you one. Here is a good chart for comparison of the 504 and IEP: http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/schoolhealth/exhibit2.PDF

Carol - thank you so much for the information. To hear it from someone else reassures me that tacking the medical portion onto his IEP may not be a bad idea. I just don't always trust the school board...:D

Thank you again (and for the website link)!!

[Tamara Gamble]

Okay,
Donna, thank you so much. You are so kind and I'm glad that Kylee will be getting the pump soon. God Bless!

Carol G., It is a 504. Not the OHI/IEP. These two are one in the same. Last year Ty would have qualified for the OHI with all of the highs and lows almost daily, he could have used an aid but right now he is not in need of these services so we are using the 504. If we find through out the school year that his needs change we may look into using and OHI.

For a young child just entering school I would have pushed for an OHI and gotten more services for him for testing, correcting, lunch time assistance etc. I would also recomend an OHI for someone in their first year after dx because the majority of the problems happen continually at this time and they may need additional assistance with missing assignments, class time or school work due to the type 1.

The OHI is just a name. If a child recieves an OHI they will have an IEP that outlines everything as the 504 does along with the additional services, money is paid to the school to cover the cost of an aid or whatever is needed with an OHI not a 504. A diabetic management plan is always needed in addition to whichever one you go with. Thanks, again!

Emily, it depends on what your child has the IEP for I think. If it's for your childs diabetes you have an OHI and the 504 is to be included in the description with all additional services needed. If the IEP is for something else then I am not sure. I would assume that it would have to be revised and combined. You always must have a seperate diabetic management plan. My advice write your own. I did. If they are not offering your child any additional services under the OHI and it's strictly for diabetes they are ripping the system off. They are getting paid for doing nothing. With a 504 they get no funding. But if the child is doing 99% of his/her care they are just needed for sever highs and lows and no $ is neccesary to do this. You need to look at all of it more closely. Good Luck! Oh, I'm from Michigan.

dmconrad, I would work on it sooner. It took a while for me to understand what I was looking at. I also put together binders for all of the teachers etc. so it took me a while. I agree with Carol on timing for the school end but you need to get educated about the process so you can get the best of care for your little one and time to compile all you may need. Use Carol's links and go back in the archives we all have voluminous websites, experiences listed. A good start is to look at the ADA link through here for a 504 and DMP. Search, search, search. Also contact the ADA and ask for their discrimination package. They will send you a good chunk of what you need. It's free.Good Luck!

Wendyc, great job! We did quick reference cards in addition to everything else. Yeah, we were in the same boat as you as far as employment for me, plus my old boss was a real jerk about Ty's diabetes, so not worth staying with him. I hope the job thing pans out. I will do it for free anyway as far as assisting with the program set up etc. it would just be nice if I could have a paying job again. Hang Tough!

Thanks Chandra, keep us posted about Charlize. I hope all is well. God Bless!

I agree with getting the OHI/IEP if it's being used for it's intended purpose. Just make sure the kid's aren't getting labeled with anything they don't have just so the school gets paid. They can have just type 1 and you will qualify in certain circumstances for the OHI/IEP.

dconrad, if you need more help let me know or Carol G for sure. What we gave you should keep you busy. Load up on ink cartridges.

Thank you everyone so much! Good Luck! God Bless! Tami

[hold48398]

Hey Tami,
I just saw this and wanted to say DOUBLE CONGRATS, GIRL how awesome is that!!???:) I am very happy for you, it couldn't have happened to a nicer person!!!!! Keep us posted on the developments!! \

I have to bring up the 504 for Mia again tomorrow....

[sheila]

What great news for you and your family! How exciting for you:D

[Tamara Gamble]

Hey, thanks Marisa and Sheila! Marisa what do you mean you have to bring up the 504 again tomorrow? Are they ignoring your requests? Write a letter stating what your childs dx is request a meeting, let them know it is your understanding that a timely response is required and let them know that you look forward to working with them. Don't forget to date it. Keep it positive. Legally, they have thirty days to comply once a letter is submitted, be careful you don't threaten them, just know this so that you have leverage if you need it. I sent a letter to the principle, super, board of directors and the head of the sp ed department.

Keep us posted! God Bless! Good Luck! Tami

[momof2]

Hi Tamara

Wow!! That is such fantastic news!!! I'm really pleased for you. Well done!!!

How perfect and reassuring that will be for you all, and for any other T1 kids in the school.


How exciting
:D