Will my kids be able to be in a regular mainstream classes even if they have various health problems?

Question

My twin girls will be ready for kindergarten next year. They have cystic fibrosis, they have a lot of problems because of their condition and they are very fragile, but very smart and eager to learn...will I for sure be able to get them into regular mainstream classes in school?

Answer 1

Yes, even special needs kids are mainstreamed for certain classes.  They may not be mainstreamed for PE when they are in Junior High, but who cares.  You want them mainstreamed in English, Match, Reading, Writing, etc.  Even Autistic kids are partially mainstreamed in courses that they can comprehend.

Answer 2

There is no reason why your girls cannot be in regular education.  You probably will have to work with the school to write a 504 Plan.  A 504 Plan refers to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1983.  A 504 puts accommodations into writing...accommodations your girls need to fully participate in school.  As the founder of a special-needs support group, I have seen accommodations for going to the office to receive medication, breathing treatments, feeding tube changes, injections, etc.  I have seen large print textbooks, assistive listening devices and FM systems, preferential seatin (in the front of the classroom), extra bathroom breaks, an aide for diaper changing, extra time on tests (time and half is most common but have seen up to double time), note takers, extra textbooks at home, etc.  There is a wide range of accommodations.  Your girls may need health-related accommodations in their 504 Plan.  You may ask for an assessment for special ed services for things like Adaptive PE, but a 504 Plan can probably cover most of the accommodations they need.

The school district cannot deny giving your children a regular educaiton just like all the other children simply because they have Cystic Fibrosis.  That would be discrimination.

For more info, please see our website at http://www.valleysnafu.com.  You can contact me directly through that site if you have any questions.

Answer 3

I can't say that you "will for sure" be able to have them attend all General Education classes but it is a good possibility.  Of course, the decision comes from the IEP committee of which you are an important member.  Advocate for your girls and remember you don't have to agree with all the recommendations made by other IEP committee members.  I have plenty of students who have medical issues and are able to stay in all General Ed classes with some Special Ed support.  That support may be in the form of classroom accommodations, school health services, or Special Ed staff working with General Ed teachers.