A Section 504 Plan specifies the educational, related aids and supplemental support services that are needed to ensure that the individual educational needs of a disabled student are met as adequately as the needs of non-disabled students.
There are many challenges faced when caring for a child with Food Protein-Induced Enterocolitis Syndrome (FPIES), including dietary restrictions, illness and treatment. These challenges can be overwhelming for a parent and child when it comes to school. Not every child with FPIES requires special services and accommodations. However, if needed, a request can be made to the school to develop a Section 504 Plan to provide specific accommodations for that child while attending school and engaging in school activities. This plan should have many sections to address the important food-related issues so that the child can have the best possible chance of staying safe.
The criteria by which a child with severe food allergy (i.e., FPIES) can be eligible for protection under Section 504 is that the physiological condition or disorder of food allergy affects the respiratory, digestive, cardiovascular and skin body systems. The U.S. Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education formally recognizes allergy as a “hidden disability,” or not readily apparent to others.
NOTE: Solely having a physical or mental impairment does not constitute a disability. The impairment must substantially limit one or more of the student’s major life activities in order to be considered disabled under Section 504. Each request requires that a student evaluation and eligibility determination is made on a case-by-case basis.