Referral Procedures and 504
A referral is a written request for an evaluation, which is given to the public school when a child is suspected of having a disability and might need special education services. When any person, including the parents or agency, thinks that a child may need special education services, that person or agency should tell school personnel in writing the reasons for referring the child for testing/evaluation. The referral should include the child's specific problem, current strengths, and weaknesses. If the child is enrolled in a public school, the referral should be given to the child's teacher or principal. If the child is not enrolled in a public school, the referral should be given to Paula Ledford, the Exceptional Children Director of Macon County Schools. For preschool children with suspected disabilities, the referral may be given to Nancy Cantrell, Exceptional Children Program Specialist. Idea Partnerships
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 states that: "No otherwise qualified handicapped individual in the United States . . . shall, solely by reason of. . .handicap, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance." If you suspect that your child would qualify to participate in this program, contact your local school's guidance counselor for further information. U.S. Deptartment of Education Office for Civil Rights