Texas Children's Cancer and Hematology Center
Education Supports Available for Patients

Cancer treatment can cause immediate and long-lasting effects on a child’s education. There are federal laws that protect children’s rights to education due to impairment or disability. The following programs offer supports and services for children, adolescents, and young adults affected by cancer.

Visual Disturbance and Impairment
Ages: Birth – 22 years

Texas Health and Human Services – Blind Children’s Vocational Discovery and Development Program

Who: Children who live in Texas and have a visual impairment may be eligible.
What it does: A specialist works with the child and family to create a plan specific to their needs and situation.
Next Step: Visit site below to apply online or by phone.

For more information, visit: www.hhs.texas.gov/services/disability/blind-visually-impaired/blind-childrens-vocational-discovery-development-program

Early Childhood Intervention
Ages: Birth – 3 years

Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) – Statewide program within the Texas Health and Human Services Commission

Who: Serves families with children who have developmental delays, disabilities or certain medical diagnoses that may impact development.
What it does: ECI services support families as they learn how to help their children grow and learn.
Next step: Talk to your social worker or provider to assist with process.

For more information, visit: https://www.hhs.texas.gov/services/disability/early-childhood-intervention-services-eci

Early Childhood Special Education
Ages: 3 – 5 years

Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) – State and federally mandated program for children with disabilities

What it does: Eligible children receive public education, according to individual needs, in a setting such as a pre-K classroom, the home, or in a community setting such as Head Start.
Services are provided free of charge.
Next step: Request evaluation at your child’s zoned school.

For more information, visit: tea.texas.gov/academics/special-student-populations/special-education/programs-and-services/early-childhood-special-education-ecse

Section 504
Ages: Elementary, Middle & High School

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act – Federal civil rights law that protects people with disabilities

Generally, accommodations through a 504 Plan can effectively support your child’s needs.

Who: Protects people with physical or mental impairment that substantially limits a major life activity.
What it does: Requires schools to meet the needs of students with disabilities as adequately as the needs of the non-disabled.
Next step: Talk to your child’s school to request an evaluation. A Texas Children’s Hospital school coordinator can assist with this process.

For more information, visit: tea.texas.gov/academics/special-student-populations/special-education/504guide.pdf and see page 3

Special Education
Ages: 3 – 21 years

Individual with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) – Federal law that requires public schools to provide a free and appropriate education to people with disabilities

Some children may require services and supports that are more intensive through special education using an Individual Education Plan (IEP).

Who: Eligible students must have a disability as defined by one or more of the 13 IDEA disability categories, and require special education services
What it does: Provides specially designed instruction to meet the unique needs of a student with a disability.
Next step: Request an evaluation in writing with your child’s school. A Texas Children’s Hospital school coordinator can assist with this process.

For more information, visit: https://spedtex.org/families and see page 3

Services for Students with Disabilities
Ages: College/University

Section 504 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) – Protect students from discrimination when attending college

Who: The student must have a documented disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act or the Rehabilitation Act.
What it does: Provides appropriate accommodations to meet the needs of students with disabilities as adequately as the needs of the non-disabled.
Next step: Student must self-disclose and register their disability at the Disability Services Office, make request for accommodations, submit all required documentation.

For more information, visit: https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/transition.html

	Section 504 Plan	Special Education IEP
What does it do?	Provides supports, such as accommodations and assistive technology, to meet the needs of your child	Provides supports of 504, with the addition of aids, services, and modifications to general education
Who is eligible?	Two requirements: Has a mental or physical impairment Impairment substantially limits a major life activity, such as, but not limited to: Learning Thinking Concentration or attention Mobility	Two requirements: Child, age 3-21, has one or more of the 13 specific disabilities listed in IDEA (Cancer diagnosis may qualify under OHI - Other Health Impairment) Disability must affect child’s educational performance and/or ability to learn & benefit from the general education curriculum
Which plan is right for my child?	Illness interferes with a major life activity – learning, seeing, hearing, walking, caring for self, etc. Child only needs accommodations/assistive technology. Accommodations change HOW content is taught, made accessible and/or assessed. Course content remains the same. A few examples include: Extended time Individual or small-group testing Braille, large print or audio materials Reduced assignments/assessments Oral administration of assignments/assessments Copies of notes/lectures Reminders to stay on task	Illness affects child’s ability to attend and benefit from general education. Child may need modifications, aids or services, in addition to accommodations/assistive technology. Modifications change WHAT content is taught, made accessible and/or assessed. Course content can be changed. A few examples include: Shorten assignment to focus on mastery of certain topics Individual or small-group instruction Occupational, physical, speech therapy, etc. Changes in scoring rubrics or grading scales One-on-one aid to assist during class Mobility transportation services Assigned vision impairment teacher
How do I start the process?	Initiated by the parent or school. Parents must consent to initial evaluation. Contact the school and ask to speak to the 504 coordinators, as each district has its own procedures.	Initiated by the parent or school. Parents must consent to initial evaluation. Submit a written request to the school to request an evaluation.