A 504 Plan is a document that outlines accommodations for students with disabilities in order to ensure that they have equal access to education. The accommodations outlined in a 504 Plan Form are designed to remove barriers that may prevent a student with a disability from fully participating in school and achieving their academic potential.
Here is a sample 504 Plan for anxiety high school students with anxiety:
Student: Jane Smith Date of Plan: September 1, 2022
Purpose of 504 Plan: Jane has been diagnosed with anxiety disorder, which affects her ability to focus and participate in class. To ensure that she has equal access to education, the following accommodations will be provided:
Accommodations:
- Allowing Jane to take breaks as needed during the school day to manage her anxiety.
- Providing a quiet, private space for Jane to take breaks or de-stress as needed.
- Allowing Jane to use headphones to block out distractions during class.
- Providing alternative seating arrangements, such as allowing Jane to sit at the back of the classroom or in a separate room, to minimize distractions and help her focus.
- Modifying assignments as needed, such as breaking larger assignments into smaller, more manageable tasks or allowing Jane to use a calculator on math tests.
Implementation:
- Jane’s teachers and support staff will implement the accommodations outlined in this 504 Plan. Understanding the 504 plan teacher responsibilities is key to successfully implementing these accommodations.
- Jane’s progress will be monitored regularly to ensure that the accommodations are effective and to make any necessary adjustments.
- Jane and her parents will be involved in developing and reviewing this 504 Plan. How to get a 504 plan involves the active participation of both the parents and the student.
It is important to note that every student’s 504 Plan will be unique and depend on their specific needs. This sample 504 Plan is intended to provide an example of the types of accommodations that may be included in a 504 Plan for a high school student with anxiety.
504 Plan Accommodations for Anxiety
Here is a list of 504 accommodations for anxiety, as recommended by the National Institute of Mental Health:
Listed below are 504 accommodations for anxiety:
- Providing additional time for exams and homework
- Providing a calm and distraction-free testing environment, which the American Psychological Association suggests, can greatly benefit students with anxiety.
- Providing instructions in writing or visual aids
- Offering frequent rest breaks during class or work
- Permitting the use of a calculator or other auxiliary aids
- Allowing the use of notes and other reference materials on examinations
- Providing a designated area or space for relaxation or a break
- Allowing the use of fidget toys and other sensory aids
- Permitting the use of noise-canceling headphones or earplugs
- Authorizing the use of a weighted blanket or other sensory instrument.
- Permitting the utilization of a comfort item or stuffed animal
- Enabling the use of white noise generators or other background noise
- Permitting the use of essential oils and other aromatherapies
- Providing access to service animals and emotional support animals
- Permitting the use of a timer or other time management instrument.
- Offering seating alternatives, such as a standing desk or beanbag chair
- Permitting the use of a laptop or other mobile device for note-taking or assignment completion.
- Facilitating the use of cassette recorders and other recording devices
- Permitting the use of a visual schedule or planner Permitting the use of a stress ball or other hand fidget
- Empowering the use of a desk lamp or other light-adjustable devices.
- Providing accommodations for individuals with light or sound sensitivities Permitting the use of a timer or other pacing device Permitting the use of a noise-canceling headset or earplugs during group work or presentations
- Tests and other high-stress situations may be administered in a private room or area.
- Allowing fidget toys or other sensory instruments during group work or presentations.
- Permitting the use of a white-noise generator or other background noise during group work or presentations.
- Offering alternate participation options in group discussions or projects
- Authorizing the use of a timer or other pacing device for group work or presentations
- Permitting the use of stress balls or other hand-fidgeting devices during group work or presentations.
- Enabling group work or presentations to use a visual schedule or planner
- Permitting the use of tape recorders and other recording devices for group projects and presentations.
- Encourage the use of a laptop or other mobile device for collaborative work or presentations.
- Provide a designated area or space for breaks or relaxation during group work or presentations.
- Permitting the use of a timer or other tool for time management during group work or presentations.
- Facilitating the use of noise-canceling headphones or earplugs during meetings and other group activities.
- Permitting fidget spinners or other sensory tools during meetings and other group activities.
- Supporting the use of white noise machines and other background noise during meetings and other group activities.
- Offering alternate participation options for meetings and other group activities
- Permitting the use of a timer or other pacing device in meetings and other group activities
- Mandating the use of stress balls and other hand fidgets in meetings and other group activities.
- Permitting the use of a visual schedule or planner for group meetings or other activities.
- Assisting the use of tape recorders and other recording devices during meetings and other group activities.
504 Plans and School Avoidance
A 504 plan is a document that outlines the accommodations and support services for a student with a disability, such as an anxious student. The plan is based on the student’s individual needs and is developed by a team consisting of the student, their parents or guardians, and school personnel. The purpose of a 504 plan and the 504 Plan Timeline is to provide the necessary support for the student to access and participate fully in their education.
Students with anxiety frequently avoid school because the school environment can be overwhelming or triggering for them. School absences can negatively impact a student’s academic progress and overall well-being, so it is crucial to address this issue immediately.
There are a number of strategies that can be included in a 504 plan to assist a student with anxiety in managing their symptoms and attending school regularly:
- Establishing a consistent routine can help an anxious student feel more in control and less anxious. This may include a class schedule, break times, and other activities.
- A supportive environment, including access to a counselor or other mental health professional, can help students with anxiety feel more at ease and supported at school.
- Allowing students to take breaks when necessary, use noise-canceling headphones, or sit in a quiet area can help reduce anxiety and make the student’s school environment more manageable.
- Gradual exposure: For students with severe anxiety about attending school, it may be beneficial, to begin with a modified schedule or gradually increase the amount of time spent at school.
Collaborating closely with the student, their family, and school personnel is essential to develop a 504 plan that meets the student’s needs and aids their academic success.
Resources Created by Teachers for Students with Anxiety
There are a variety of classroom resources that teachers can use to support anxious students.
- Relaxation techniques: There are a variety of relaxation techniques, including deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and visualization, that teachers can teach students to help them manage anxiety.
- Social and emotional learning (SEL) activities: It help students develop coping skills and increase their emotional intelligence, which can benefit anxiety management.
- Meditation and yoga: These are examples of mindfulness exercises that can help students focus their attention and regulate their emotions, which can be beneficial for reducing anxiety.
- Visual Aids: Students with anxiety can feel more organized and in control when using visual aids such as graphic organizers and schedule boards.
- Adaptive Equipment: Teachers can provide adaptive equipment, such as noise-canceling headphones or fidget toys, to help anxious students manage their symptoms in the classroom.
It is essential for teachers to collaborate closely with anxious students, their parents, and school personnel to develop individualized interventions.
About Us:
Jennifer Hanson is a dedicated and seasoned writer specializing in the field of special education. With a passion for advocating for the rights and needs of children with diverse learning abilities, Jennifer uses her pen to educate, inspire, and empower both educators and parents alike.