WHAT ABOUT COMPENSATORY SERVICES?

Courts and guidance from the US Department of Education have identified students' rights to compensatory services under IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (504). If students miss services and supports, such as instructional time or related services like speech/occupational/physical therapy, they may be entitled to additional services to make up this loss. This is true at any time, but it is especially important to address loss of services during the pandemic. Compensatory services can take place during the regular school year, or extended school year, or both as needed. Please note that some states have instituted deadlines for requesting compensatory services solely due to the pandemic (for more information see epmagazine.com/blog/deadline-to-request-compensatory-special-education-and-related- services-due-to-the-pandemic). Also, for younger children, IDEA protections for compensatory services also apply to early intervention. Again, if families think their child needs compensatory services but the district or early intervention provider doesn't, they can call their Parent Center to get info on how to challenge this decision.

IS CAMP A GOOD SUMMER OPTION?

Camps are a great choice for all students to increase their knowledge during the summer months. There are many different types of camps:

Some states have financing to help families afford camps. This includes camps for students with developmental and other disabilities and even one-to-one aides to help with inclusion in typical camp programs. State and local offices on disabilities sometimes offer financial help, too. Some students who are eligible for compensatory or ESY services can access them via support for their participation in camp programs. Students with disabilities can also benefit from, and participate in, summer camps regardless of the need for ESY or compensatory services. For more information on

summer camps, see eparent.com/education/transitioning-into-summer-finding- camps-for-children-with-special-healthcare-needs.

SHOULDN'T SUMMER BE FUN?

Sometimes kids just need to be kids! All children learn through play. There are some fun recreational options out there that include adapted sports such as Little League (littleleague.org/play-little- league/challenger), Miracle League (themiracleleague.net), and Special Olympics and their inclusive sports programs under Project Unify (specialolympics.org/program_locator.aspx).

Accessible Playgrounds are another great option for children with disabilities (see accessibleplayground.net/playground-directory). Families should have time to be their child's parent or coach, not necessarily a home health aide or therapist. Although it's important for families to follow up with what teachers and therapists are doing in the home, down time is equally essential for both parents and children.

Children with disabilities should have all the learning opportunities they need including extended school year, compensatory services, camp, and just plain fun. •

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Lauren Agoratus, M.A. is the NJ Coordinator for Family Voices, NJ Regional Coordinator for the Family-to-Family Health Information Center, and Product Development Coordinator for RAISE (Resources for Advocacy, Independence, Self-Determination, and Employment). She also serves as NJ representative for the Caregiver Community Action Network as a volunteer. Nationally, Lauren has served on the Center for Dignity in Healthcare for People with Disabilities transplant committee (anti-discrimination), Center for Health Care Strategies Medicaid Workgroup on Family Engagement, Family Advisor for Children & Youth with Special Health Care Needs National Research Network, National Quality ForumPediatric Measures Steering Committee, and Population Health for Children with Medical Complexity Project-UCLA. She has written blogs and articles nationally, including publications in 2 academic journals (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=agoratus+l). Lauren was recently named a Hero Advocate by Exceptional Parent Magazine

A PLACE IN THE SUN: EXTENDED SCHOOL YEAR, COMPENSATORY SERVICES, CAMP, & JUST PLAIN FUN

U.S. DEPT. OF EDUCATION Extended School Year sites.ed.gov/idea/regs/b/b/300.106

Compensatory Services: "Return to School Roadmap: Development and Implementation of Individualized Education Programs in the Least Restrictive Environment under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act."

See section D "Determining Appropriate Measurable Annual Goals & Considering the Child's Need for Compensatory Services" sites.ed.gov/idea/idea-files/return-to-school-roadmap-develop- ment-and-implementation-of-ieps/#_Toc83713879

COUNCIL OF PARENT ATTORNEYS AND ADVOCATES COVID-19 Compensatory Education Resource page copaa.org/page/CompServ

State dashboard copaa.org/general/custom.asp?page=CompEdStateDash

CENTER FOR PARENT INFORMATION AND RESOURCES Extended School Year parentcenterhub.org/esy-services-beyond-the-school-year-for-students-with-ieps Compensatory Services: Webinar on returning to school parentcenterhub.org/webinar-doe-iep-oct2021 PTIs in each state parentcenterhub.org/find-your-center