Q: Our school system says dyslexia is not a valid classification for receiving services for 504. These aren't just for medical conditions, are they?
Answer:
You are right... 504s are NOT just for medical conditions.. You
should direct anyone you are dealing with to this page:
http://wrightslaw.com/info/sec504.summ.rights.htm
It clearly summarizes the purposes of 504 in relation to learning difficulties including READING, WRITING, and MATH.
Now.. We went through due process with our school system and also had the same issue of the school saying "We don't recognize dyslexia as a disability" --which you, and I, and our attorney, and anyone with any sense knows is hogwash. Dyslexia is clearly defined by the International Dyslexia Association (see http://www.interdys.org/servlet/compose?section_id=5&page_id=95 under "What is Dyslexia?" --you can direct those you are dealing with here too).
However, when going through due process, our attorney pointed out that we should keep our eye on the goal and not be distracted by the school system's "not really the issue" tactics. They will direct your energies into having your child designated as having dyslexia, when the REAL issue is getting educational services NOW. It is a delay tactic. So, the approach of "Call it anything you want, but give us services now" works well. Our school system chose to call it a "Language-based Learning disability" -- Kind of stupid to not just call it dyslexia, but they somehow think they can avoid providing services if they don't call it dyslexia!!
Try not to let yourself be too set on getting a diagnosis of "dyslexia" as what the disability is called isn't half as important as the services the child is to receive.
Hope
that helps!
Sandy
http://www.LearningAbledKids.com/