Students with ADHD have right to personalized learning

On July 26, the Office of Civil Rights issued a letter and strict guidance concerning support for students living with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and suspected students with ADHD. The letter clarifies that lack of proper support is a violation of the civil rights of a student with ADHD.

Also, on Aug. 1, the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services issued a letter that gives guidance concerning their obligation to use positive behavioral interventions for disabilities that include difficulty managing behaviors – a classic hallmark of ADHD.

Students who cannot organize well, start a task, sustain a task, stay with their group, respond to adults and peers appropriately, wait their turn, be a good sport, and/or maintain their tempers, have a right to a supportive plan that does not punish them for disability-related behaviors.

The OCR and OSERS offices have been inundated with complaints from frustrated parents whose children have ADHD. Instead of stepping up to their legal obligation, many school districts have made the families of these students – families that already have a great deal of extra stress – battle for the proper education of their children, often futilely.

It shouldn’t be shameful to have ADHD.

This story was originally published August 12, 2016 at 1:32 PM with the headline "Students with ADHD have right to personalized learning."