Educational Accommodations for K-12

There are a variety of educational accommodations, settings, and support services for youth diagnosed with BPD. Educational accommodations exist so that every child has access to a free, fair, and equal education, regardless of their circumstances, abilities or disabilities.

Under the law, when a child is having difficulties, a parent can request a referral for an evaluation through the Committee on Special Education. The evaluation will explore what might be needed to support the student at school.This is the first step and leads to the development of a program to address the student’s academic and social performance, needs, and goals. The request can be made directly to the school personnel.

Keep in mind that if your child has not yet received a diagnosis, the psychiatrists contracted with school districts are not always experienced with diagnosing BPD.  Parents have the right to have an evaluation done by a private psychiatrist with training in BPD, at their own expense. 

504 Plans

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 protects students with disabilities from discrimination. A 504 plan is an option when the student is able to function well in a regular education environment with accommodations. A 504 Plan is usually less restrictive than an Individual Education Plan (IEP). It is different from an IEP in that it provides services and changes to your child’s learning environment to meet your child’s needs as adequately as other students. Developing a successful 504 plan requires a lot of advocacy, creativity, and awareness of what a child needs in the school setting. 

Individual Education Plans (IEPS)

An Individual Education Plan (IEP) is an option for students with a disability that is adversely impacting education. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), borderline personality disorder (BPD) qualifies as an “Emotional Disturbance” disability on IEP.   

There are different types of classroom settings your child may be placed in if they have an IEP, which include: general education classroom, integrated co-teaching classroom, self-contained classroom (12:1:1). 

Independent Study

Some high schools and colleges are willing to arrange for a student to do an independent study to learn about a specific subject not taught in an available class or to accommodate a student who is unable to attend class due to an illness or injury. Some high schools allow students to take independent studies from their home to continue learning until they are able to return to school.

This can usually be arranged with the school guidance counselor.

Generally, you choose what you want your independent study to focus on and request for it to be approved by your school. You will typically work with an advisor to develop a detailed plan of what you will learn and the work you will do.

An independent study can be supportive to a student who has fallen behind due to absences caused by symptoms or treatment for BPD. It can also be used to accommodate a student with sleep issues or anxiety who would benefit from a shortened school day.