A doctors note is no longer required for a mask exemption in Pennsylvania. Students can have a 504 for any medical reason. Before the end of this school year send an email to your child’s school nurse and principal, also CC the following on the email: Chester County Health Department, Jeanne Franklin and the Chester County Commissioners (email addresses below). The email should state:
My child will no longer wear a mask to school due to (choose/add): anxiety, asthma, hypoxia, hypercapnia, shortness of breath, increased acidity, immunosuppression, fatigue, decline in cognitive performance, chronic stress, anxiety and depression. Please include a mask exemption for the above mention health conditions as a 504 accommodation for my child. This is not a request, my child [students name] will no longer wear a mask to school.
Send email to your school principal, school nurse and CC:
jcasner@chesco.org, cchd@chesco.org, cccommissioners@chesco.org, jmaxwell@chesco.org, mkichline@chesco.org, mmoskowitz@chesco.org
** Its important to do this before the end of this school year, 2020-2021 to see what the school districts response is, either a 504 mask exemption, or they will respond with their reason why they refuse a 504 mask exemption. This is a legal obligation on behalf of the school district.
NOTE: A 504 is a legal obligation that the school must follow.
“504 plans are formal plans that schools develop to give kids with disabilities the support they need. That covers any condition that limits daily activities in a major way. These plans prevent discrimination. And they protect the rights of kids with disabilities in school.” Source: https://www.understood.org/en/school-learning/special-services/504-plan/what-is-a-504-plan#
PA Department of Health states:
Do students with disabilities need to wear face coverings?
Children two years old and older are required to wear a face covering unless they have a medical or mental health condition or disability, documented in accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act or the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), that precludes the wearing of a face covering in school. Accommodations for such students should be made in partnership with the student's health care provider, school nurse, and Individual Education Plan (IEP)/Section 504 team.
May a school request evidence that someone qualifies for an exception to the Order?
Schools must require all students over 2 years of age to wear face coverings, except for any student who has a medical or mental health condition or disability that precludes the wearing of a face covering in school. Notwithstanding the exceptions in Section 3 or the Order, schools may require medical documentation. The Pennsylvania Department of Education recommends that any documentation that is provided be in accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act or IDEA of such medical or mental health condition or disability.
Source: https://www.health.pa.gov/topics/disease/coronavirus/Pages/Guidance/Universal-Masking-FAQ.aspx
