Any parent/guardian of a student who is suspected to have a disability may request a referral for consideration of a Section 504 plan or eligibility for special education services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The request must be in writing and delivered to the Director of Special Education Services and the student’s school counselor.
Upon receipt of the written referral, the student’s records are reviewed by members of the Student Services team in a timely fashion. The parent(s)/guardian(s) will receive a written confirmation noting the review of the referral was completed and detailing the action recommended by the Student Services team, as well as a copy of their procedural safeguards. All timelines required under federal and state regulations are followed.
Questions regarding the referral process may be directed to the student’s school counselor or the Director of Special Education Services.
Students with disabilities who do not qualify for an individualized education program as required by IDEA may qualify for services under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 if the child (i) has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, (ii) has a record of a physical or mental impairment, or (iii) is regarded as having a physical or mental impairment. (105 ILCS 5/14-6.01).