SPECIAL EDUCATION SERVICES

The mission of Community High School District 128 is to provide quality educational opportunities that foster the development of well-rounded, civic-minded learners and citizens.  District #128 provides a free appropriate public education to high school aged students who are determined eligible to receive special education services.  The special services teams at Libertyville High School and Vernon Hills High School strive to support all students in their high school experience based on their individualized needs and with creative planning.  D128 provides a continuum of special education and related services to ensure educational opportunities for all learners, including through our collaboration with the Special Education District of Lake County (SEDOL). Instructional and related services provided through the Special Services Department include special education planning under IDEA, 504 Accommodation planning under ADA, and Home/Hospital Instruction services.  

Students suspected of having a disability that may require special education services should be referred to their school counselor for a review.  Administrative procedures for case study evaluation, determination of eligibility for special education services and placement into special education programs/services have been developed.  They are available by contacting the District 128 Special Services Director, Ms. Kelli Hartweg by email at kelli.hartweg@d128.org or telephone at (847) 247-4504.

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES REHABILITATION ACT (SECTION 504)
District 128 provides educational accommodations to students who have or are suspected of having a mental or physical impairment which substantially limits one or more major life activities and who have been found eligible to receive ADA, Section 504, accommodations by the high school district.  Students who have a disability or who may be suspected of having a disability which requires ADA, Section 504, accommodations should contact their school counselor to receive the forms necessary to begin the process for requesting a 504 plan. Students with disabilities who do not qualify for an individualized education program, as required by the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, may qualify for services under Section 504 of the federal 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. 

In determining a student to be eligible for a 504 plan while in high school, the 504 accommodation team will consider reasonable and appropriate accommodations to support the student’s access to learning and demonstrating his/her knowledge.  A 504 plan will be specific to the academic situation the student is in at the time of the request and will provide reasonable accommodations to insure the student’s safety and academic functioning while attending school and school activities.  The high school will conduct a 504 case study evaluation to determine the necessity for the development of a 504 plan of accommodations.

Students with disabilities who do not qualify for an individualized education program under the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, may qualify for services under Section 504 of the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973 if the student (1) has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, (2) has a record of a physical or mental impairment, or (3) is regarded as having a physical or mental impairment. To inquire about the identification, assessment and placement of students, contact the District 128 Special Services Director, Kelli Hartweg by email at kelli.hartweg@d128.org or telephone at (847) 247-4504.