Student Services and Equity

  • In Proviso, we strive to address and accommodate the needs of students as they engage in the learning process.  The Office of Student Services and Equity provides district-wide support for students with disabilities through partnerships with parents, building teams and the community to ensure equal access to the core curriculum, rigorous pathway of instruction responsive to educational needs and equal opportunities for advanced learning. Research shows most students with disabilities can meet high standards when they're provided with meaningful access and participation in the general education curriculum and appropriate, high quality specially designed instruction and support services.

    Here’s a polished and web-friendly layout for your Special Education information. I’ve organized it with clear headings, bullet points, and expandable sections for better readability on a webpage:

    Special Education Services

    Proviso Township High School District 209 is committed to providing a free, appropriate public education (FAPE) to students with disabilities in accordance with state and federal mandates. All students receiving special education services have an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) that outlines the extent, duration, and intensity of services.

    Qualifying Disabilities

    Students may qualify for special education services under the following disability categories:

    • Autism

    • Deaf-Blindness

    • Deafness

    • Emotional Disorder

    • Hearing Impairment

    • Multiple Disabilities

    • Orthopedic Impairment

    • Other Health Impairment

    • Specific Learning Disability

    • Speech/Language Impairment

    • Traumatic Brain Injury

    • Visual Impairment

    Special Education and Related Services

    Related services are designed to help students benefit from special education. These may include:

    • Social work

    • Psychological services

    • Speech/language therapy

    • Transportation

    • Assistive technology

    • Occupational and physical therapy

    • Adaptive physical education

    Related services are determined by educational needs and may differ from medical services in eligibility and delivery.

    Section 504

    Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act protects the rights of individuals with disabilities in programs that receive federal funding.

    • Students with a 504 plan receive accommodations or services tailored to meet their educational needs, allowing them to participate alongside non-disabled peers.

    • Eligibility requires a mental or physical impairment that substantially limits one or more major life functions, such as:

      • Caring for oneself

      • Performing manual tasks

      • Seeing or hearing

      • Eating or sleeping

      • Walking or standing

      • Speaking or communicating

      • Learning, reading, or concentrating

      • Working or body functioning

    Students with a 504 plan are considered general education students.

    Transition Services

    Transition services help students prepare for post-secondary life and career success, focusing on:

    • Career exploration

    • Vocational training

    • Independent living skills

    • Community participation

    • Postsecondary education planning

    Resources