District 47's special education staff conducts Child Find activities, determines eligibility for special education services, and provides qualifying services to eligible students in preschool through 8th grade. The services provided include specialized instruction for students with learning disabilities, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, vision and hearing itinerant services, specialized instruction and supports for students with emotional/behavioral disabilities, autism, significant speech/language impairments, and cognitive disabilities. District 47 partners with private facilities and surrounding school districts to provide programming for all low-incidence disabilities.

• 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 (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. Questions about the identification, assessment and placement of students should be directed to the Director of Special Education/District 504 coordinator at 815-788-5030.