Special Education

Special Services Department Overview

Danville Community School Corporation (DCSC) supports the belief that coping strategies learned at an early age greatly influence future capabilities. Caring and qualified professionals help insure appropriate learning styles for those with special needs.

Services for Special Education, English as a Secondary Language (ESL), and Section 504 are provided through DCSC Special Services department.

We believe that every child has value, the right to dignity and respect, and the ability to learn. Children will learn at different rates and in different ways. DCSC strives to provide an atmosphere where success can occur and skills are enhanced. Where every student is encouraged to become a lifelong learner and contributing member to society. 

Special Education Qualification

Special Education qualification, placement, and special education services adhere to federal requirements of the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) and Indiana State Special Education Law, Article 7. Students may qualify for special education services under the following disability categories:

• Autism Spectrum Disorders
• Blind or Low Vision
• Cognitive Disability – Mild, Moderate and Severe
• Deaf or Hard of Hearing
• Deaf-Blind
• Developmental Delay (only applies to ages 3-5)
• Emotional Disability
• Language Speech Impairment
• Multiple Disabilities
• Orthopedic Impairment
• Other Health Impairment
• Specific Learning Disability
• Traumatic Brain Injury

Students must meet Article 7 eligibility criteria to be eligible for special education services. Eligible students will have an Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) developed and may receive academic and instructional supports, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy and physical therapy based on their needs. Services may be provided in a continuum of environments with the individual student’s needs determining the degree and the location of services.   A psycho-educational assessment may be completed by a multi-disciplinary team to adhere to Article 7 eligibility requirements. The school has the right to decline testing a student at parent’s request when school based data does not show a significant weakness in skills. A doctor’s statement is not sufficient to determine educational eligibility; rather the school must consider educational data.