Special Education
Crestwood Local Schools provides an educational experience empowering students to maximize their potential through personalized learning. The Special Education Program supports this work by individualizing the education for all students identified with disabilities. We believe in maintaining high expectations for students and staff, alike, while providing a holistic and inclusive educational experience. Students, staff, and families share the responsibility for student success and we encourage and celebrate perseverance through challenges.
Special Education is guided by federal and state requirements for students ages 3 - 21. Federal requirements are grounded in legislation referred to as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) with additional support in Ohio from the Ohio Operating Standards for the Education of Children with Disabilities (Ohio’s Operating Standards). Special education is specially designed instruction, support, and services provided to students with identified disabilities requiring individually designed instructional programs to meet unique learning needs. Special education supports student success by providing a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE).
Ohio Department of Education: Special Education
Ohio Department of Education Operating Standards
Opportunities of Ohioans with Disabilities
504
Section 504 is a civil rights law referring to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act, which specify that no one with a disability can be excluded from participating in federally funded programs or activities such as public schooling. Section 504 ensures that a child with a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities has equal access to education through the use of accommodations and modifications to educational programming. Major life activities include caring for one’s self, performing manual tasks, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, working, and learning, to name a few. Section 504 mandates that public school districts offer a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) to eligible students with disabilities.
A 504 Plan is intended for children with a wide range of disabilities who are, nevertheless, able to participate and succeed in the general education setting. This differs from children in need of specially designed instruction via Special Education. The accommodations and modifications listed on a child’s 504 Plan are designed to give that student an opportunity to perform at the same level as typical peers.