Section 755.25  The Application Process

a)         Application to a School can be made in one of the following ways:

1)         by the local school district; or

2)         in the case of the Illinois School for the Deaf (ISD) or the Illinois School for the Visually Impaired (ISVI), if a parent disagrees with the placement option of the district after the Eligibility Review (ER) and Individualized Education Plan (IEP) are completed, the parent may apply directly to ISD or ISVI; however, placement of school district referrals shall be given priority over placement of these applicants.  ISD or ISVI shall notify in writing or by telephone the local school district within 15 days after receipt of an application from a parent.  If resources (classroom and dormitory availability, staff to student ratio and commodities) are sufficient, applications by parents shall be considered for admission.

b)         The following shall be submitted to the School at the time of application:

1)         Admission forms provided by the School, completed in their entirety.

2)         A copy of the student's most recent ER and IEP developed by the local school district or a copy of the Hearing Officer's decision from an appeal pursuant to 89 Ill. Adm. Code 828.

3)         A letter from the education official of the local school district formally referring the student for educational placement.  If the provisions in subsection (a)(2) apply, a letter shall not be required from the local school district;  however, a letter from the parent formally requesting admission to the School is required.

4)         The student's medical history, including a current detailed immunization record, and family history of hearing loss, visual impairment, congenital, physical and health problems, and any motor, speech or self-care limitations the student may have.

5)         Appropriate medical examinations:

A)        Either a current general physical examination or a Certificate of Child Health Examination (Illinois Department of Public Health (DPH) form 001.2) completed within one year prior to application.

B)        Applicants to ISD must submit an otological or an audiological examination report that demonstrates a severe to profound hearing loss for which the student requires a variety of academic and related service interventions.

C)        Applicants to the Illinois Center for Rehabilitation and Education-Roosevelt (ICRE-R) must submit a medical examination report from the University of Illinois, Division of Specialized Care for Children or medical documentation of disability from a licensed physician.  All documentation must show that the applicant has a severe to profound disability for which the student requires a variety of academic and related service interventions.

D)        Applicants to ISVI must submit an ophthalmological or optometric examination report that shows a severe to profound visual loss for which the student requires a variety of academic and related service interventions.

E)        All students six years of age or younger must submit a lead blood level screening report prior to admission as required by DPH (77 Ill. Adm. Code 665.140(f)).

F)         All applicants to ISD and ICRE-R must submit a vision screening exam reqired by the School Code [105 ILCS 5/27-8.1(1.10)].

6)         Other educational, medical and social reports and documents as may be necessary or required by law for the application process (e.g., guardianship papers, birth certificate).

(Source:  Amended at 37 Ill. Reg. 17109, effective October 8, 2013)