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Advancing the Human & Civil Rights of People with Disabilities in Illinois

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FAQ

Woman sitting at desk and talking on phoneFind answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) about our Helpline. Just click on a question below to read the answer or scroll down to read them all.

How do I reach the Helpline?

How can the Helpline help me?

When is the Helpline available (days, hours)?

What if I call outside of the Helpline’s hours?

What should I expect when I call the Helpline?/

How do I reach the Helpline?

Call our toll-free Helpline at 1-866-KIDS-046 (866-543-7046).

How can the Helpline help me?

Our Helpline staff can assist you by providing:

  • Someone you can talk to about your child’s rights in school
  • Information sheets on frequently asked questions
  • Sample letters and forms
  • Referrals
  • Other assistance as needed

When is the Helpline available (days, hours)?

Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (central time).

What if I call outside of the Helpline’s hours?

If you call when our Helpline is closed or if we are not able to take your call right away, you can:

  • Leave a message on the Special Education Clinic/Helpline voicemail at any time and we will return your call.
  • Fill out our Helpline questionnaire and email it to us.

What should I expect when I call the Helpline?

Here’s what you should know when calling the Special Education Helpline:

  • Our Helpline staff will try to talk to you right away. If we can’t take your call, you can leave a message and we will return your call within three working days.
  • We will ask you some background questions so we can figure out how to help you.
  • Calls with our Helpline staff usually last from 30 minutes to one hour.
  • If you are calling about someone else’s child, we will need their parents or guardians to contact us too.
  • If the assistance you get from our Helpline is not successful and you need further help, we may be able to provide legal representation at critical school meetings, expulsion hearings, negotiations, due process administrative hearings and court. However, we only offer these services in limited cases and only if we have available resources.

Review our Cases We Handle page for information about the specific types of issues we deal with and cases we handle.”

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Last updated: September 03, 2020

This website is made possible by funding support from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, both the Administration on Developmental Disabilities and the Center for Mental Health Services of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration; and the U.S. Department of Education, the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services. The contents of this website are solely the responsibility of Equip for Equality and do not necessarily represent the official view of any of these agencies.

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