Starting kindergarten or moving schools are big events for every family. For families of diverse learners, it can also bring a mix of excitement, questions, and uncertainty. This resource page was created to help you better understand the supports, services, and community resources available through Oak Park Elementary School District 97, at Abraham Lincoln Elementary School and our wider community.
Our goal is to help families feel informed, supported, and connected.
Comenzar el jardín de infancia o cambiar de escuela son acontecimientos importantes para todas las familias. Para las familias de estudiantes con diversas necesidades de aprendizaje, también puede traer una mezcla de entusiasmo, preguntas e incertidumbre. Esta página de recursos fue creada para ayudarle a comprender mejor los apoyos, servicios y recursos comunitarios disponibles a través del Distrito Escolar Primario 97 de Oak Park, en la Escuela Primaria Abraham Lincoln y en nuestra comunidad en general.
Nuestro objetivo es ayudar a las familias a sentirse informadas, apoyadas y conectadas.
District 97 Special Education Services
Servicios de Educación Especial del Distrito 97.pdf
District 97 offers a continuum of services designed to meet students where they are and provide support in the least restrictive environment possible. Services and placements are individualized based on each student’s needs and are determined through the IEP team process.
You can learn more on the district’s special education page.
Related Services at Lincoln Elementary
District 97 offers a variety of related services to help students access their education and thrive at school.
School Social Work
School social workers are trained mental health professionals who support students’ social-emotional well-being. Services may include:
- Individual or group counseling
- Behavioral and emotional support
- Crisis intervention
- Classroom support
- Collaboration with teachers, families, and administrators
School Psychology
School psychologists support students, staff, and families through:
- Educational and psychological assessments
- Consultation and problem-solving
- Behavioral support
- Counseling services
- Collaboration with school teams and caregivers
Occupational Therapy (OT)
Occupational therapists support students whose fine motor, visual motor, sensory processing, self-care, or postural needs significantly impact participation in school.
Physical Therapy (PT)
Physical therapists support students with gross motor, mobility, positioning, strength, endurance, or physical access needs that affect educational participation.
Speech and Language Therapy
Speech and language services support students with identified needs related to:
- Articulation
- Language development
- Fluency
- Voice
Speech services are available within all District 97 schools.
Physical Education
While Lincoln does not currently offer a separate Adaptive PE class, Mr Raad is trained in Adapted PE and committed to support students with varying physical and developmental needs within PE programming.
Enrichment Specialists
Enrichment specialists design and lead advanced learning activities, support gifted and talented students, and collaborate with regular classroom teachers.
Universal Design for Learning (UDL)
Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is an educational framework that aims to reduce barriers and create flexible learning environments that support all students.
Rather than adding accommodations after challenges arise, UDL encourages schools to proactively design instruction that is accessible from the beginning.
The framework is built around three core principles:
- Multiple Means of Engagement (“Why”)
Students may engage with learning in different ways through choice, collaboration, movement, creativity, or real-world connections.
- Multiple Means of Representation (“What”)
Information can be presented in multiple formats, including visuals, audiobooks, hands-on materials, discussion, and written text.
- Multiple Means of Action and Expression (“How”)
Students may demonstrate learning in different ways such as writing, speaking, creating projects, or using technology.
At Lincoln, the UDL Coordinator helps oversee special education programming, supports Section 504 implementation, collaborates with staff and families, and works to ensure students have equitable access to learning opportunities.
IEP & Section 504
Family Handbook- Finalized.pdf
Understanding IEP & Section 504.pdf
Comprender el IEP y la Sección 504-3.pdf
After school Programs
Programas después de la escuela.pdf
Best Buddies
After School Club that meets every other Thursday and organizes occasional activities on weekends. Builds connections and community between young students with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) through inclusive activities and social-emotional learning tools that promote one-to-one friendship, acceptance, and interaction at an early age.
Special Olympics/WSSR
We offer Special Olympics programs in our district for students in Early Childhood (age 3-5) through 8th grade. Traditional athletes are eligible to participate in Special Olympics if they have an intellectual disability. Our Special Olympics sports are Unified, which means that students with and without intellectual disabilities participate.
Below is a list of the current Special Olympics Sports that we participate in:
- Young Athletes - Offered throughout the school year through my adapted p.e. classes for ages 3-9 years old and older peer buddies (4th-5th graders)
- Special Olympics Soccer - Season is end of September through October. Open to 4th through 8th graders in the district.
- Special Olympics Rhythmic Gymnastics - Season is January through March. Open to 4th through 8th grade.
- Special Olympics Sports Clinic - One to two weekends per year in March/April we offer a Special Olympics sports clinic that includes bocce, soccer and basketball. This clinic is open to kindergarten through 5th graders and introduces athletes and parents to the Special Olympics sports that we offer in our district.
If you have an interest in your child participating in one of the following, but have concerns, please reach out so we can figure out how to help.
OPPD Clubhouse Afterschool Program
The Clubhouse Afterschool program provides childcare for children in grades K-5, ages 5-12. Clubhouse serves students from all eight District 97 elementary schools. The Clubhouse follows the D97 school-year calendar and meets on half days as well. Full days off of school are not included in the Clubhouse registration. The Clubhouse runs from 3:00-6:00P M, Tu, Th, F and 2:00-6:00P on W.
The Park District of Oak Park (PDOP) and West Suburban Special Recreation Association (WSSRA) work together to provide support to children who enroll in PDOP programs and who have a disability. If you think your child may need additional support due to disability please click here. You will find more information and contact details under the section Inclusion.
Recess and lunch
At the beginning of the school year, students will be informed of the different clubs at the school. Some you or your child will need to sign up for, others your child can join when they feel like it on the day. Those that do not need a financial contribution, the kids can sign up on their ipads and those that have a fee, parents will have to sign up for.
If you have an interest in your child participating in one of the clubs, but have concerns about available support, please reach out to divco@ptolincoln.org so we can figure out how to help.
Trekkers
During fall and spring the PTO and school organise a weekly run on Thursdays during recess. Students 1st grade and up can run on the path around the field and will receive a punchhole on their card (there is one automatically available for each student) for each lap completed. The school announces the students who have completed their card and they get invited to pick up their prize at the office (a foot keychain). Students who need additional support can get their card from a designated diverse learners volunteer.
Garden Club
Garden Club runs during fall and spring on Tuesdays. Students get to learn about plants and gardening and help run Lincoln’s garden. No sign up is needed and students can join if they feel like it. A designated diverse learners volunteer is there to provide additional support.
Divco Student Club
An inclusive lunchtime club run by Ms Meglan, where students explore different world experiences and build on making Lincoln a diverse and rich community where all students feel they belong.
Parent and Community Supports
PTO Diversity & Inclusion Committee (DivCo)
Lincoln Elementary PTO includes a Diversity and Inclusion Committee (DivCo) focused on building a welcoming and inclusive school community for all families.
Within DivCo, a dedicated team works specifically to support diverse learners and their families by:
- Encouraging inclusion and belonging
- Sharing resources and information
- Building family connections
- Advocating for accessibility and support within the school community
- Raising Awareness around disability
Families are always welcome to connect in person or through the DivCo email channels.
District-Wide Initiatives
District 97 Student Services shares monthly newsletters that include:
- Upcoming events
- Parent workshops
- Community opportunities
- Support resources for families
SEPAC (Special Education Parent Advisory Committee)
District 97 SEPAC is a parent-led advisory group that partners with the district to support students with disabilities and their families. Families will be informed of upcoming dates through the district Core Services monthly newsletter.
SEPAC helps:
- Advocate for inclusive educational practices
- Provide parent education and resources
- Create community connections
- Offer feedback to district leadership about special education services and policies
SEPAC meetings are designed to feel welcoming and supportive. Families can participate at whatever level feels comfortable, and without pressure to speak publicly or share personal experiences. Feel free to reach out to us if you have any questions. The district also provides childcare during SEPAC meetings.
Special Education Parent Support Group
District 97 offers a monthly Special Education Parent Support Group, held at Whittier Elementary School.
The group provides a safe, welcoming, and nonjudgmental space for caregivers to connect, share experiences, and support one another. Meetings are facilitated by Student Services staff, but topics are parent-driven and based on the needs of the group.
Past discussions have included:
- Supporting neurodivergent and disabled children
- Sibling relationships
- School transitions
- Managing holidays and routines
- Parent self-care and community support
Many families find the group to be an invaluable source of connection and reassurance. Childcare is provided by the district.
Student Night In
“Student Night In” is a quarterly District 97 event designed for students with IEPs and their siblings ages 3 and up.
The event gives students an opportunity to socialize, build friendships, and have fun in a supportive environment. Many of our Lincoln teachers, teaching assistants, and support staff volunteer their time, allowing you an opportunity to recharge while knowing your children are being cared for by familiar and supportive adults. Feel free to reach out to us if you have any questions.
Local Resources
Divco Diverse Learners have compiled a list of resources. Please reach out if you would like to add a resource or if you are looking for a recommendation from other parents. You can reach us at divco@ptolincoln.org.
Diverse Learners Local Resources.pdf
Monthly Calendar
A Final Note
Every child’s journey is different, and no family is expected to navigate it alone. Whether your child needs minimal support or more specialized services, there are people throughout Lincoln and District 97 who care deeply about helping students feel successful, included, and valued.
Cada niño tiene un recorrido diferente, y no se espera que ninguna familia lo transite sola. Ya sea que su hijo necesite un apoyo mínimo o servicios más especializados, hay personas en todo Lincoln y el Distrito 97 que se preocupan profundamente por ayudar a los estudiantes a sentirse exitosos, incluidos y valorados.
