Parent/Guardian Guide: Getting Help for Your Child at School - English
Parent/Guardian Guide: Getting Help for Your Child at School - Spanish

Procedural Safeguards  (English)   Procedural Safeguards (Spanish)

Special Education and the Physician

Introduction to Special Education

Special Education Evaluation Timeline

Parent Support Groups

The District provides excellent services for students with disabilities in the following areas: 

• Autism
• Blind and Visually Impaired
• Deaf and Hard of Hearing
• Deafblind
• Emotional Behavioral Disability
• Intellectual Disability
• Orthopedic Impairment
• Other Health Impairment
• Significant Developmental Delay
• Specific Learning Disabilities
• Speech and Language
• Traumatic Brain Injury

Autism Resources

• Autism Society of Wisconsin
• National Autism Association

Many parents ask about how the District works with students with Dyslexia. Dyslexia is one type of reading disability. Please keep in mind that even if a student has a medical diagnosis of Dyslexia, the student still has to meet the state criteria for a specific disability area.  The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction recently created the Dyslexia Guidebook with some excellent resources.

Please refer to the Parent/Guardian Guide: Getting Help for Your Child at School for more information.

Section 504 covers qualified students with disabilities who attend schools receiving Federal financial assistance. To be protected under Section 504, a student must be determined to: (1) have a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities; or (2) have a record of such impairment; or (3) be regarded as having such an impairment. Section 504 requires that school districts provide a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) to qualified students in their jurisdictions who have a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities.

Many families ask about the difference between a Section 504 Plan and an Individualized Education Plan (IEP). A Section 504 plan specifically outlines accommodations a student needs to be successful in the regular education setting. An IEP outlines goals the student needs to meet, includes specialized instruction from a special education teacher, and accommodations the student needs in the regular education classroom.  

If you have further questions about Section 504 or would like to inquire about how to refer your child for a Section 504 evaluation, please reach out to the school psychologist in your child’s school or reach out to the Director of Special Education.
 
Section 504 is overseen by the Office of Civil Rights and they have a wealth of information on their website if you would like to read more about Section 504.

Every year, the Waunakee Community School District holds an event to screen children ages 3-5 years old for disabilities. If you have a concern about your child's development, including their fine motor skills, gross motor skills, speech/language skills or behavioral concerns, please plan to attend this event. 

The next Early Learner Screening is scheduled for February of 2026. 

Students with special education needs are legally eligible to stay in school until age 21.  Some students with more significant disabilities benefit from transitional services that help them move into adult settings, which could include work or school-based settings.

This resource was written by the Special Education department at Waunakee Community School District.

Transition Guide: Moving from Student to Adulthood
Transition Guide: Moving from Student to Adulthood (Spanish)

Many agencies are involved in supporting students with special needs, including:
Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR)
DVR Online Application
Aging and Disability Resource Center
Access to Independence
Family Support and Resource Center

Embark on the journey of planning after high school for students with disabilities.  Discover and network with various community and educational agencies as you and your child plan for life after high school. March 2026

More information to come soon!

Coming soon!

Sessions: Choose 3 of the following 30 minute sessions

Madison Area Technical College:  Disability Resource Center 
Learn about the process for requesting accommodations at the college level and how MATC supports students with disabilities.

The Cutting Edge Program at Edgewood College
Learn about this unique program designed for students with disabilities to have a college experience, while still receiving daily support services. 

Aging Disabilities Resource Center (ADRC) 
The ADRC of Dane County is a great resource if you are trying to navigate the system of long term supports for your child with disabilities.  They also have a wealth of information and resources when it comes to other community based resources for students and adults with disabilities. 

Project Search at Sauk Prairie Healthcare
Learn about a unique program designed as an integrated employment opportunity for students with disabilities.  Project Search partners with school districts to provide a supported work environment, with a goal of employment beyond high school. 

Department of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR)
DVR is an employment program that helps people with disabilities find jobs and get the support they need while on the job.  Students can enroll in DVR while they are in high school to begin accessing services.

Disability Rights Lawyer
Learn more from an attorney who represents parents and children with disabilities in a variety of matters, including guardianship.

For more information, please contact: 
Jerod Boyd, 6-12 Special Education Coordinator
Phone: 608-513-8319
Email: jerodboyd@waunakee.k12.wi.us