SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – The U.S. Attorneys office has reached an agreement with the Dunlap School District over violations of the federal Americans with Disabilities Act.
The Justice Department says it’s reached a settlement with Dunlap Schools that will assure that the outdoor playground at Banner Elementary School is accessible to all children, including those with disabilities.
Parents of a Banner Elementary student filed an ADA complaint claiming their child was routinely unable to use the playground, and often had to play alone.
“Children and other individuals with disabilities are entitled to full access to our community, including a school’s playground,” said Douglas J. Quivey, Acting United States Attorney for the Central District of Illinois, in a news release. “This settlement demonstrates the Dunlap Community School District’s commitment to providing equal access to all students it serves.”
Officials say Dunlap has agreed to create a new playground, integrating new accessible equipment with existing equipment, and they’ll also remove any access barriers.
The district also does not admit to any wrongdoing in the settlement.