Parents Seek Fence at Special Needs School Playground

In the small town of Frankfort, Illinois, a group of concerned parents is fighting for a vital safety measure at Lincoln-Way Area Special Education District 843. They want the school to install a fence around the playground. Parents have attended board meetings since April, asking why the fence hasn't been added. Laila Yassin, the leader of the parents, shares that her autistic son once ran away from the playground last spring. Yassin explained that her son, like many children with autism, sees unobstructed spaces as "free-range. " In meetings, she's yet to get clear answers or actions from the board. A petition started by Yassin highlights incidents where kids have dashed towards risky areas like a retention pond or car park. This behavior, called "elopement, " is common in autistic children, with half of parents surveyed in a 2018 study reporting their child tried to run away after age 4. The special education district supports students from 3 to 22 years old throughout Lincoln-Way. It's managed by a board with representatives from local schools. Despite repeated concerns, the district hasn't responded significantly to the parents' plea for a fence. Meanwhile, the school operates from the Pioneer Grove Educational Center in Frankfort. It's crucial to consider why the district hasn't acted on these safety concerns, despite clear needs and potential hazards. The situation raises questions about how schools prioritize the well-being of all students.