A high school student with hearing impairments is taking legal action against her school district for failing to provide necessary accommodations, which she claims have hindered her educational experience. The complaint was filed by T.B., through her parents P.B. and R.B., in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois on November 26, 2024, against Hinsdale Township High School District 86 Board of Education.
The lawsuit alleges that the school district violated Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and the Civil Rights Remedies Restoration Act by not providing effective communication tools such as Communication Access Real-Time Translation (CART) services and complete class notes. T.B., a student at Hinsdale Central High School who relies on cochlear implants, has faced challenges in accessing classroom discussions due to inadequate transcription services provided by the district. Despite multiple requests from T.B. and her parents for CART services since September 2022, these were only implemented in January 2024 after legal intervention. The district later switched providers without consulting T.B., leading to further issues with transcription accuracy.
T.B.'s complaint highlights systemic failures within the school district to accommodate students with disabilities adequately. She seeks injunctive relief requiring in-person CART services and completed notes for each class period, as well as compensatory damages exceeding $300,000. Additionally, she requests training for educators on ADA and Section 504 requirements to prevent future occurrences.
Representing T.B. are attorneys from Hartlieb Horste & Sandell, LLC, including Verity Sandell. The case is presided over by an unnamed judge under Case No. 24-cv-12218.