VILLAGE OF BENSENVILLE SPECIAL NEEDS CHILD & CHILDREN AT PLAY SIGNS POLICY STATEMENT

The Village receives requests from residents to install “CHILDREN AT PLAY” (CAP), handicap/disabled, deaf child, blind child and autistic child signs or ones with similar messages. While residents may believe these signs provide protection for their special needs child, studies have shown CAP and similar signs to be ineffective, giving parents a false sense of security. They may also lead to disrespect for other regulatory and warning signs. There are no studies that show the special needs children (blind, deaf, autistic or disabled) signs are either effective or ineffective.

The purpose of the Village’s policy is to govern the installation and removal of special needs (blind, deaf, autistic or disabled) child signs and children at play signs. It’s our goal to assist residents in their request for special needs child signs that can warn drivers to situations that might not be readily apparent.

Village policy prohibits CAP, SLOW CAP or any other AT PLAY (AP) signs, but allows requested special needs child warning signs that meet certain criteria and documentation. These signs include: BLIND CHILD, DEAF CHILD, AUTISTIC CHILD and DISABLED CHILD. A sign request will only be granted if it meets the following criteria:

• The child is impaired to the extent that they are unable to hear, see or otherwise comprehend oncoming traffic.
• A fully and properly completed application that is also signed by a qualified ear, eye or other specialist certifying the child is impaired or disabled.
• The child is between the ages of two (2) and fifteen (15) years of age at the time of the request.
• The child resides within the corporate limits of Bensenville and lives on a residential street with a posted speed limit of 25mph.
• Applicant provides proof of residency (copy of driver’s license, property tax notice, utility billing or other documentation).
• Applicant agrees to provide proof of residency prior to January 1st of each subsequent year of the application and if such proof is not provided, the sign will be removed by the Village and will not be re-installed.
• Applicant agrees the sign will be removed upon the earliest of the fifteenth birthday or when the child no longer lives at the subject address.

Sign requests for persons beyond fifteen (15) years of age may be granted at the discretion of the Village if extenuating circumstances warrant. The Village reserves the right to deny any request found not to meet the criteria or with overly burdensome requests as determined by the Village.

Complete Special Needs Child & Children At Play Signs Policy

Special Needs Child Children at Play Signs - Application