Federal Legislation

Supreme Court Rules on Educational Lawsuits
The Supreme Court ruled that parents of children with disabilities need not hire lawyers if they want to sue public school districts over their children's special-education needs. To read the entire story click here. For the actual brief click here.

State Legislation

Disability History and Awareness Bill
HB4537 Reviewed Wednesday March 5, 2008. The bill proposed mandating Disability History and Awareness public schools.
For more information about this proposed bill click here.

SB 79 - Autism IEP parameters
Public Act 95-257 provides that, in the development of the individualized education program for a student who has a disability on the autism spectrum, the IEP team shall consider certain factors: (1) The verbal and nonverbal communication needs of the child; (2) The need to develop social interaction skills and proficiencies; (3) The needs resulting from the child's unusual responses to sensory experiences; (4) The needs resulting from resistance to environmental change or change in daily routines; (5) The needs resulting from engagement in repetitive activities and stereotyped movements; (6) The need for any positive behavioral interventions, strategies, and supports to address any behavioral difficulties resulting from autism spectrum disorder; (7) Other needs resulting from the child's disability that impact progress in the general curriculum, including social and emotional development. The law also clarifies that it does not create any new entitlement to a service, program, or benefit, but must not affect any entitlement to a service, program, or benefit created by any other law. Effective January 1, 2008. The bill was introduced in the Senate by Sen. Susan Garrett and led in the House by Rep. Patti Bellock. Passed both houses unanimously. To read more click here.

SB 51 - Autism qualifies for disability database (“waitlist”) without regard to IQ
Public Act 95-251 provides that a person diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder may be assessed for eligibility for services under Home and Community-Based Services Waivers for persons with developmental disabilities without regard to whether that person is also diagnosed with mental retardation, so long as the person otherwise meets applicable level-of-care criteria under those waivers. It is our hope that this will allow for greater access to not only the waitlist but also to expanding home and community services. The bill was introduced in the Senate by Sen. Susan Garrett and led in the House by Rep. Aaron Schock. Passed both houses unanimously. To read more click here.

Illinois House Education Committee

Illinois General Assembly: Elementary & Secondary Education Committee

Click here to learn about Education Bills and committee members.