Autism News, Illinoisribbon


New Legislation enacted in 2007

Public Act 95-257

Autism IEP parameters

 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.
SB 79 

http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/billstatus.asp?DocNum=79&GAID=9&GA=95&DocTypeID=SB&LegID=27517


Public Act 95-251

 Autism qualifies for disability database (“waitlist”) without regard to IQ

 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. SB 51

http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/billstatus.asp?DocNum=51&GAID=9&GA=95&DocTypeID=SB&LegID=27261


Public Act 95-226

 Autism license plate

 provides for the issuance of Autism Awareness license plates.  (For more details on how to order these plates, visit www.autismillinois.org in the next few weeks; we will post information as it becomes available from the Secretary of State’s office).  In addition to the appropriate registration fees, an applicant for the special plate shall be charged an original issuance fee of $40 and a fee of $27 for each renewal. Provides that $25 of the additional original issuance fee and $25 of the renewal fee shall be deposited into the Autism Awareness Fund. Provides that $15 of the original issuance fee and $2 of the renewal fee shall be deposited into the Secretary of State Special License Plate Fund. Provides that, subject to appropriation by the General Assembly and approval by the Secretary of State, all moneys in the Autism Awareness Fund shall be paid to the Illinois Department of Human Services for the purpose of grants for research, education, and awareness regarding autism and autism spectrum disorders.  The bill was introduced in the House by Rep. Patti Bellock and led in the Senate by Sen. William Delgado. Passed the House 115-1; passed the Senate 56-3. HB 2808

http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/billstatus.asp?DocNum=2808&GAID=9&GA=95&DocTypeID=HB&LegID=31607   


Public Act 95-171

requires that probationary police officers receive training in autism.  The bill was introduced by Rep. Patti Bellock and led in the Senate by Sen. John Millner.  Passed both houses unanimously.

http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/billstatus.asp?DocNum=3454&GAID=9&GA=95&DocTypeID=HB&LegID=32327  


Public Act 95-106

requires that the Department of Human Services study and report on potential funding streams for services to adults with autism who do not also have mental retardation.  The bill was introduced by Rep. Rosemary Mulligan and led in the Senate by Sen. Carole Pankau.  Passed both houses unanimously.

http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocTypeID=HB&DocNum=1535&GAID=9&SessionID=51&LegID=30341  




Thanks to Chris Kennedy and all who worked to get these bills enacted.

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