IL HB0835

Amends the School Code to change special education eligibility determination and individualized education program (IEP) timelines: 60 calendar days for children ages 3 and 4, and 60 school days for children ages 5 through 21 (previously 60 school days regardless of age), counted from date of written parental consent.

If written parental consent is obtained with fewer than 60 pupil attendance days remaining in the school year, the eligibility determination and IEP meeting must be completed before the first day of the following school year.

Requires IEP teams for students with autism spectrum disorders to consider seven specific factors including communication needs, social interaction skills, sensory responses, resistance to environmental change, repetitive behaviors, behavioral interventions, and other disability-related needs affecting curriculum progress.

Requires IEP teams for functionally blind students to presume proficiency in Braille reading and writing is essential for educational progress, and specifies that other students with severe vision loss or progressive vision loss are also entitled to Braille instruction.

Requires school districts to provide plans for students potentially eligible for Home-Based Support Services for Mentally Disabled Adults, including determining eligibility and enrolling in the program upon reaching adulthood.