SB1981 Summary

• Amends the Rehabilitation of Persons with Disabilities Act to replace "habilitation and rehabilitation" language with "vocational rehabilitation" throughout the statute and related provisions.

• Requires the Department of Human Services to submit annual reports to the Governor containing information on vocational rehabilitation, independent living, and community services and supports administered by the Director.

• Modifies provisions for the Statewide Independent Living Council to develop a State Plan for Independent Living for submission to the federal Administrator (rather than annual submission to a Commissioner).

• Changes superintendent qualification requirements for the Illinois School for the Deaf and Illinois School for the Visually Impaired to require a degree in educational administration with 10 years of experience (rather than dual degrees with 15 years), with American Sign Language fluency required for the Deaf school superintendent.

• Requires school districts to notify parents in writing if a child with a disability might be eligible for services from the Illinois Center for Rehabilitation and Education, including information about admission criteria and contact information.