Ness Sponsors Legislation to Increase Educational Opportunities for Students with Developmental Disabilities

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. –To ensure the success of Illinois students with developmental disabilities, state Rep. Suzanne Ness, D-Crystal Lake, is sponsoring legislation that would permit students eligible for special education services to finish the school year after their 22nd birthday.  

“The tools available to public school students with developmental disabilities are essential for preparing students for the transition into adult life,” said Ness. “Cutting off a student’s access to these services in the middle of the school year is an unnecessary interruption that can hinder a student’s progress.”

House Bill 40 will allow students with disabilities to remain eligible for special education services after their 22nd birthday if it is during the school year. This will allow students to finish the school year, better preparing them for the transition into adult life. Under current law, students with developmental disabilities are not able to receive public education services from the state after they turn 22.

“Students that are about to age out of special education services will benefit tremendously from this legislation,” continued Ness. “I encourage my colleagues in the General Assembly to support this legislation to expand the educational opportunities for students with developmental disabilities, especially as they prepare to transition into adult life.”