Yang Rohr-Sponsored Law Provides Support to Students with Developmental Disabilities

NAPERVILLE, Ill. – A new law sponsored by state Rep. Janet Yang Rohr, D-Naperville, will better connect parents and guardians of students with developmental disabilities with state resources.

“It is crucial that students with developmental disabilities and their families are aware of the resources and state services available to them,” said Yang Rohr. “The state’s Prioritization of Urgency of Need for Services database, or PUNS list, is a critical tool that parents of children with developmental disabilities can enroll in to be alerted when there is state funding, services or support that is available to them. While some schools may already be informing parents of the PUNS list, a new law we passed will ensure that all eligible families are made aware.”  

Yang Rohr sponsored House Bill 290, which requires school districts to provide parents and guardians of a student with developmental disabilities with the Department of Human Services (DHS) guide on services in the PUNS database, including eligibility and enrollment and other frequently asked questions. The DHS guide is also available for download at https://www.dhs.state.il.us/OneNetLibrary/27897/documents/Brochures/4313.pdf. Yang Rohr’s bill passed both the Illinois House or Representatives and the Senate with overwhelming bipartisan support and was recently signed into law by the governor.

“Trying to get services for children with developmental disabilities can be daunting and onerous, but Illinois’ PUNS list is a tool that can help streamline the process,” said Yang Rohr. “I am proud to have sponsored this measure that will ensure that every school district in the state is connecting students and parents with helpful resources, removing a burden for many families with developmentally impaired children.”