Blair-Sherlock Passes Legislation Streamlining Transition Periods for Students with Disabilities

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — State Rep. Diane Blair-Sherlock, D-Villa Park, passed a bill streamlining communications between school districts and local Work Incentives Planning and Assistance Programs, providing reliable, consistent information to students and their families.

“Graduating high school is such an exciting time in a student’s life. Transitioning from child to adult, from dependent to independent, is a big deal. For students with disabilities and their families, this time can be stressful, confusing and exhausting. With this bill, we’re taking some of the burden off the shoulders of students and families, ensuring a clear, timely process to plan next steps,” said Blair-Sherlock.

House Bill 4581 establishes a more efficient transition process for students with disabilities graduating high school. Informational materials about the Work Incentives Planning and Assistance Program must be provided to students and their families during a transition planning meeting held by the school district. This meeting will focus on next steps for the student, and should be held during the student’s final year of high school.

The Work Incentives Planning and Assistance Program is a federally-funded program that helps those with disabilities transitioning into financial independence. Under this bill, school districts will collaborate with the Work Incentives Planning and Assistance Program to provide materials to all relevant parties in a timely manner, so that the student may sufficiently plan for their future.

House Bill 4581 is now heading to the Senate for consideration.