Crawford Bill Expanding Advocate Information for Families of Students with Disabilities Passes House Vote

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Mike Crawford, D-Chicago, passed legislation out of the House Floor on Monday, to expand requirements for school districts to notify families of students with disabilities of advocates experienced in Individualized Education Programs (IEP).

“Recent attacks on the Department of Education and students with disabilities will not deter me, or the Illinois House, in our efforts to ensure that every child in our state can have access to
quality education at every step of the way,” Crawford said. “My legislation ensures that families know what services are available to them as they help their child navigate the educational space.
From experience, having an IEP advocate to help you ask the right questions and get helpful information can go a long way. I am excited to continue working with our Senate colleagues to pass this needed legislation.”

Crawford’ House Bill 1366 would require notification to parents or guardians of a student with a disability that advocates experienced with Individualized Education Programs (IEP), which are tailored to the specific needs of the student, can be present at meetings and that ISBE facilitation may be available in some cases. These programs help make sure teachers, staff and families work together to create the most supportive learning environment for the child with benchmarks and best practices to help the child meet their learning goals.

With bipartisan support, Crawford’s legislation was passed unanimously by the House Education Policy Committee on Wednesday, Mar. 12.
Crawford’s legislation now heads to the Illinois Senate for consideration.