Springfield, IL….Demonstrating her commitment to students with special needs, State Representative Elizabeth Coulson authored legislation that will create a smoother transition for students with special needs from school to post-school activities. The Illinois House approved House Bill 979 unanimously.

Specifically, the legislation provides that a child’s Individual Education Plan (IEP) in effect after their 14th birthday must include measurable post-secondary transition goals related to education, employment and independent living skills. The bill also requires that the plan connect the student with resources and follow-up connections for their transition.

“Often times, children with developmental disabilities have a bumpy transition between school systems and face a lack of services available to them. This bill will ensure that they are able to receive the services they need and help them better achieve their educational goals,” Rep. Coulson said.

Rep. Coulson introduced this bill in response to concern from one of her constituents who is dyslexic and had a tough time accessing reading programs at the community college level.

In 2002, the Illinois Interagency Coordinating Council on Disabilities recommended the creation of a statewide comprehensive, seamless transition service delivery system for adolescents and young adults with disabilities must be created to ensure better outcomes for youth with disabilities.
“I have always been an advocate for students with disabilities and believe that this legislation will help limit the prevalence of students with developmental disabilities dropping out of school or not being able to gain employment due to barriers that make their transition into adulthood difficult,” Rep. Coulson said.