SPRINGFIELD – To remove barriers to education, employment and training for incarcerated individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, State Senator Adriane Johnson has advanced House Bill 1810.
“People with disabilities who are incarcerated deserve the same opportunity to learn valuable skills and prepare for the future as anyone else,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “Expanding access to education and employment programs promotes dignity, rehabilitation and long-term public safety.”
House Bill 1810 would require reasonable accommodation for incarcerated individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities, including waiving standardized testing requirements for entry into educational, vocational and work programs. Participation in these programs through a waiver would also qualify individuals for earned sentence credit, helping reduce recidivism and support reintegration.
To be eligible for the waiver, the incarcerated individual must provide documentation such as a prior IEP, a psychological evaluation or other record. If no formal documentation is available, the Department of Corrections may consider providing a waiver if credible evidence of a disability exists, and then assist the individual in obtaining documentation.
To strengthen support within correctional facilities, the bill also would require annual training for Illinois Department of Corrections staff on:
- Identifying individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities
- Providing appropriate accommodations and support in educational and vocational settings
- Administering alternative assessments
Furthermore, the legislation would establish a grievance process to protect the rights of incarcerated individuals with disabilities who are denied program access or accommodations.
“Education and job training create pathways to independence, stability and successful reentry for individuals with disabilities,” Johnson said. “When we invest in accessible opportunities, we strengthen both lives and communities.”
House Bill 1810 passed the Senate Thursday.
