SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner championed a measure through the Senate to increase awareness of work incentives for students with a disability by requiring schools to share informational materials with parents and guardians.

“Job opportunities and programs are out there for students with disabilities once they’re out of the classroom,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “If we aren’t incorporating the resources into the transition plan out of high school, we are doing the students a disservice.”

The Work Incentives Planning and Assistance program is a federally funded initiative created to help individuals receiving Social Security Disability Insurance and/or Supplemental Security Income make informed choices about employment. House Bill 4581 would require informational materials on the Work Incentives Planning and Assistance program to be provided to a student and the student's parent or guardian at both the initial transition planning meeting convened for a student with a disability by the school district and during the student's final year in high school.

Turner’s measure specifies that school districts would be required to collaborate with the Work Incentives Planning and Assistance program servicing their area to determine the process of obtaining and disseminating informational materials. There are three active cooperative agreements in place for eligible beneficiaries who are residents of Illinois, including Volunteers of America of Illinois, Disability Rights Iowa and the Illinois Assistive Technology Program.

“Providing more information on employment opportunities for students with disabilities paves the way to a strong career plan,” said Turner.

House Bill 4581 passed the Senate Thursday.