Policy & Legislative News

Program Surveys on IT Access Awareness and Policies

This past year, as part of a multiyear project, Equip for Equality surveyed Illinois public schools about their policies for and knowledge of information technology (IT) accessibility. Equip for Equality's Public Policy program received funding from the Great Lakes ADA and Accessible IT Center to investigate the field. The main objectives of this grant, now in its second year, are to: 1) identify K-12 educational entities with whom to collaborate on improving IT accessibility, 2) increase awareness about the benefits of providing accessible IT, and 3) assist in developing and implementing an accessible IT environment for students, staff and the public.

The Public Policy program developed an online survey and initiated contact with personnel that were key players in each school's educational technology activities. The program conducted two separate surveys, one of educators in the Chicago Public Schools and one of personnel working in schools outside Chicago. Both surveys focused on gathering information on general awareness of accessibility standards, laws and policies, and queried current practices regarding school websites and web accessibility training.

The responses for both survey groups strongly indicated that classroom teachers and technology staff need training and technical assistance with accessible IT, as there was a general lack of awareness of accessibility issues and with the important concept of universal design. Universal design products are accessible to people with a wide range of abilities – the application of universal design principles minimizes the need for assistive technology, results in products compatible with assistive technology and makes products user-friendly for more people.

In the coming year, the project will strengthen collaborative relationships with education stakeholders and continue to direct outreach to school districts across the state, particularly districts located in rural or underserved areas. Ultimately, the project expects to promote school policies that reflect accessible IT awareness and requirement criteria for procuring educational technology products.

For more information on the project, contact EG Enbar, 312.341.0022, extension 7312.

Legislative Highlights

The following bills represent some of the disability-related legislation introduced in the Illinois General Assembly this 2005 spring session.

HB1345 [PASSED] provides that, whenever funding for a facility operated by DHS' Offices of Developmental Disabilities or Mental Health is reduced due to closure or reduction of the number of units/beds or staff, the moneys must be used to provide other services and supports for persons with developmental disabilities or mental illness. This is particularly significant because prior attempts to pass such legislation failed.

SB1324 [REFERRED TO RULES COMMITTEE] provides that all persons who reside or are eligible to reside in institutions have the right to have the public funds that are or would be expended on them for institutional services transferred to pay for community services. The deadline to pass this bill was extended, meaning that it could pass when the Legislature reconvenes this fall. The Illinois Network of Centers for Independent Living and Access Living spearheaded this initiative.

SB1983 [REFERRED TO RULES COMMITTEE] expands the standard for involuntary commitment to include persons who: due to their mental illness, cannot understand the need for treatment and, unless treated, are reasonably expected to suffer mental or emotional deterioration or both and engage in dangerous conduct; or are adjudged to be subject to involuntary admission, unable/unwilling to comply with their treatment plan and likely to benefit from inpatient treatment. House committee members (and Equip for Equality) had serious concerns about the bill's impact on liberty interests, particularly because the commitment standard was expanded two years ago. Primary credit for this bill's defeat in the House goes to the self-advocates who testified against it.

HB1000 [REFERRED TO RULES COMMITTEE] expands the definition of public accommodation under the Human Rights Act, giving persons with disabilities increased access to public places. The American Civil Liberties Union led this initiative and, while unsuccessful this year, their efforts may improve opportunities in future sessions.

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