Crawford Bill Aims to Empower Families of Students with Disabilities (Chicago, IL) — A bill sponsored by State Representative Mike Crawford, D-Chicago, that seeks to better inform families of students with disabilities about available advocacy resources has passed the Illinois House and is now headed to the Senate.
The legislation, House Bill 1366, would require school districts to notify parents or guardians that they may bring an advocate experienced in Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) to meetings regarding their child’s educational plan. In certain cases, families would also be informed about the possibility of facilitated meetings through the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE).
“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,” said Crawford. “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.”
IEPs are tailored plans designed to support the specific learning needs of students with disabilities, developed through collaboration among teachers, school staff, and families. Advocates can play a critical role in these meetings by helping parents understand their rights and ensuring that each child receives appropriate support and services.
The bill received bipartisan backing and was passed unanimously by the House Education Policy Committee on March 12. Its passage on the House floor Monday marked a key milestone in what Crawford calls a “necessary step toward equity in education.”
The measure now moves to the Illinois Senate for further consideration.
Crawford Bill Aims to Empower Families of Students with Disabilities
