Section 1660.50  Final Level

a)         If the grievance has not been resolved at the ADA Coordinator Level to the satisfaction of the complainant, the complainant may submit a copy of the Grievance Form and ADA Coordinator's response to the Secretary for final review.  The complainant shall submit these documents to the Secretary, together with a short written statement explaining the reason for dissatisfaction with the ADA Coordinator's written response, within 15 business days after receipt by the complainant of the ADA Coordinator's response.

b)         The complainant shall be afforded an opportunity to appear before the Secretary or the Secretary's designee.  The complainant shall have a right to appoint a representative to appear on behalf of the complainant.  The Secretary or the Secretary's designee shall review the ADA Coordinator's written response and may conduct interviews and seek advice as the Secretary or the Secretary's designee deems appropriate.

c)         If the Secretary appoints a designee for the procedure under subsection (b), the designee shall present both his/her findings and the written response of the ADA Coordinator to the Secretary.

d)         Upon receipt of recommendations from the Secretary's designee, the Secretary shall approve, disapprove or modify the Secretary's designee's recommendations, shall render a decision in writing, shall state the basis for the decision, and shall cause a copy of the decision to be served on the parties.  The Secretary's decision shall be final.  If the Secretary disapproves or modifies the Secretary's designee's recommendations, the Secretary shall include written reasons for disapproval or modification.

e)         The Grievance Form, the ADA Coordinator's response, the statement of reasons for dissatisfaction, the recommendations of the Secretary's designee, and the decision of the Secretary shall be maintained in accordance with the State Records Act [5 ILCS 160] or as otherwise required by law.