SB0601 102ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY

LRB102 15469 KTG 20832 b

102ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY
State of Illinois
2021 and 2022
SB0601

Introduced 2/24/2021, by Sen. Dale Fowler

SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:

New Act

Creates the Technology First Act. Creates the Technology First Council within the Department of Human Services to advise the Governor and the General Assembly regarding the use of supportive technology, instead of direct support staffing, as a solution for an individual who needs developmental disability services. Provides that the Council shall consist of the Secretary of Human Services and other members appointed by the Secretary, including one member who is a representative of the Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities; one member who is a representative of the Illinois Assistive Technology Program; one member who is the parent or guardian of a child with a developmental disability and who has significant experience with the use of supportive technology; and 2 members representing service providers who have significant experience using supportive technology to provide services to individuals with developmental disabilities. Provides that members shall serve without compensation. Requires the Council to make recommendations to develop State policy to encourage the use of supportive technology; identify and address areas in which sufficient support is not currently available or where additional options may be needed to assist individuals with developmental disabilities to gain access to supportive technology; develop educational materials for providers, families, and others about how supportive technology can have a positive impact on the independence, skills, and abilities of individuals with developmental disabilities; and other duties. Requires the Council to submit a report to the Governor and the General Assembly with its recommendations for the use of supportive technology for services to individuals with developmental disabilities.

FISCAL NOTE ACT MAY APPLY

A BILL FOR

AN ACT concerning human services.

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois, represented in the General Assembly:

Section 1. Short title. This Act may be cited as the Technology First Act.

Section 5. Findings. The General Assembly finds:

(1) Many individuals with developmental disabilities encounter obstacles in their lives that can be overcome with technology.

(2) Innovative supportive technology positively impacts the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities at home and in our communities.

(3) With continuing technological advancements, individuals with developmental disabilities increasingly have more opportunities to access innovative supportive technology that lowers barriers that people with disabilities encounter in their daily lives and that promotes their independence, confidence, and abilities.

(4) Supportive technology in the workplace can enable individuals with developmental disabilities to perform job tasks in order to seek or maintain employment to achieve independence.

(5) The demand for direct support staff who assist individuals with developmental disabilities is projected to increase and technology can assist those who do the important work of caring for individuals with disabilities.

(6) While human relationships are an essential part of all our lives, supportive technology can connect individuals with developmental disabilities with additional assistance to supplement and enhance the care that they receive.

(7) Illinois aims to ensure supportive technology solutions are considered when determining the appropriate services and supports to be provided for individuals with developmental disabilities.

(8) Illinois commits to a statewide initiative, Technology First, led by the Department of Human Services, to coordinate efforts to expand access to supportive technology designed to improve the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities.

(9) Through its Technology First initiative, Illinois is committed to the goal that individuals with developmental disabilities be afforded the opportunity to improve their lives through supportive technology.

Section 10. Definitions. As used in this Act:

"Council" means the Technology First Council.

"Department" means the Department of Human Services.

"Secretary" means the Secretary of Human Services.

"Supportive technology" includes any product, device, or equipment that may be used to maintain, increase, or improve the functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities.

Section 15. Technology First Council.

(a) The Technology First Council is created within the Department of Human Services to advise the Governor and the General Assembly regarding the use of supportive technology, instead of direct support staffing, as a solution for an individual who needs developmental disability services. The Council shall consist of the Secretary of Human Services or the Secretary's designee and the following members, who shall be appointed by the Secretary:

(1) one member who is a representative of the Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities;

(2) one member who is a representative of the Illinois Assistive Technology Program;

(3) one member who is a representative of an intellectual or developmental disability advocacy organization;

(4) one member who is familiar with supportive technology research and who represents an Illinois institution of higher education;

(5) two members representing service providers who have significant experience using supportive technology to provide services to individuals with developmental disabilities;

(6) one member who is the parent or guardian of a child with a developmental disability and who has significant experience with the use of supportive technology;

(7) one member who is an individual with a developmental disability and has significant experience with the use of supportive technology; and

(8) other members as the Secretary deems appropriate.

(b) Council members shall serve without compensation but may be reimbursed for their travel expenses. The Department shall provide administrative and other support to the Council. The Secretary or the Secretary's designee shall serve as the chair of the Council.

(c) All State agencies shall comply with requests issued by the Council, subject to the supervision of their agency heads.

(d) Supportive technology that is intended to address an individual's assessed needs shall be prioritized when considering services and support needs.

(e) In the 6 months following the effective date of this Act, the Council shall:

(1) make recommendations to develop State policy to encourage the use of supportive technology;

(2) identify and address areas in which sufficient support is not currently available or where additional options may be needed to assist individuals with developmental disabilities to gain access to supportive technology;

(3) identify best practices, effective partnerships, and opportunities for shared services among providers, State agencies, and units of local government to increase supportive technology opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities;

(4) recommend ways to integrate supportive technology into existing programs to move with children as they grow into adulthood, with a focus on transition-age youth;

(5) develop educational materials for providers, families, and others about how supportive technology can have a positive impact on the independence, skills, and abilities of individuals with developmental disabilities;

(6) recommend system-level benchmarks for monitoring use of supportive technology and person-centered outcomes that demonstrate increased quality of life for individuals with developmental disabilities; and

(7) submit to the Governor and the General Assembly a report setting forth recommendations for the use of supportive technology for services to individuals with developmental disabilities.