HB4154 96TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

LRB096 10384 KTG 20554 b

96TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY
State of Illinois
2009 and 2010
HB4154

Introduced 2/27/2009, by Rep. Michael G. Connelly

SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:

New Act

Creates the Technology-Based Young Adult Day Program Act. Requires the Department of Human Services to establish a technology-based day program for young adults aged 18-30 who have a developmental disability. Provides for a 3-year phase-in of the program: (1) for FY2011, requires a pilot program in DuPage County; (2) in addition, for FY2012, requires the Department to make training and technology resources available to the State Superintendent of Education to provide secondary school students statewide with skills they need for higher education and employment; and (3) in addition, for FY2013, requires the Department to develop a community-integrated living arrangement (CILA) pilot program that emphasizes the use of technology. Requires reports to the General Assembly concerning the operation of the pilot programs, and authorizes the Department to expand the pilot programs to other areas of the State. Makes implementation of the program subject to appropriations.

FISCAL NOTE ACT MAY APPLY

A BILL FOR

AN ACT concerning health.

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-Based Young Adult Day Program Act.

Section 5. Definitions. In this Act:

"Augmentative communication system" includes, but is not limited to, a speech output device, mounts, switches, cables, scanners, portable printers, software, and enlargers.

"Department" means the Department of Human Services.

"Developmental disability" has the meaning given to that term in the Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities Law.

"Program" means the technology-based day program for young adults established under this Act.

"Technology-based" means the use of (i) augmentative communication systems, (ii) desktop or laptop computers, together with related components such as color printers, monitors, keyboards, and Internet access, and (iii) environmental controls to perform activities that include, but are not limited to, turning lights on and off, changing television channels, and selecting music.

"Young adult" means a person at least 18 years of age but not more than 30 years of age.

Section 10. Young adult day program.

(a) The Department shall establish an innovative technology-based day program for young adults with a developmental disability as provided in this Section. The goal of the program shall be to assist young adults participating in the program in pursuing higher education, securing employment, building social relationships, and participating in community activities. The program shall include, but need not be limited to, the following features:

(1) One-to-one assistance for program participants.

(2) The use of augmentative communication systems and computers, with related technological support.

In developing the program, the Department shall seek the assistance of the Illinois Assistive Technology Program. The Department shall establish the program in 3 phases as described in subsections (b) through (d).

(b) In the State fiscal year beginning July 1, 2010, the Department shall establish a pilot technology-based day program for 8 young adults in DuPage County. The pilot program shall operate between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. On or before April 15, 2011, the Department shall report to the General Assembly concerning the operation of the pilot program under this subsection. On and after July 1, 2011, the Department may expand the pilot program to other areas of the State.

(c) In the State fiscal year beginning July 1, 2011, the Department shall continue the program as authorized under subsection (b) and in addition shall make training and technology resources available to the State Superintendent of Education to provide secondary school students statewide with skills they need for higher education and employment. These resources may include, but need not be limited to: occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech and vision therapy services; medical and personal hygiene services; and transportation coordination services. The goal of this phase of the program shall be to ensure that all students graduate from high school with the skills they need for higher education and employment.

(d) In the State fiscal year beginning July 1, 2012, the Department shall continue the program as authorized under subsections (b) and (c) and in addition shall establish a community-integrated living arrangement (CILA) pilot program that emphasizes technology for independent living, including but not limited to environmental controls in a residential setting to foster independence and self-esteem. On or before April 15, 2013, the Department shall report to the General Assembly concerning the operation of the CILA pilot program under this subsection. On and after July 1, 2013, the Department may expand the CILA pilot program to other areas of the State.

(e) In State fiscal years beginning July 1, 2013 and thereafter, the Department shall continue the program as authorized under subsections (b), (c), and (d).

Section 15. Program subject to appropriations. The Department's implementation of this Act is subject to appropriations made to the Department for that purpose.