The Illinois Advisory Board for Services for Persons who are Deaf-Blind (IABDB)was established in 1975 by Public Act 79-966. The Board provides advice to the State Superintendent of Education, the Governor, and the General Assembly on all matters pertaining to policy concerning persons who are deaf-blind, including the implementation of legislation enacted on their behalf.
The Board makes recommendations pertaining to, but not limited to, the following matters:
- Existing and proposed programs of all State agencies that provide services for persons who are deaf-blind;
- The state programs and financial plan for deaf-blind services and the system of priorities to be developed by the State Board of Education;
- Standards for services in facilities serving persons who are deaf-blind;
- Standards and rates for State payments for any services purchased for persons who are deaf-blind;
- Services and research activities in the field of deaf blindness, including evaluation of services, and;
- Planning of personnel preparation, both pre-service and in-service.
Mission
The Illinois Advisory Board for Services for Persons Who are Deaf-Blind (IABDB) is committed to partnering with key stakeholders to impact positive change for all individuals who are deaf-blind and ensure they are provided equal access to resources and opportunities to lead fulfilling lives.
Objectives
The organizational objectives of IABDB are as follows:
- To increase awareness regarding individuals who are deaf-blind as contributing members of society.
- To ensure all rights and access to health, educational and vocational services, as well as social and residential opportunities.
- To ensure that individuals who are deaf-blind are empowered to determine all aspects of their lives.
- To ensure families, educators and support personnel are provided with the necessary training and resources to benefit all individuals who are deaf-blind.
- To ensure diversity of membership in the Advisory Board and equal representation of the needs of individuals who are deaf-blind.
FY2007-2008 Recommendations
For Fiscal Year 2007-2008, IABDB made the following recommendations to Governor Pat Quinn, the Illinois General Assembly and the State Superintendent of Education.
- The General Assembly should propose and pass legislation that will give consumers and their families the ability to self-direct funds for services and make choices for services on an individualized basis much like a child’s educational plan is customized for each individual child.
- State Agencies should sustain the work of the Support Service Provider (SSP) Task Force, including recommendations concerning the cost of SSP services. SSPs provide a necessary communication support for persons who are deaf-blind. Unlike other populations, the need for services such as this (along with interpreter and intervener services) does not diminish relative to the level of independence of the person.
- The Department of Human Services (DHS) and all State Agencies should use consistent language and definitions of deaf-blindness. This definition should be no more restrictive in limiting the population to access of services than the federal definition.
- DHS must recognize the validity of including persons who are deaf-blind in the Prioritization of Unmet Needs Survey (PUNS) and make changes to the database to collect pertinent information regarding individuals who are deaf-blind.
- The Illinois State Board of Education should review state priorities to address the unique and challenging needs of students who are deaf-blind; including the state financial plan, the child identification of students who are deaf-blind, special education services for students who are deaf-blind including transition options. ISBE should also review training needs of personnel who interface with these students.
- Outcomes and follow-up results from Philip J. Rock Center and the Hearing and Vision Connections statewide trainings should be reviewed.
- State Agencies and the Governor’s Office should officially appoint all currently sitting members of the Illinois Advisory Board for Services for Persons Who Are Deaf-Blind to new terms of office. In addition, appoint persons from the community or service agencies, as needed, to vacant seats, thus bringing the Advisory Board to full approved membership.
