About IABDB
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
- 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.
FY 2009-2010 Recommendations
For Fiscal Year 2009-2010, 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.
- Adopt a standard definition of deafblindness for all state agencies and include deafblindness as a separate category on the state PUNS questionnaire (Prioritization of Unmet Needs).