(20 ILCS 4095/15)

Sec. 15. Task Force Responsibilities. The Task Force shall analyze programs and policies of the State to determine what changes, modifications, and innovations may be necessary to remove barriers to competitive employment and economic opportunity for persons with disabilities, including barriers such as transportation, housing, program accessibility, and benefit structure. The Task Force shall also analyze State disability systems, including the mental health, developmental disabilities, veterans' assistance, workforce investment, and rehabilitation services systems, and their effect on employment of persons with disabilities. The Task Force shall review and analyze applicable research and policy studies, innovations used in other states, and any federal policy initiatives such as customized employment, and federal funding opportunities that would increase competitive employment and economic opportunity for persons with disabilities in Illinois.

With regard to the post-secondary transition of youth with disabilities to employment, post-secondary education and training, community living, and other adult activities, the Task Force shall:

(1) design a process for collecting, analyzing, coordinating, and sharing data;

(2) be a resource for sharing information with State and local agencies involved in the delivery of services to youth with disabilities;

(3) assist local transition planning committees by developing model interagency agreements to ensure that necessary services are available;

(4) review and evaluate annual transition outcome data from information collected by State agencies that are members of the Task Force from local transition planning committees, school districts, and other appropriate sources. Data indicators under this paragraph (4) shall include:

(A) high school graduation or passage of high school equivalency testing;

(B) participation in post-secondary education, including continuing and adult education;

(C) involvement in integrated employment, supported employment, vocational training, and work-based learning activities;

(D) independent living, community participating adult services, and other adult services; and

(E) enrollment in the Prioritization of Urgency of Need for Services (PUNS) program;

(5) evaluate and report on the State's progress with regard to the implementation of the post-secondary transition requirements of the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act; and

(6) develop periodic in-service training programs to consumers and families in improving understanding and awareness of post-secondary transition services.

(Source: P.A. 100-866, eff. 8-14-18.)