Legislation could exempt Illinoisans with intellectual disabilities from restrictive testing for prison programs

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — State representatives hope to create a more equitable system for incarcerated people with disabilities to have education and job opportunities.

Anyone entering the Illinois prison system is required to take the Test of Adult Basic Education, or TABE. Although, experts believe the test does not adequately accommodate the unique cognitive and learning needs of people with developmental or intellectual disabilities.

House Bill 1810 would allow incarcerated Illinoisans with intellectual or developmental disabilities to have a waiver for the test and ensure equal access to sentence credit opportunities.

"The prevalence of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities within IDOC is likely significant, but systemic barriers often hinder our ability to accurately identify those who are affected," Said Rep. Laura Faver Dias (R-Grayslake).

The proposal also calls for annual training for prison staff to identify people with disabilities and provide accommodations for education or work. Individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities who are denied access to programs or accommodations would have the ability to file grievances with IDOC if the plan is signed into law.

House Bill 1810 passed out of the House Restorative Justice Committee on a partisan 7-3 vote Thursday. State representatives could vote on the plan when they return to session next week.