May 6, 2026 – State Senator Doris Turner is advancing legislation aimed at improving career preparation and long-term independence for students with disabilities by increasing awareness of available work support programs.
“Students with disabilities deserve to know the career options that are available to them,” said Turner (D–Springfield). “We have to ensure families and students have the support to guide the journey to work and greater independence.”
The measure, House Bill 4581, focuses on the federal Work Incentives Planning and Assistance program, which helps individuals receiving Social Security Disability Insurance and/or Supplemental Security Income understand how employment may affect their benefits and what work opportunities are available.
Under the proposal, school districts would be required to provide informational materials about the program to students with disabilities and their parents or guardians at two key points: during the initial transition planning meeting and again in the student’s final year of high school.
The legislation also requires school districts to coordinate with their regional Work Incentives Planning and Assistance program provider to determine how materials will be shared with families. In Illinois, services are supported through cooperative agreements with groups including Volunteers of America of Illinois and the Illinois Assistive Technology Program.
Turner said the goal is to ensure students are not limited by a lack of information as they prepare for life after high school.
“By providing more information on employment opportunities for students with disabilities, we are opening a door to build a strong career plan,” Turner said. “We need to set students up for future success in the workforce, no matter their disability.”
House Bill 4581 has passed the Senate Education Committee.
