with a suspected disability who is applying for Department-authorized disability services must receive, after an initial screening and a determination of probable eligibility for a disability service or program, a comprehensive diagnosis and evaluation, including an assessment of skills, abilities, and potential for residential and work placement, adapted to his or her primary language, cultural background, and ethnic origin. All components of a comprehensive evaluation must be administered by a qualified examiner.

with a disability shall receive services in accordance with a current individual service or treatment plan. A person with a disability who is receiving services shall be provided periodic reevaluation and review of the individual service or treatment plan, at least annually, in order to measure progress, to modify or change objectives if necessary, and to provide guidance and remediation techniques.

have the right to participate in the planning and decision-making process regarding the person’s individual service or treatment plan and to be informed in writing, or in that person’s mode of communication, of progress at reasonable time intervals. Each person must be given the opportunity to make decisions and exercise options regarding the plan, consistent with the person’s capabilities. Family members and other representatives of the person with a disability must be allowed, encouraged, and supported to participate as well, if the person with a disability consents to that participation.

with a disability may not be denied program services because of sex, ethnic origin, marital status, ability to pay (except where contrary to law), or criminal record. Specific program eligibility requirements with regard to disability, level of need, age, and other matters may be established by the Department by rule. The Department may set priorities for the provision of services and for determining the need and eligibility for services in accordance with available funding.

disability must be provided family or individual support services, or both, whenever possible and appropriate, to prevent unnecessary out-of-home placement and to foster independent living skills when authorized for such services.

disability who requires residential placement in a supervised or supported setting must be provided choices among various residential options when authorized for those services. The placement must be offered in the least restrictive environment appropriate to the individual.

right to a free, appropriate public education as provided in both State and federal law. Each local educational agency must prepare persons with disabilities for adult living. In anticipation of adulthood, each person with a disability has the right to a transition plan developed and ready for implementation before the person’s exit by no later than the school year in which the person reaches age 14, consistent with the requirements of the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and Article XIV of the School Code.

must be provided vocational training, when appropriate, that contributes to the person’s independence and employment potential. This training should include strategies and activities in programs that lead to employment and reemployment in the least restrictive environment appropriate to the individual.

right to be employed free from discrimination, pursuant to the Constitution and laws of this State.

disability who is receiving direct services from the Department must be provided independent service coordination when needed.

disability must be provided needed mental health supports such as psychological rehabilitation, psychiatric and medication coverage, day treatment, care management, and crisis services.

the rights of citizenship. Any person aggrieved by a decision of a department regarding services provided under this Act must be given an opportunity to present complaints at a due process hearing before an impartial hearing officer designated by the director of that department. Any person aggrieved by a final administrative decision rendered following the due process hearing may seek judicial review of that decision pursuant to the Administrative Review Law. The term “administrative decision” is defined as in Section 3-101 of the Code of Civil Procedure. Attorney’s fees and costs may be awarded to a prevailing complainant in any due process hearing or action for judicial review under this Act.

addition to any other rights under federal, State, or local laws, however nothing in this Section shall be construed as requiring the establishment of a new due process hearing procedure if one already exists for a particular service or program.