Section 300.50  Secretary Review

a)         If after receipt of the ADA/504 Coordinator's written response the grievance has not been resolved at the ADA/504 Coordinator Level to the satisfaction of the Complainant, the Complainant may submit a copy of the grievance form and ADA/504 Coordinator's response to the Secretary of DHS for final review.  The Complainant shall submit these documents to the Secretary, together with a short written statement explaining the reason(s) for dissatisfaction with the ADA/504 Coordinator's written response, within 10 business days after receipt by the Complainant of the ADA/504 Coordinator's response.

b)         The Secretary shall appoint a person(s) to review the grievance.

c)         The Complainant shall be afforded an opportunity to appear before the Secretary's appointee.  Complainant shall have the right to appoint a representative to appear on his/her behalf.  The Secretary's appointee shall review the ADA/504 Coordinator's written response and may conduct interviews and seek advice as he/she deems appropriate.

d)         Within 45 days after receipt of the Complainant's written response, the appointee shall make recommendations in writing to the Secretary as to the proper resolution of the grievance.  All recommendations shall include reasons for such recommendations.  A dissenting appointee may make a recommendation to the Secretary in writing and shall also sign such recommendation.

e)         Within 45 days after receipt of recommendations from the appointee, the Secretary shall approve, disapprove or modify the recommendations, shall render a written decision stating the basis therefor, and shall cause a copy of the decision to be served on the parties.  The Secretary's decision shall be final.

(Source:  Amended at 24 Ill. Reg. 7494, effective May 6, 2000)