(20 ILCS 3932/25)

Sec. 25. Powers and duties of the Commission. The Commission shall be a coordinating and advocating body that acts on behalf of the interests of persons in Illinois who are deaf or hard of hearing, including children, adults, senior citizens, and those with any additional disability. The Commission shall submit an annual report of its activities to the Governor and the General Assembly on January 1st of each year. The Commission shall:

(1) Make available and provide an educational and informational program through printed materials, workshop and training sessions, presentations, demonstrations, and public awareness events about hearing loss for citizens in Illinois and for public and private entities. The program shall include, but not be limited to, information concerning information and referral services, lending libraries, service and resource availability, the interpreter registry, accessibility and accommodation issues, assistive technology, empowerment issues, obligations of service providers and employers, educational options, and current federal and State statutes, regulations, and policies regarding hearing loss.

(2) Cooperate with public and private agencies and local, State, and federal governments to coordinate programs for persons who are deaf or hard of hearing.

(3) Provide technical assistance, consultation, and training support to start and enhance existing programs and services for persons who are deaf or hard of hearing.

(4) Evaluate and monitor State programs delivering services to deaf and hard of hearing persons to determine their effectiveness; identify and promote new services or programs whenever necessary; and make recommendations to public officials about changes necessary to improve the quality and delivery of services, programs, and activities and about future financial support to continue existing programs and establish new programs.

(5) Monitor State funded programs delivering services to persons who are deaf or hard of hearing to determine the extent that promised and mandated services are delivered.

(6) Review, evaluate, and participate in the development of proposed and amended statutes, rules, regulations, and policies relating to services, programs, and activities for deaf and hard of hearing persons and make recommendations on existing statutes, rules, regulations, and policies to the Governor, General Assembly, and State agencies.

(7) Promote cooperation among State and local agencies providing educational programs for deaf and hard of hearing individuals.

(8) Establish rules and regulations related to evaluation, certification, licensure, and training standards of interpreters for deaf and hard of hearing persons.

(Source: P.A. 93-647, eff. 6-1-04.)