SPRINGFIELD – A new law backed by State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel will highlight future career opportunities for children with disabilities.

“I spent 15 years in the classroom as a special education teacher and I saw first-hand the importance of planning cohesively with parents and the student,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “It’s crucial to create a plan that paves the way for students with disabilities to succeed.”

Individualized education plans – or IEPs – are plans that describe education instruction, support and services that students with disabilities are entitled to receive. Under the new law, students with IEPs and their parents will be provided information on the school district’s career and technical education and dual credit opportunities.

According to the National School Boards Association’s 2019 analysis, students with disabilities who were in career and technical educational programs had an 89% graduation rate nationwide during the previous school year, which was 20% higher than the overall graduation rate for students with disabilities.

“Career and technical education can give students the training needed to build a meaningful career,” said Loughran Cappel. “I will continue working to ensure children with disabilities have every opportunity.”

House Bill 3224 took effect immediately.