Governor Rauner Promotes Inclusive Representation for State Employees with Disabilities

SPRINGFIELD – This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, and Governor Bruce Rauner reiterated his support of state employees with disabilities by signing legislation that expands participation of the Interagency Committee on Employees with Disabilities (ICED) to include those working under the state’s constitutional officers and the Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities (ICDD).

“This expansion empowers the committee to encourage and promote the hiring and support of employees with disabilities in all segments of state government, and ensures that the committee’s programs and activities are available to a broader segment of our workforce,” said Illinois Department of Human Rights (IDHR) Director and ICED Co-Chair Rocco Claps.

ICED was established in 1974 to promote access and opportunities for people with disabilities in state government. Prior to the new law, ICED’s membership was limited only to those agencies under the jurisdiction of the Governor and represented about 7% of all state employees. Persons with disabilities that work for the Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, Treasurer, or Comptroller will now have representation in an organization led by their peers in state government.  

“I am thankful to the Governor and General Assembly for supporting the important mission of this committee, which is representing the interests of state employees as comprehensively as possible,” said Director Claps.

For additional information on ICED, please visit www.state.il.us/iced or contact Susan Allen at the Department of Human Rights, at (217) 785-5119 (V), 1-866-740-3953 (TTY), or Susan.Allen@Illinois.gov.