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What is the Interagency Committee on Employees with Disabilities?

This Committee was created by statute in 1974 to represent the interests of employees with disabilities in Illinois state government.

Back: Joe Ashcraft, Jack Kannady, Fred Stewart, Jason Brewer, Jimmie Miller, Drew Barris Middle: Susan Allen, Marva Campbell-Pruitt, Elaine Lazell, Margaret Harkness, Teresita Gonzalez, Karl Moulton, Lisa Riegel, Carlos Charneco Front: Debbie Johnson-Small, William Bogdan, Dan Dickerson

Who serves on the Committee?

Five state agencies and four employees with disabilities appointed by the Governor. The Committee is co-chaired by Director Rocco J. Claps of the Department of Human Rights and Secretary Michelle R.B. Saddler of the Department of Human Services. The five agencies serving on the Committee are the Departments of Human Rights, Human Services, Central Management Services, Veterans Affairs, and the Civil Service Commission. Four other agencies that regularly participate in Committee meetings and activities are the Department of Employment Security, Department of Transportation, the Department of Children and Family Services, and U. of I. Division of Specialized Care for Children. The four employee members of the Committee are as follows: Deborah Johnson-Small, Department of Human Services; Michael Knepler, Department of Agriculture; Elaine Lazell, Department of Healthcare and Family Services; and Karl Moulton, Department of Employment Securities.

What is the function of the Committee?

The Committee advocates for the rights of state employees with disabilities. It also serves as a resource for state agencies on disability-related issues. The Committee achieves its goals through education and legislation.

What are some of the Committee’s accomplishments?

The Committee sponsors a regular conference for state employees with disabilities and workshops dealing with disability-related issues for state agency professionals. It also issues publications of interest to employees with disabilities. For example, the Committee prepared an information sheet regarding the right of state employees to request reasonable accommodation. The fact sheet, which is available through this web site, was sent to all state agencies for distribution and posting.

When does the Committee meet?

The Committee holds monthly meetings that are open to the public. The Committee’s regular meeting date is the first Tuesday of the month at 1:30 p.m. The meetings are generally held in the Department of Human Rights’ conference rooms at Credit Union 1 in Springfield (on the corner of College and Monroe Streets). Before attending a meeting, an individual should call the Department of Human Rights to confirm the date, time, and location of the meeting.

How can the Committee be reached?

The Committee can be reached through the Department of Human Rights, at 222 S. College, Room 101(A), Springfield, Illinois, 62704, or by calling (217) 785-5119 (Voice), or (217) 785-5125 (TTY). E-mail messages can be sent to the Department of Human Rights’ E-mail address: Susan.Allen@illinois.gov.