SPRINGFIELD – To ensure educational resources are accessible for children who are deaf or blind, State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton passed an initiative to broaden the scope of services offered at the Philip J. Rock Center and School in Glen Ellyn.

“All children, regardless of their sensory needs, deserve the opportunity to receive high-quality education and support,” said Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs). “By extending the services of the Philip J. Rock Center and School, we're opening doors to new opportunities for children throughout our community.”

Currently, the Philip J. Rock Center and School only serves students who are both blind and deaf. It is the only publicly funded residential school in the country for deaf-blind students. The school currently assists nine students from age three through 21.

Senate Bill 3768 would allow the center to serve students who have visual or hearing impairments, as well as those who have both. With construction underway on a new facility that will accommodate up to 20 students, Glowiak Hilton’s measure will allow the Philip J. Rock Center and School to expand their services to more individuals in the community with hearing or visual impairments.

“This measure brings new possibilities for the Phillip J. Rock Center, its students and their future,” said Glowiak Hilton. “This change is long overdue. It’s time we come together and update this statute to give our children the resources they need to thrive.”

Senate Bill 3768 passed the Senate on Friday and heads to the House for further consideration.