Representative Patricia Bellock Named Legislator of the Year
Each year the Coalition of Citizens of Citizens with Disabilities in Illinois honors a legislator from Illinois who has shown outstanding support of issues that are important to people with disabilities. This year Representative Patricia Bellock was recognized at the Annual Conference opening luncheon as CCDI's Senator Penny Severns Memorial Award recipient.
This honor is overdue, as Representative Bellock has been a longtime supporter of the rights of people with disabilities. Representative Bellock has consistently demonstrated a commitment to improving the lives of persons with disabilities through public policy initiatives. In particular, she has been a leader in the General Assembly and in the House Republican Caucus in regard to mental health services and autism. She is the primary House sponsor of the following legislation:
House Bill 5603, which would allow an individual with a developmental disability, including cerebral palsy, autism or epilepsy, who is the alleged victim of certain specified sexual assault crimes to testify outside of the courtroom by means of closed circuit TV if so ordered by the court. Current law only allows alleged victims of sex crimes who have a cognitive disability to testify in this manner.
House Bill 4747, which provides that, subject to appropriation, the Illinois Housing Development Authority may make, purchase or participate in mortgage loans to parents of children with disabilities to finance the purchase of homes.
House Bill 4746, providing that the Secretary of Human Services, shall, subject to appropriation, establish a 2-year pilot program in 3 locations across the State to provide mental health services to veterans who do not qualify for mental health services under another federal or State program or under a health insurance plan.
In 2007, she sponsored HB 3454 (now Public Act 95-171) that requires that the training curriculum for probationary police officers include instruction regarding the identification of and interaction with individuals with developmental disabilities, including autism.
She also sponsored SB 79(now Public Act 95-257), which changed the School Code by adding specific factors that must be considered in the development and review of IEPs for children diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder.
Representative Bellock is a native of Chicago who now makes her home in the suburbs. She has represented the 47th district in Du Page County since 1999. A graduate of Saint Norbert College, Representative Bellock holds a bachelor's degree in history and American government. She is mother of two children.
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