SPRINGFIELD – A new law initiated by State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton extends the services offered at the Philip J. Rock Center and School in Glen Ellyn to children who are deaf or blind.

“The Philip J. Rock Center and School is a vital resource for our children with visual and hearing impairments. This law gives more children access to the resources the center provides,” said Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs). “Our children count on us to make decisions here in Springfield that address their needs. This law helps expand opportunities for children in DuPage County.”

The Philip J. Rock Center and School 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.

Under the new law, the center can serve children 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 law allows the Philip J. Rock Center and School to expand their services to more children in the community with hearing or visual impairments.

“Outdated statues shouldn’t hold our children back,” said Glowiak Hilton. “This law coincides with the school’s expansion and will help them deliver services to more students.”

Senate Bill 3768 was signed into law Friday and takes effect Jan. 1, 2025.

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