Advocates Meet with Illinois Officials to Address Concerns with IQ Testing at VR Services

People with disabilities met on Thursday with Michelle Saddler, Gov. Quinn’s chief of staff, and Rob Kilbury, the associate director of the Department of Human Services Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS), in an attempt to eliminate IQ testing issued by Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Services.

VR services are designed to help people find employment. But barriers within the program have made it difficult for people with disabilities to utilize the services.  One significant barrier identified by people who use VR services is IQ testing. IQ Tests have been used to discourage people with disabilities from seeking employment and pursuing higher education.

On Oct. 6, disability advocates rallied in Springfield in order to secure a commitment from DRS and the governor’s office to address the problem of IQ testing. This week’s meeting between Saddler, Kilbury and the disability community is a follow-up to the Oct. 6 rally.