Individuals with deafblindness have always had unique needs that require specific educational strategies and services. The creation of what is now the Philip J. Rock Center and School (formerly known as the Illinois Deafblind Service Center and School) was driven by a combination of national and local events.
Between 1964 and 1965, a national rubella (German measles) epidemic spread across the United States. A subsequent rubella outbreak also affected the Chicago area. These events led to the birth of infants who contracted congenital rubella syndrome in utero, resulting in significant educational and medical challenges, including deafblindness. The sudden increase in the number of children with deafblindness in Illinois created an urgent need for expanded school services.
In response, the Illinois Deafblind Service Center and School (IDB) was established by Public Law 79-966 in June 1975. It was designed as an additional option for school districts to fulfill their responsibility to provide services to children who are deafblind. This specialized service model was necessary because children with combined vision and hearing loss face unique challenges in communication, mobility, environmental understanding, and academic learning. The Illinois Legislature amended the School Code of Illinois to mandate increased, improved, and appropriate instructional services and residential facilities for individuals who are deafblind.
The school opened its doors to five students in October 1978 under the motto "Together for Independence." Initially located at 1125 North Cleaver Street in Chicago, the school operated out of a convent behind a church. While the location offered access to a vibrant neighborhood and public transportation, it had limited space and only a concrete playground.
Due to increasing demand, more residential and educational space was needed. In late 1979, the State of Illinois partnered with Lombard School District 44 to serve as the administrative agent for IDB. The search began for a new location in DuPage County that would offer more space and potential for expansion. In 1980, the state purchased the Manor Convalescent Center at 818 DuPage Blvd. in Glen Ellyn, Illinois. In April of that year, the center and school moved into their new, scenic home atop Baker Hill, the highest point in DuPage County. By the 1980s and 1990s, enrollment had grown to 27 students, with all school services provided onsite. The service center also coordinated statewide technical assistance.
The statewide service center was designed to coordinate with deafblind programs and code agencies across Illinois. It provided technical assistance to families, school districts, and community agencies, including Early Intervention services. Today, this role is fulfilled by the Illinois Deafblind Project, supported by a federal grant from the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE).
In 1988, Governor James R. Thompson, members of the Illinois General Assembly, and representatives from ISBE honored Philip J. Rock by renaming the school in his name. Rock, who served as President of the Illinois Senate from 1979 to 1993, considered the creation of the Center and School his greatest legislative achievement.
In the summer of 2024, Public Act 103-1045 was signed by Governor JB Pritzker, amending the School Code to expand the school’s eligibility criteria. The school can now serve students who are blind or visually impaired, deaf or hard of hearing, or deafblind. To see the code as written: Illinois General Assembly - Illinois Compiled Statutes.
Beginning in July 2024, Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Capital Development Board initiated further developments to support the school’s mission by constructing a state-of-the-art new facility. At the Rock, we like to say we are "building a building with love." The new facility is thoughtfully designed to enhance both educational and residential experiences: the second level will house the classrooms and educational programs, while the first floor will include professional offices and the residential program.
- Phase 1: The new facility is scheduled for completion in fall 2025, at which time students will move into the new building.
- Phase 2: The current building will be torn down, and in its place, a beautiful, accessible playground will be constructed, specifically designed for students with special needs. Phase 2 is expected to be completed in the spring of 2026.
Today, the Philip J. Rock Center and School remains committed to providing education, therapy, and support services that empower students to achieve their highest level of independence. The school continues to evolve, embracing innovative, evidence-based best practices to meet the needs of its students.