Frank joined Access Living in 2021 as an Education Policy Analyst.
In his role, Frank monitors developments in education policy and advocates on behalf of students with disabilities.
Frank serves as Access Living’s liaison to the Special Education Advocacy Coalition of Chicago (SPEACC) and is a member of the Chicago Board of Education’s advisory committee on Special Education, the Special Education Advisory committee to the Illinois Attorney General, and previously, Mayor Johnson’s transition team subcommittee on education. He is also a 2023 Disability Lead fellow.
During the 2023 legislative session Frank worked with community partners to advocate for two pieces of legislation benefiting Illinois students with disabilities. The Removing Barriers to Higher Education Success Act (P.A. 103-0058) will allow college students with disabilities in Illinois to use an IEP or 504 plan as proof of disability at public colleges and universities in Illinois. Additionally, public act 103-0181 ensures that students with disabilities are given equal opportunities to dual credit course offerings. Currently, Frank is working to advance policies to support students with disabilities in the areas of building accessibility, transition between high school and life after high school, and school discipline.
Before joining Access Living, Frank worked directly with youth in Chicago, managing programs focused on civic engagement and advocacy. Frank earned bachelor’s degrees in history and education at Dominican University and a master’s in public policy from Northwestern University. If you are interested in working in these areas, or any other policy that positively impacts the experience of students with disabilities feel free to contact Frank at flally@accessliving.org.