What is required by Illinois law when taking the acknowledgment of a person who is blind?

When taking the acknowledgment of a person who is blind, Illinois law requires the notary to read the instrument to the blind person. This is to ensure that the individual fully understands the contents of the document they are signing and the implications of their signature. Reading the document aloud guarantees that the person is informed about what they are consenting to, thus providing them with the necessary information to make an informed decision.

This requirement demonstrates the importance of accessibility and the protection of the rights of individuals with disabilities, ensuring they can participate in legal processes in a fully informed manner. It is not sufficient to presume that a blind person would understand the document without it being read to them, as that could lead to misunderstandings or disputes regarding their intention.

In contrast, the other options do not meet the legal requirements or best practices for ensuring informed consent in this context. For instance, not reading the document fails to provide necessary information, and asking if they understand the signing consequences assumes knowledge that the individual may not have without the document being read to them. Having another notary present may offer additional support, but it does not fulfill the legal obligation to ensure the blind individual understands the document being acknowledged.