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What an Incredible Weekend Celebrating Disability Pride!
The Arc of Illinois was honored to be part of two amazing Disability Pride events, each celebrating the strength, diversity, and leadership of the disability community.
Pictured L-R: Nora Handler, SIBS, and Kimberly L. Johnson, Board President of The Arc of Illinois
Pictured: Event participants, including The Arc of Illinois Board Member Sara Zielinski and Board President Kimberly L. Johnson
Pictured: Event participants at an informational booth
Crystal Lake Disability Pride Event
Featuring performances on the Luecht Auditorium Stage and showcasing vital community resources, the event was a testament to the hard work of our board member Sara Zielinski, whose leadership we deeply appreciate. Our Board President, Kimberly L. Johnson, represented The Arc with her usual grace, while attendees gained valuable insights from Nora Fox Handler on the significance of sibling relationships in decision-making with SIBS. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who made this event unforgettable!
Pictured: The Arc of Illinois parade participants including The Arc of Illinois Board Members Tareema Jean-Baptiste and Vincent Smith, walking alongside organizational members, families and self-advocates
Pictured: REV UP Illinois informational booth at Daley Plaza
Pictured: The Family Transition Project Mentor, April Mcclees, is interviewed alongside Greg Walkington, Director of The Family Transition Project at The Arc of Illinois
23rd Annual Chicago Disability Pride Parade
Chicago was full of energy as The Arc of Illinois proudly walked alongside Board Members Tareema Jean-Baptiste and Vincent Smith, organizational members Connect to Community and IPACD, self-advocates, families, and friends.
At Daley Plaza, REV UP Illinois connected with self-advocates and shared voter registration and election resources, reminding us that disability rights include the right to make our voices heard.
A huge thank you to the organizers, volunteers, participants, and everyone who helped make both events such a success! Thank you to everyone who celebrated with us. We can't wait to do it again next year!
Happy 36 Year Anniversary to the ADA!
Yesterday marked the 36th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a landmark civil rights law that has helped millions of people with disabilities attend school, use public transportation, work, have their voices heard, and fully participate in their communities.
Announcing Second Day Keynote Speaker for the 2026 SUSO Summit, Mia Ives-Rublee!
August 31 - September 2, 2026
Attend in Normal, IL or Virtually through Zoom
We're thrilled to welcome Mia Ives-Rublee to the 2026 Speak Up and Speak Out Summit as our Second Day Keynote Speaker on September 2, 2026. Click here to visit the 2026 SUSO website.
During this heartfelt keynote, "From Athlete to Advocate: Learning to Use Personal Experience for Change," Ives-Rublee speaks on how her own experiences taught her how to speak up and speak out about issues and barriers vulnerable communities face. She talks about how empathy can be used radically to create community, solidarity, and change. Even as many face difficult times, she reminds us that each one of us has a role to play in advocating for equitable rights.
The Speak Up and Speak Out Summit brings together self-advocates, families, professionals, and supporters for three days of learning, advocacy, and connection.
Registration is available by form only. Click here to download the registration form or use the button below.
Family Support Groups are a space for families to connect, share experiences, ask questions, and learn from one another in a welcoming and supportive environment. Throughout the year, some sessions will also include guest speakers and special topics during part of our time together.
As part of our July session, we’re excited to welcome guest speaker Russ Soloman, Founder ofIntune Parents.
Parents of children with disabilities often receive plenty of advice but not enough support for what they’re carrying. In this interactive and experiential presentation, parents will experience simple practices that can help them feel more steady, present, and able to choose how they respond, while discovering a different way to support themselves than many have been taught.
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