Hello Fellow Advocates, 

October marks National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), an opportune moment to reflect on the contributions and potential of individuals with disabilities in the workforce. In Illinois, this observance highlights ongoing challenges and opportunities for enhancing the inclusion of people with disabilities, particularly those with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

During my recent visits to EP!C in Peoria, I saw their effective programs that bridge the employment gap for individuals with disabilities. EP!C’s Job Placement Services connect people with I/DD to local businesses like Caterpillar and government offices, helping fill long-term positions. They identify required skills, provide targeted training, and offer ongoing support to ensure new hires are well-prepared from day one. Currently, EP!C supports over 100 individuals in securing meaningful work in industries such as retail, fitness, and healthcare.

Quick side note - Welcome back to The Arc of Illinois, Little City! I had such a great time catching up with CEO Rich Bobby and Ann Morris, VP of Marketing and Communications, just yesterday. We’re thrilled to join forces with you. Little City's Employment First program is a game-changer, empowering individuals with disabilities to find meaningful work that matches their skills while breaking down stereotypes. This initiative enhances independence and overall quality of life in Illinois. With CARF accreditation, LC upholds high standards and provides ongoing training in best practices for community employment services. By fostering inclusivity and creating job opportunities, this program significantly improves Illinois, making it a more equitable and supportive place for all. We’re thrilled to join forces with an organization that’s raising the bar for individuals of all abilities. 

These are just two shining examples of excellence, with countless others out there! While we still have work ahead to expand employment opportunities, I believe in celebrating our progress rather than dwelling on setbacks. Together, by raising our voices, we can drive lasting change! Let’s also acknowledge the small businesses and large corporations that are creating these opportunities. If you’re one of them - or know someone who is - we’d love to connect and learn more about your efforts! Reach out to me at Samantha@thearcofil.org.

So, how can you participate? Communities can celebrate disability inclusion by hosting workshops, encouraging individuals with disabilities to share their experiences, and using the hashtag #NDEAM on social media to highlight inspiring stories. Employers should assess their hiring practices for ADA compliance and provide training to address implicit bias. Collaborating with advocacy groups and participating in initiatives like Disability Mentoring Day can connect job seekers with valuable opportunities.

As we embrace the 2024 NDEAM theme, "Access to Good Jobs for All," we must acknowledge the critical need for systemic change in Illinois to ensure individuals with disabilities can secure quality employment. This theme not only highlights our progress but also calls us to action. Let's honor the invaluable contributions of people with disabilities and recommit ourselves to cultivating an inclusive workforce that enriches our entire community!

Truly, 
Samantha Alloway
Executive Director, The Arc of Illinois 

Welcome Frank DiStefano, our new Director of Finance!

Pictured: Frank DiStefano

Frank M. DiStefano joined The Arc of Illinois as the new Director of Finance. He is a seasoned finance professional with over 30 years of experience specializing in nonprofit finance management and grant oversight. He has successfully managed multimillion-dollar budgets and ensured fiscal compliance for federal, state, and local grants. His expertise includes preparing financial reports, conducting audits, and overseeing grant contracts totaling over $100 million. Throughout his career, Frank has been responsible for driving operational efficiency, mentoring staff, and working closely with government officials and nonprofit organizations to sustain regulatory compliance and financial success. Frank is an avid sports fan, having coached youth football as a volunteer for 15 years. He enjoys traveling and spending time with family, especially his new granddaughter.

Registration is Now Open!

Fall Conference: Resources and Support for Individuals with IDD and Mental Illness

Virtual Monthly Webinar

November 14, 2024

Click here for the brochure.

Learn about your options under the Medicaid Home and Community Based Waiver for Adults with Developmental Disabilities in Illinois.

We will discuss service and support options, explore the role  
of your ISC, review the key steps you need to take to prepare for supports, and talk through common concerns and barriers.  

Webinar is free; registration is required.

The next webinar will be on Thursday, November 7th, 2024 at 12:00-1:00 pm. 

Click here for flyer.

We are Proud to Introduce You to to Our Organizational Sponsor, Supporting Illinois Brothers and Sisters (S.I.B.S.).

S.I.B.S began as the dream of one sibling, Tara Conley, in 2007. Today, they are an established Illinois non-profit serving siblings across the lifespan.

Their mission is to provide support to siblings of people with disabilities in Illinois by connecting them with information, networking opportunities, and resources in order to enhance the quality of life for their entire family.

They know that having a sibling with a disability comes with unique challenges as well as joys. As sibs, they know that each sibling plays a critical role in the lives of their brothers and sisters—in fact, in many cases they will be their longest-lasting relationship in life, managing their care longer than parents. And yet, few resources exist to specifically help siblings.

Get Involved with S.I.B.S.!

Newly developed Junior SIBS board: If you know a sibling in their teens or 20s that would like to support the mission of SIBS, reach out to Tara Conley for more information. Info@sibsnetwork.org or 708-989-3619. 

Oct 13th Join the S.I.B.S team at the Buddy Walk in Bolingbrook, IL. Register here.

Oct 17th starts our Monthly SIBStastic Thursday events for adult siblings with a brother or sister with disabilities. Register here.

For more information on these programs visit www.sibnetwork.org and click on events.

Developmental Disabilities Systems Update Virtual Meeting

On September 25th, Going Home Coalition welcomed over 100 state-wide attendees including Illinois Senators, Representatives, and Legislatives Staff for our Developmental Disabilities Systems Update Virtual Meeting.

A special thank you to all who attended and our fabulous speakers below who addressed various topics.

• Sujatha Branch; Equip for Equality spoke on the recent ruling on The Ligas Consent Decree. 
• Mariel Hamer-Sinclair; Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities (ICDD) spoke on Dignity in Pay.
• Ruth Aguilar; The Arc of Illinois spoke about the importance of funding programs which support people with developmental disabilities and the folks that support them.
• Lore Baker; Association for Individual Development (AID) spoke about the importance of accessible, affordable, integrated, supportive housing throughout the state. 
• Stephanie Sideman; Corporation for Supportive Housing (CSH) provided data on the subject as well.
• Binta Auta; Little City Foundation; spoke about the importance of supporting Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) through appropriate wages. 
• Da Wen Mei and Carole Rosen, Going Home Coalition and REV UP Illinois, spoke about the need to make the Illinois General Assembly Website, ILGA.gov more accessible.

Would You Like a Copy of the Recording and Meeting Notes or Want to be Added to Our Listserve?

Please contact admin@thearcofil.org. You will be asked to fill out a Going Home Coalition Member survey which is completely opt-in. 

Please like and follow Going Home Coalition's Facebook and Instagram Pages!

Out and About

Shown here: Curtis Harris and Greg Walkington

On Friday, September 27th, Murray Developmental Center in Centralia held a Community Transition Resource Event. Carole Rosen, Curtis Harris, and Greg Walkington, Director of The Family Transition Project spoke to residents about the importance of voting and presented The Arc of Illinois resources to residents who may be interested in exploring transitioning from a state operated developmental center to a community residential living option.

Friday, October 4^th, Carole Rosen, Curtis Harris, and Greg Walkington, were on hand in Dixon at The Mabley Developmental Center Community Transition Resource Event talking to residents about community living options and voting.

Whaaat?  No way she’s giving up!!! REV UP Illinois’ Carole Rosen’s 100 Day Vote Shirt Challenge continues! She’s been wearing a Vote shirt, for 73 days!

Join the challenge and send us your pics to post on REV UP Illinois’ social media pages.

Looking for Your Vote Shirt?

REV UP Illinois t-shirts and Vote t-shirts are available at The Arc of Illinois’ online merchandise store.

 Check those out here!