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Hello Fellow Advocates,
I’m excited to share that I’ve officially completed my first 90 days at The Arc of Illinois, and I couldn’t be prouder of this journey! It’s been an incredible experience, marked by meaningful moments like speaking at the Ray Graham Association, spending a day with Thane at Trinity Services, touring with Bill and his amazing team at Helping Hand, and picking up fresh produce from the Little City Foundation's Farmstand with Simone and John. Each of these experiences has reinforced the immense goodness in our industry and the dedication of countless individuals committed to making a difference.
While it's easy to get caught up in how much more we want to accomplish and how much further we need to go, it's essential to take a step back and recognize the phenomenal people with brilliant ideas surrounding us. I truly believe our role is to elevate these remarkable ideas and bring them to the forefront in the most impactful way possible. This means creating a space where families can share their stories with legislators, state leaders, Governors, and anyone who can help amplify our advocacy efforts. Together, we can foster awareness and inclusiveness, ensuring that individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities have the opportunity not just to shine but to dare to dream.
Daring to dream may seem natural for many of us who grew up envisioning ourselves as the President or firefighters. Yet, we must recognize that individuals with disabilities often face discouragement when it comes to dreaming big, largely due to a lack of resources and support. At The Arc of Illinois, our mission is to create opportunities for everyone to lead fulfilling lives while educating society that not everyone’s version of a remarkable life looks the same - and that's ok!
Just as those of us without intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) freely aspire to be singers, I spent much of my childhood dreaming of starting a band called "Samantha and The Tap Dance Girls." I mean, who wouldn’t want to dance and sing their way to fame? While that may sound a bit goofy, it highlights an important truth: we need to create a world where individuals with disabilities feel empowered to dream just as big! It’s our responsibility to build a state where these aspirations are not only celebrated, but they are possible.
Though there is still much work to be done, it’s inspiring to see the incredible strides we are making. I look forward to the next set of invitations, meeting you all, shaking your hands, and, of course, enjoying coffee together! I am confident that with our collective dedication, The Arc of Illinois will continue to support the mission of fostering a better, more fulfilling life for all. Now - I'm off to practice my tap dancing.
Truly, Samantha Alloway , Executive Director, The Arc of Illinois
Recently Received an Early Notification Letter or a PUNS Selection Letter?
Join the Know Your Options
Virtual Monthly Webinar
12:00-1:00 p.m.
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, October 3rd, 2024 at 12:00-1:00 pm.
Going Home Coalition - Developmental Disabilities Systems Update for Going Home Coalition Participants, Legislators, and Legislative Staff
On Wednesday, September 25th, from 10:30 am until 11:45 am, please join Going Home Coalition at The Arc of Illinois for a Developmental Disabilities Systems Update. Subject matter experts will discuss:
The Ligas Consent Decree - Sujatha Branch; Equip from Equality
Housing Options - Lore Baker; Association for Individual Development (AID)
Dignity in Pay - Mariel Hamer; Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities (ICDD)
DSP wages - Binta Auta; Little City Foundation
The importance of increased funding to programs serving families/individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, Shirley Perez; The Arc of Illinois
Increasing accessibility of the ILGA website - Samantha Alloway; The Arc of Illinois.
Presentations will last one hour with the remaining 15 minutes for questions and answers.
CART/ASL and Spanish Captioning will be provided. Registration is required. Thank you!
We have had great interest in this meeting and many of your legislators and their staff have registered.Please reach out to your legislator and encourage their participation!
Shown: Grassroots Project Participants
Going Home Coalition met with other Grassroots Project participants in Washington D.C. Attendees discussed their goals and the outcomes of their work during the project and engaged on the possibilities of future collaboration.
Going Home Coalition gratefully acknowledges the positive impact of funding through the Grassroots Project and The Coleman Foundation in advancing its mission and vision.
Accessing Opportunity!
The AAPD Paul G. Hearne Emerging Leader Awardsrecognizes outstanding emerging leaders with disabilities who exemplify leadership, advocacy, and dedication to the broader cross-disability community.
Applications for the 2025 Paul G. Hearne Emerging Leaders Award are now open. Deadline to apply: Tuesday, October 15, 2024 at 5:00pm ET.
REV UP Illinois and The Family Transition Project from The Arc of Illinois at the community transition event at Shapiro Developmental Center.
Shapiro residents engaged on voting with Carole and Curtis. Greg had the opportunity to speak to residents about the process of transitioning from Shapiro to living in a community setting.
Curtis is the recipient of an AAPD microgrant and will be using it on speaking to people in state operated developmental centers and congregate care settings about the importance of voting for people with disabilities.
Highlights from Disability Voting Rights Week!
There was a tremendous amount of engagement during Disability Voting Rights Week on September 9th - 13th, 2024. The Arc of Illinois’, Heidi Booth, did a fantastic job posting throughout the week on REV UP Illinois’ social media pages. Be sure to follow us!
Governor J.B. Pritzker issued a proclamation commemorating the week.
Illinois State Board of Elections collaborated with REV UP Illinois to produce great resources on voting which can be used throughout the year.
Shown here Yan, Rosalie, and Da Wen
REV UP Illinois’ cofounders Da Wen Mei and Rosalie presented to Pui Tak Center participants and wrote signs on why they vote!
Image Description: Two females wearing red and white dresses and wearing sunglasses carrying signs that say "Vote"
The Special Olympics Without Limits Cheer Team is cheering us on to vote in their upbeat Special Olympics Without Limits Cheer Team video. Check out their video here.
Ashley Mcleod, Ruth Pligge, and Rachel Costabile from Just a Dollop combined their love of healthy cooking and talked about the importance of the disability vote in this fun fantastic video. Check it out here!
University of Illinois Chicago Disability Cultural Center had an awesome pop-up event with a voting resource table.
Shown here Kimberly Johnson, T.J. Gordon, Jae Jin Pak
Kimberly Johnson, The Arc of Illinois Board President, hosted REV UP Illinois’ Jae Jin Pak and TJ Gordon at The Chicagoland Autism Connection Annual Family Reunion and Resource Fair at Ryerson Woods!
REV UP Illinois’ Carole Rosen’s 100 Day Vote Shirt Challenge continues! She’s been wearing a vote shirt, (not to be confused with the same shirt, lol), for 58 days!
Join the challenge and send us your pics to post on REV UP Illinois’ social media pages.
The Arc of Illinois Bonfire store now has several must-have styles including a REV UP Illinois branded T-shirt. And, you have lots of colors to choose from! Check those out here!
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