Back Row L-R: Carole Rosen, Susan Agrawal, Tiffany Steinhauser, Shakari Asbury, Ruth Aguilar, Suzanne Aaron
Front Row L-R: Rocio Perez, Veronica Salazar, Erica Stearn
What an Event!
Highlights from The Arc of Illinois 75th Annual Convention!
The 75th Annual Convention took place on April 22-23, 2025! It was an amazing celebration of statewide attendees' commitment to systems change. It was wonderful to catch up with attendees, many of whom are Going Home Coalition participants.
Click herefor a highlight reel of The Arc of Illinois 75th Annual Conference!
Photo: Carole Rosen holding The Arc of Illinois’ 75th Anniversary proclamation signed by Governor J.B. Pritzker
Photo L-R: Samantha Alloway, Carole Rosen, and Ryan Croke
Honoring all of YOU -- The Amazing Members of Going Home Coalition!
Ryan Croke, First Assistant Deputy Governor (Health & Human Services) commemorated The Arc of Illinois’ 75th Anniversary by reading a proclamation signed by Governor J.B. Pritzker.
It was a great honor that Going Home Coalition was recognized in the proclamation that stated:
WHEREAS, The Arc of Illinois has organized and supported the Going Home Coalition, working courageously to advance the right of individuals with disabilities to live in the least restrictive setting possible-championing efforts to transition people out of isolated, segregated institutions and into homes and communities where they can thrive with appropriate support.
Going Home Coalition is people-powered by its member's collaboration, energy, and advocacy.
Pictured L-R: Carole Rosen and Division of Developmental Disabilities Director, Tonya Piephoff
Pictured: Going Home Coalition member, Bridget Brown
Division of Developmental Disabilities Director, Tonya Piephoff, participated in a lunchtime panel discussion with Ryan Croke, Kim Johnson, Arc of Illinois Board President, Going Home Coalition member, Bridget Brown, and additional stakeholders, asking participants a range of thought-provoking questions about current issues and future goals for the developmental disabilities system.
John Porter, Carole Rosen (Going Home Coalition, REV UP Illinois), Lori Opiela (UCP Seguin), and Laura Anderson (Winning Systems) session focused on the importance of advocacy and steps everyone can take to make their voices heard. Me? Advocate? Of Course You Can! provided strategies for individual and legislative advocacy, ensuring self-advocates’ needs and their circle of support are recognized and addressed.
Carole, Lori, and Laura will be presenting on Friday, May 2 at Macon Resources in Decatur, IL.
Congratulations to our Going Home Coalition Members!
Congratulations, Chuy and Katherine!
Congratulations to Going Home Coalition members Chuy Campuzano, Advocate of the Year and Katherine Hamann, Outstanding Family Member Advocate on receiving your prestigious awards at The Arc of Illinois Conference.You definitely deserve the recognition! Lead On!
Congratulations, Margie!
We want to honor long-time Going Home Coalition member Margie Harkness for her many years of employment at the Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities.The impact of your service is profound, your commitment to systems change is heartfelt, and your professionalism, kindness, and mentorship are unforgettable.We celebrate you and look forward to hearing about this next chapter of your life after your extensive and meaningful career!
Here are 3 opportunities to Make Your Voice Heard.
DDD is working to develop a new five-year Strategic Plan starting in FY26. To develop the Strategic Plan, DDD is asking stakeholders to share their perspectives on where you want DDD services and supports to go in the next five years and how you want DDD to focus policy and funding to get there.
2)The Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities (ICDD) is creating a new 5-Year State Plan. This plan will guide what we focus and work on from 2027 to 2031. They need your help to make sure the plan is helpful and meets the needs of people with developmental disabilities (DD) and their families. Please take a few minutes to share your thoughts in this public survey.
The survey is open to everyone: people with DD, families, service providers, state agencies, legislators, and others in the community. Your feedback is very important!
Your voice matters! Together, we can make sure Illinois becomes a better place for people with DD and their families. Thank you for helping us make a difference.
The survey deadline is June 13, 2025.
3)National Disabilities Institute Survey on Financial Wellness.
Illinois residents! We want to hear from YOU. Help shape the future of financial inclusion in Illinois by taking NDI’s confidential Financial Wellness Survey. Your voice matters.
Pictured L-R: John Porter, Carole Rosen, Curtis Harris
Pictured: REV UP table at Convention
REV UP Illinois was on hand at The Arc of Illinois’ Annual Convention
Join REV UP at Upcoming Events!
Samantha Alloway, The Arc of Illinois Executive Director will be at Murray Developmental Center on Friday, May 2 representing the Family Transition Project and REV UP Illinois at their Transition Resource Fair.
Join REV UP Illinois on Wednesday, May 14, 2025 at 5:30 pm CT
A presentation by Maria Rodriguez and Sandro Perez will focus on the importance of voter turnout and civic engagement in Chicago’s 16th Ward.
They will highlight data from the 8th precinct, barriers to participation, and strategies to improve access, particularly for voters with disabilities, immigrants, and historically underrepresented communities. Actionable insights and examples of successful outreach efforts will also be shared.
Maria Rodriguez is a community advocate and disability rights activist specializing in civic engagement, wellness, and education.
Sandro Perez has a background in community organizing, bilingual voter outreach, and business development.
Please contact us and share your ideas on how REV UP Illinois will continue its important mission to register, educate, and empower the disability vote! Please email carole@thearcofil.org if you have events planned or would like to present at a REV UP Illinois meeting!
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