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The Arc of Illinois continues the search for our next Executive Director. If you know someone who meets the criteria, please share. We are accepting resumes through March 20, 2024.
We are one week away from the Primary Election. Exercise your civic duty and make your voice heard by casting your vote next Tuesday! Not sure exactly where to go? You can look up your polling place here.
Legislative Session will continue to pick up as time goes on. Stay tuned for more updates as we keep moving forward!
Here is a list of some legislation we are watching:
HB 793, HA 1 (also known as the Dignity in Pay Act): Join us as we advocate for the passage of the Dignity in Pay Act, which seeks to eliminate the subminimum wage in Illinois. People with disabilities deserve fair compensation for their contributions to the workforce and it is time to end this outdated practice. Let’s ensure that all workers are treated with the dignity they deserve. Read the bill here. Check out the bill status here.
HB 4472: Establishes the Health Care Availability and Access Board to address concerns related to the high costs of prescription drug products. Read the bill here. Check out the bill status here. This bill is being heard in Committee TODAY! Please consider filling out a witness slip and let them know you are a proponent of this legislation! Fill out the witness slip here.
HB 4806 and SB 3764: House and Senate companion bills that outline provisions for community-based providers serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. These provisions aim to increase wage rates for direct service professionals and other frontline staff working in residential and community day services settings. Guidehouse suggested that DSPs make 150% of the minimum wage. This bill follows that suggestion. Read the House bill here. Check out the House bill status here. Read the Senate bill here. Check out the Senate bill status here.
SB 2896: Mental Health Insurance Coverage Parity legislation. Requires coverage of out-of-network services as if they were in-network for purposes of cost-sharing. Allows the insured to select the provider or facility of their choice and the modality (in-person or telehealth). Establishes minimum reimbursement rates for certain mental health services. Read the bill here. Check out the bill status here. This bill is being heard in Committee TODAY! Please consider filling out a witness slip and let them know you are a proponent of this legislation! Fill out the witness slip here.
SB 2908: introduces Sami’s law, an amendment to the Equitable Restrooms Act. Sami’s law mandates that public buildings constructed two or more years after the effective date, must have at least one publicly accessible adult changing station. Read the bill here. Check out the bill status here.
SB 3559: Prohibits retaliatory action against a nursing home resident for filing a complaint against the nursing home and provides for civil remedies. Read the bill here. Check out the bill status here. This bill is being heard in Committee TODAY! Please consider filling out a witness slip and let them know you are a proponent of this legislation! Fill out the witness slip here.
Laugh for a Cause! Going Home Coalition Virtual Comedy Fundraiser
March 21, 2024 | 7:30 - 8:30PM
Three hilarious performers will be on hand for this special fundraiser event to support Going Home Coalition. Kick back, relax, and enjoy this show!
Clickhereto register and read all of the bios of our talented comedians.
Please join us This Thursday, March 14, at 10:30 am for the next module in our Legislative Advocacy Webinar Series!
This collaboration between Going Home Coalition and Speak Up and Speak Out Summit is presented by The Arc of Illinois with funding through The Coleman Foundation and The Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities.
This presentation we will be on Crafting an Elevator Speech. Elian Sorensen, Going Home Coalition Coordinator and Curtis Harris, self advocate, will discussing what elevator speeches are, why they're important, and how to write one.
The Legislative Advocacy Webinar Series is provided to the public for free.
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Your Advocacy Matters!
Carole Rosen, Going Home Coalition Manager, joined Patti Vasquez at WCPT 820AM on the Driving it Home with Patti Vasquez Showon February 29th to talk about the importance of advocacy and Going Home Coalition.
Disability Beat, on WEFT radio is hosted by Vicki Niswander, and is about and for people with all types of disabilities discussing the importance of social justice, community support, inclusion, accessibility, freedom, and choice. Carole Rosen, Going Home Coalition Manager joined Vicki on March 11th to talk about issues on advocacy and the Going Home Coalition Virtual Fundraiser happening March 21st from 7:30- 8:30 CST.
The 22nd Annual Convention Art Exhibit and Contest
During the Annual Convention, The Arc of Illinois hosts an Art Exhibit and Contest. This year, the Annual Convention will be hybrid with both virtual and in-person attendees.
The Art Exhibit will be displayed:
Virtually on the Annual Convention microsite, Wednesday, April 24th thru Thursday, May 2, 2024
In-person at the Marriott, Bloomington, Wednesday, May 1 thru Thursday, May 2.
Artists must submit a picture of their artwork for the virtual exhibit. Artists are welcome to have their work displayed at the Convention, if able, but is not a requirement to participate in the contest.
Click on the button below for the complete contest rules and information. Artwork is due to by April 1, 2024.
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