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Announcing the "Know Your Options" Video Series!
Hello Fellow Advocates,
In this ever-changing world, one request stays pretty consistent here at The Arc of Illinois, and that is finding the right living options for our loved ones. With that understanding, it became clear that there needs t be a way for us to showcase what the current living options in Illinois actually are. That is why we are proud to announce the launch of our new video series, Know Your Options. Watch the video here.
Thanks to our partners at the Illinois Department of Human Services, Division of Developmental Disabilities, and to the Independent Service Coordinators (ISCs) who helped us develop this series, we have created a resource that makes navigating these options clear and accessible.
We also want to thank Blair Inc. Strategic Marketing for their dedication to this project and the residents of Milestone, the Goldie B. Floberg Center, and Clearbrook for welcoming us into their homes. Thank you to The Arc of Winnebago, Boone & Ogle Counties for welcoming us into their day programs, with a special invite to attend book club at Beef-a-Roo. A special thank you goes to our own Shirley Perez for her contributions to this project and for her steady and exceptional leadership in all she does.
As we roll out this series, we hope it gives families, self-advocates, and all stakeholders a clearer picture of the living options available in Illinois and supports the conversations that help families make informed decisions.
Chicago Tribune Opinion Piece Highlights the Importance of Kiki's Law
Pictured: Kiki and her father, Greg Walkington
In a recent opinion piece in the Chicago Tribune, Megan E. Doherty, a Chicago-based writer and advocate for disability justice, highlights the challenges faced by individuals across Illinois who have experienced harassment, lost job opportunities, and been denied service for simply wearing medical masks. Doherty is actively involved in a statewide coalition pushing for the passage of Kiki's Law.
Kiki's Law (SB 3340), also known as the Protective Medical Equipment Freedom Act, is sponsored by Sen. Graciela Guzmán and Rep. Nabeela Syed. This legislation aims to protect the right to wear protective medical equipment, such as N95 and KN95 masks, in any public accommodation without the need to disclose personal health information. Importantly, the law extends protections to everyone, not just those with disabilities, making it more comprehensive than the Americans with Disabilities Act. This is particularly significant for family members and caregivers, including parents of medically fragile children, who wear masks to keep their loved ones safe.
The bill is named in memory of Colette "Kiki" Walkington, daughter of Greg Walkington, Director of The Arc of Illinois' Family Transition Project. Kiki had complex medical needs and tragically passed away in July 2025. While SB 3340 successfully passed the Illinois Senate in April, it has since stalled in a House committee. Doherty urges the House to take action and pass the bill when it is reintroduced during the veto session this November. For the full article, check it out here or use the button below.
See What Community Inclusion Looks Like in Action!
Click on the video or the button to watch.
Our Life in the Community takes you inside the everyday experiences of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities as they build connections, explore opportunities and participate in the communities they call home. From work and recreation to friendships, outings and new experiences, this video celebrates choice, independence and belonging while showing the impact of having the right supports in place. Watch and see how meaningful community participation can help people with IDD live full, connected lives.
We’re proud to spotlight Little Friends, Inc., an Organizational Member of The Arc of Illinois!
Founded in 1965 and led by CEO Mike Briggs, Little Friends is headquartered in Warrenville and serves eight counties throughout the Chicagoland area. Their mission is to empower people of all ages experiencing autism and intellectual and emotional disabilities, along with their families, to live, learn, work, and thrive in their communities.
Little Friends provides a comprehensive range of programs and services designed to support children, adults, and families throughout different stages of life. These include an autism clinic, two private therapeutic day schools, adult day programming, residential services for children and adults, respite family services, employment services, and residential and homeowner supports for people with physical disabilities. Through this broad network of services, Little Friends works to provide individuals and families with the resources and support they need to participate more fully in their communities.
One area Little Friends is especially proud to highlight is its extensive employment support. The organization offers a robust range of resources for individuals who want to seek and retain employment in community-integrated settings. These supports include job coaching through programs offered by the Illinois Department of Rehabilitation Services, as well as opportunities focused on developing the practical skills individuals need to prepare for and succeed in the workplace.
Little Friends also serves as the Illinois representative for Ken’s Krew, expanding employment opportunities and support for individuals with disabilities. In addition, the organization provides soft-skill development designed to help individuals build self-confidence and prepare for interviews. Together, these resources are intended to meet people where they are and provide individualized support as they pursue their employment goals.
For more than six decades, Little Friends has worked to create opportunities for people with disabilities to learn, grow, work, and be part of their communities. The Arc of Illinois is proud to have Little Friends, Inc. as an Organizational Member and grateful for their continued work supporting people with disabilities and their families across the Chicagoland area.
REV UP Illinois is proud to join the national movement to build the power of the disability vote. This year’s theme is "Be an Accessible Democracy Defender." Voting is one of our most important responsibilities as citizens. Voting is how we decide who runs our government. The people who run our government are the ones who make laws, which affect everyone in the country. Everyone deserves the right to vote.
People with disabilities face a lot of barriers to voting. Some of the barriers are accessibility of polling locations, transportation, and lack of education. This year, we’re building the power of the disability vote by working together as a community. Everyone can be an Accessible Democracy Defender by helping others make voting plans, sharing resources, and advocating for change. Even the smallest action can make a huge difference.
A special thank you to Jessica and Eddie, who made the drive up to lead the presentation! And our gratitude to the Will County Community Mental Health Board for making this kind of focused, on-the-ground advocacy possible - it's this kind of local investment that lets us reach families where they are.
The Arc of Illinois Featured Event
Family-to-Family Symposium Spotlight: Understanding ABA Therapy with Brigid McCormick
Join us for a full day of practical information, helpful strategies, and conversations focused on healthcare, advocacy, and disability at the Family-to-Family Symposium.
FREE for families and self-advocates! Professionals can register for a fee and earn continuing education credits.
Brigid McCormick, MA, BCBA, LBA, Founder and Clinical Director of Precision ABA, is one of the many knowledgeable speakers joining us. During her featured session, Understanding ABA Therapy, Megan will explain what quality ABA looks like and what families should ask when choosing a provider.
Her work emphasizes assent-based care, self-advocacy, and understanding what matters most to each child. She holds a master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis and has a background in secondary education. Brigid also founded Educational Momentum and The Institute for Clinical Excellence, focusing on executive function, academic and social-emotional development, and high-quality, ethical training for behavior analysts.
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