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Dear Members and Supporters,
As we embark on a new chapter at The Arc of Illinois, I wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering dedication and support!
Since assuming the role of Executive Director, I have been deeply impressed by the passion and commitment I have witnessed within our organization. Together, we are making a profound impact on the lives of families and individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Our primary goal at The Arc of Illinois is to empower persons with disabilities to achieve full participation in community life through informed choices. With a personal connection as a parent of an autistic child, I stand firmly alongside all those who advocate for the rights and well-being of individuals with disabilities.
I am incredibly proud of the team we have assembled, and I have full confidence that, together, we will take our advocacy efforts to greater heights. Our first membership meeting was a resounding success, and it has only intensified our determination to expand our reach and amplify our voice.
In collaboration with The Arc of the US, we have already held our inaugural chapter meeting to ensure that federal issues are being addressed and our advocacy is elevated. Additionally, I am taking the time to familiarize myself with our dedicated staff, ensuring that each team member feels cared for and respected.
While there is undoubtedly much to learn and many new experiences to embrace, I am confident that with the passion and dedication each of you brings to the table, we will continue to support families and individuals through The Arc of Illinois with the utmost care and commitment.
Thank you for your unwavering commitment to our mission and for making The Arc of Illinois the organization of choice for families and individuals in need. We are looking to expand and looking to succeed! Together, we will shape a brighter future for all.
Warm Regards, Samantha Alloway , Executive Director, The Arc of Illinois
Happy Disability Pride Month!
July has been an important month for the disability community because the Americans With Disabilities Act was passed on July 26, 1990.
This is a time to share our experiences, achievements, and contributions of people with disabilities. The Arc Illinois challenges you to celebrate in some way this month. It doesn't have to require physical activities to show your pride! Find out all the ways here!
Walk with us at the Chicago Disability Pride Parade on Saturday, July 20th!
If interested in walking with The Arc of Illinois or SUSO, please contact Becca Schroeder at Becca@thearcofil.org or815.464.1832ext 1018.
Suzanne Aaron of The Arc of Illinois presents Informative Webinar on the Transition to Adulthood for Young Adults with I/DD on July 9th at 12-1pm.
Pictured: Suzanne Aaron
Suzanne is the Northern IL Information & Outreach Specialist for the IL Life Span Program ofThe Arc of Illinois. She is also a parent of young adult with I/DD. She has worked in the disability advocacy and family support field since 2008 and is a 2018 graduate of Illinois’ Partners in Policymaking. She has also navigated disability services in Indiana, Ohio, and Illinois. She has a special understanding of moving services across state lines.
Illinois Life Span (ILS) & Family to Family Health Information Center (F2FHIC)
REV UP Illinois will be having its virtual kickoff meeting Tuesday, July 16th, 2024 from 5:30-7:30PM CDT.
REV UP Illinois’ mission is to build the power of the disability vote through increasing civic engagement in the disability community and improving the accessibility of elections. REV UP stands for Register, Educate, Vote, and Use your Power! The coalition housed at The Arc of Illinois, comprised of individuals and organizations, will offer participants opportunities to engage in presentations on voter education and registration, voter registration events, polling place accessibility audits, dissemination of accessible voting information, and other grassroots initiatives to empower the disability vote.
Please email admin@thearcofil.org to join our informational virtual call with Alexia Kemerling, REV UP National Coalition Coordinator with The American Association of People with Disabilities.
ASL and CART will be provided.The call will be recorded and sent to people on our email list.
REV UP is a non-partisan organization.
Our Work Has Already Begun!
REV UP Illinois participants were on hand at The Chicago Abilities Expo from June 21st to June 23rd. Shout out and a big thank you to Adam Wiser from the Illinois Self Advocacy Alliance, Howard Bowens, Karen Quandt, and Jenny Boland from Little City Foundation, and Nicole Zaretsky, Christina Jewell, and Cheryl Colon from Ray Graham Association for their outstanding assistance during the event.It was wonderful to see many Going Home Coalition participants at the event too!
Shown here: Vincent Smith and Adam Wiser
Shown here: Howard Bowens, Julienne Dallara, Karen Quandt
Shown here: Nicole Zaretsky, Cheryl Colon, and Christina Jewell
Shown here: Carole Rosen, Stephen Hiatt-Leonard
Pictured: Shown in image: Greg Walkington, Melissa Reynolds, Curtis Harris, Carole Rosen, and Bob Peterson.
On Saturday, June 22nd, Family Transition Project Director, Greg Walkington, Family Transition Project Mentor, Bob Peterson, Larry Biondi Fellowship and The Arc of Illinois self advocate and 74th Annual Convention Self Advocacy Award recipient, Curtis Harris, and REV UP Illinois’ Carole Rosenwere on hand at the MableyDevelopmental Center Community Transition Fair. Curtis gathered names of residents who were interested in registering to vote and Bob spoke to residents about what it is like to live in the community after transitioning out of a state operated developmental center.
Your Advocacy Matters!
Pictured: Jennifer Knapp
Going Home Coalition welcomed Jennifer Knapp from Community Vision, a disability provider in Portland, Oregon, who supports people with significant disabilities to live on their own at its June 26th meeting. The presentation focused on the opportunities for independence through a service model called Supported Living. Many states across the country are using Supported Living to offer one-on-one support to adults with DD who live in their own apartment.
Special thanks to Going Home Coalition members and PIP graduates Shirley Sains and Paul Blobaum for collaborating to have Jen present to Going Home Coalition. We are appreciative of the robust attendance and diverse set of stakeholders. Come learn with us! Please email admin@thearcofil.org to be added to our email list for future meetings and advocacy opportunities and resources.
Join The Arc of Illinois, Going Home Coalition, and REV UP Illinois at The Disability Pride Parade Saturday, July 20th!
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