This is my last newsletter to you as Executive Director of The Arc of Illinois. To my new(er) friends – thank you for being on this leg of our collective journey. To those whom we can count our friendship in decades, thank you for your continued support.

The team at The Arc of Illinois has much to be proud of. From one-on-one education and advocacy provided to families to developing a Spanish language track at Convention, we have worked to be more accessible to more of our community members. We hope to engage even more in coming years through the work of our newly created Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee of the board to increase The Arc’s connection with communities we serve.

Over the past year, The Arc has worked collaboratively with our state partners to block massive cuts to our community IDD service system. Sometimes the work is about what we stop from happening as much as it is about making things happen. I was proud to represent The Arc community in those conversations.

We explored new territory and initiated a conference focused on the intersection of mental health and IDD. We went completely virtual with our QIDP Conference allowing more participants from across the state as well as inclusion of national speakers at a lower cost to participants.

We partnered with University of Illinois at Chicago on PCORI-funded BEST study which explores the impact of mental health supports infused into care coordination services helps teens with IDD live happier and healthier lives.

We partnered with Vanderbilt University on the National Institute of Mental Health funded project to adapt and test curriculum for Spanish-speaking families of youth with autism that teaches them about adult services.

We partnered with Illinois State University on an evaluation of the Going Home Coalition exploring civic participation of people with IDD.

We welcomed six new organizational affiliates, while three rejoined The Arc of IL, growing our footprint and recognition in the state.

We did a whole lot of administratively, which you don’t see but benefit from. We upgraded software, got a new customer engagement system, hired a dedicated marketing and communications coordinator, upgraded our legislative advocacy system to better enable you to respond to Action Alerts and be heard on important issues.

Due to a generous donation from the Illinois Association of Microboards and Cooperatives, we have been able to offer smaller organizations (with annual revenue less than $100,000) free one-year affiliations. It has also allowed us to provide individual and/or family memberships to individuals who would otherwise be unable to afford it.

Looking ahead, we are hosting a comedy fundraiser to benefit the Going Home Coalition and convention this year will be in Bloomington/Normal at a venue across the street from the train station so our convention is accessible to more people.

The point is, we’ve accomplished so much together over nearly three years. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to serve as Executive Director of The Arc of Illinois. I have had the distinct pleasure of working with an amazing team of passionate professionals who use their lived experience to help others. I’ve been proud to represent nearly 300,000 people with IDD in Illinois, their families, and the people who support them. I’ve been fortunate to share space with several other leaders in the IDD space. We’ve strategized and advocated together and it has yielded positive results. I am excited to see what The Arc of Illinois does next to improve the lives of people with IDD.

As I have stated before, I have been doing this work since 1995 and I will continue this work. We may not be at the same table having discussions, but I will always be in your corner.

Thank you.

Governor JB Pritzker gave his State of the State and Budget Address last Wednesday, February 21, 2024. This is when and where the Governor submits their budget proposal to the General Assembly. There is no new money in the budget for people with developmental disabilities. Did you miss the State of the State and Budget Address and want to see the Governor’s remarks? Check it out here. Want to see the FY 2025 budget? Check out the FY 2025 Operating Budget here – or the FY 2025 Budget in Brief here. The Department of Human Services also provided their own overview of the proposed budget. You can see a recording of that webinar here.

Without any new money in the budget for people with developmental disabilities, we must work together to advocate and pass a $3/hour wage increase for Direct Support Personnel. How did we get $3 an hour? Well, the State-Commissioned Guidehouse Rate Study states that DSPs should make 150% of the minimum wage. Without having a DSP wage rate increase this year, the position cannot remain competitive, and individuals with IDD will be even more unable to obtain services due to the workforce crisis.  

Check out SB 3764 and HB 4806, sponsored by Senator Villa and Representative Mussman, respectively. These bills propose a $3 per hour wage rate increase for all direct support personnel and frontline personnel who work in residential and community day services settings. There is flexibility provided: at least $1.50 of the wage increase is to be provided directly to base wages, with the remaining $1.50 to be utilized flexibly for base wage increases. Flexibility is preferred: the provider is able to direct the money where they need it most.

There has been little movement of legislation in the last couple of weeks. Movement should really pick up after the primary in 3 weeks.

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 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 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.

Stay tuned for further updates. As the weeks go on, the advocacy will build.

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! 

Click here to register and read the bios of the comedians. 

Busy, and want to support Going Home Coalition? Donate here.  

Presented by The Going Home Coalition, The Coleman Foundation, and The Arc of Illinois

Legislative Advocacy Webinar Series

Weekly Virtual Webinars Thursdays| 10:30 - 11:30am

Image Description: Picture of two men standing outside in front of a building.  

Your Advocacy Matters! 

The Ludeman Developmental Center Community Transition Fair took place on February17th. 

Curtis Harris (on the left), talked to people about the importance of registering to vote and created awareness about Going Home Coalition’s and Speak Up Speak Out Summit’s collaboration on its 9 module legislative advocacy series launching this week as part of his project for The Larry Biondi Fellowship. James Elliot (on the right), is a former State Operated Developmental Center resident who transitioned to living in the community and is now a mentor in The Arc of Illinois’ Family Transition Project. James talked to current residents about what his life is like living in the community compared to how he felt when he lived in an institution and made sure residents and vendors know about The Family Transition Project.  

Curtis and James did a great job networking and educating Ludeman Residents and event participants about The Arc of Illinois’ programs!  

Going Home Coalition’s February Meeting took place on the 26th with speakers Sabrina Wyman of The Arc of Illinois talking about Illinois’ policy and budget, Dr. Kim Fisher of Illinois State University speaking about GHC’s ongoing research study, Lara Bruce of Sorenson Communications discussing their communication program, Caption Call, and Barb Pritchard speaking about Humanize Long Term Care. 

Interested in joining Going Home Coalition?

Please email Going Home Coalition Coordinator, Elian Sorensen, at elian@thearcofil.org. 

March 26, 2024 | 9am - 4pm

Click here for brochure

The Arc of Illinois Awards Program

Do you know a person who makes a difference every day in our community?  If you do, celebrate your hidden hero with a nomination to recognize their extraordinary dedication and achievements!

Nominating in easy!

• Please use the forms below for all nominations. Attach the form to a cover letter stating why the person/program should be considered for that award.
• If you wish, attach any other materials which you feel would help the Convention Committee in their decision.
• Please send to The Arc of Illinois Convention Planning Committee no later than March 1, 2024 (listed in the form)
• Each agency may submit two nominations per Award Category.
• Award Nominations are for the following awards which will be presented at the Annual Convention May 1-2, 2024.

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 24^th 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.  

Thank you to The Arc of Illinois 74th Annual Convention Sponsors!

VIP Sponsor

Keynote Sponsor