Disability Awareness Month: Remembering What This Work Is Really About

Pictured: Representative La Shawn Ford, Representative Abdelnasser Rashid, Representative Michelle Mussman, Representative Nicole La Ha, Representative Diane Blair-Sherlock

Dear Fellow Advocates, 

As we continue recognizing Disability Awareness Month, I’ve been reflecting on the power of this community and the importance of staying grounded in why this work matters.

Last week, I had the privilege of attending the West Suburban Legislative Breakfast, joining colleagues and partners from across the disability services community. Organizations including IARF, The Institute, Helping Hand Center, UCP Seguin of Greater Chicago, Oak Leyden, Aspire Chicago, and L'Arche Chicago were among those in the room. We are especially grateful to our partners Laura Anderson and Lori Opelia from They Deserve More for hosting such a successful and meaningful event.

It was a powerful gathering of advocates, providers, families, and legislators - all united by a shared commitment to improving the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Moments like this remind me of something important: progress in this field has never been achieved alone. Real change happens when organizations, advocates, and families come together with a shared purpose. When we stand together, our collective voice becomes stronger, clearer, and far more capable of shaping the future of our system.

During the breakfast, I had the opportunity to share a few reflections about the work we are doing here at The Arc of Illinois and why it matters.

In my role, I spend a great deal of time talking about policy, budgets, and legislative priorities. Those conversations are essential - they shape the systems that support people with disabilities across Illinois.

But the truth is, this work has never really been about policy alone.

It is about people.

It is about families navigating complicated systems because they want the best possible future for the people they love. It is about self-advocates who speak up and insist on being seen, heard, and included. It is about the direct support professionals who show up every single day to provide care, stability, and dignity.

And for many of us in this field, it is also deeply personal.

For me, my role as a mother shapes everything I do. Like so many families across Illinois, my own journey into the disability services system began with uncertainty - and with a lot of questions about what the future might hold. That experience continues to guide my work and strengthen my commitment to ensuring that every person with a disability has the opportunity to live a full and meaningful life in their community.

The policies we debate and the budgets we advocate for matter because they determine what is possible for real people and real families.

As we move through this legislative session - and as we continue celebrating Disability Awareness Month - I hope we keep that perspective at the center of our work. When we remember who we are fighting for, it becomes much easier to stay focused on building a system that truly works.

Because in the end, the true measure of this system will never be the policies we write. It will be the lives people are able to live because of them.

The futures families are able to imagine.
The opportunities individuals are able to pursue.
The communities that become stronger because everyone belongs.

That is why this work matters. And that is why we will keep going.

In gratitude,

Samantha M. Alloway
Executive Director, The Arc of Illinois 

Your Voice Matters. Help Share the Future.

In partnership with the Disability Partners IDD System Redesign Coalition, we’re gathering input from self-advocates, families, providers, and allies to shape policy recommendations ahead of our May 20, 2026 statewide summit. For more information, click here.

We’re building a system that is easier to navigate, responsive across the lifespan, and centered on informed choice.

You can participate by: taking the survey, sharing your story, and joining the Virtual Listening Session on March 31. Use the links or click on the buttons below.

Advocates Unite isn’t just a slogan — it’s a promise we stand behind.

We’ve continued this theme because the work isn’t finished — and neither is our commitment. 

Celebrate with us and be part of the movement!

• Create your own "Advocates Unite" Facebook Frame: Click here.
• Shop Our Store: Click here.
• Register for the 76th Annual Convention: Click here.
• Become a Member: Click here.
• Support Our Work: Click here.

Registration for the 76th Annual Convention!
Together, We Rise: The Need for Collective Action
April 29–30, 2026 | Hybrid Event | Bloomington-Normal or Virtual

Click here for the brochure!

Join us for two inspiring days of learning, connection, and collective action — and we’re shining the spotlight on one session you won’t want to miss.

Breakout Session Spotlight

“Putting AI to Work: Tips from Self-Advocates"

Presented by Sydney Badeau, Vincent Smith, Jada Thompson, Gary Arnold, ICDD
Wednesday, April 29, 2026 | 2:00 - 2:45 PM

In this presentation, a panel of self-advocates will share useful tips about a few Artificial Intelligence platforms and how community members can use Artificial Intelligence in their own lives.

Be Part of Our Virtual Art Exhibit! 

Your artwork will be featured on our Annual Convention website — and you’re welcome to display it in person, however this is entirely up to you.

Click below for details and the submission form.

• Send your form and artwork to Kim@thearcofil.org by March 27, 2026.
• Voting: April 22–30, 2026.

We can’t wait to see what you’ve created!

Meet Our Organizational Member, Ada S. McKinley Community Services!

Founded in 1919, Ada S. McKinley Community Services has been empowering individuals and strengthening communities for more than a century. Led by CEO Jamal Malone, the organization’s mission is to empower, educate, and employ people to change lives and strengthen communities.

The agency was founded by its namesake, a visionary school teacher and social reformer who invested her time and personal resources to serve African American World War I veterans and support southern families relocating to Chicago during the Great Migration. For over a century, Ada S. McKinley has remained a pillar of support for families and communities, primarily on Chicago’s South Side.

Based in Chicago/Cook County, Ada S. McKinley now serves more than 10,000 individuals annually across 70+ locations in Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin, with additional employment programs in Wisconsin and Indiana. The organization offers a wide range of services including CILA, CDS, Supported Employment Programs (SEP), Foster Care, College Placement, and Behavioral Health, helping individuals and families access opportunities, build skills, and strengthen their communities.

For more information, please visit www.adasmckinley.org.

The Arc of Illinois Featured Event Spotlight

Ever Wished You Had a Group of People Who Truly Understand?

This is it.

Join us for a supportive Family Support Group created just for family members and caregivers. This is a place to gain clarity, ask questions, share experiences, or simply listen.

Whether you have something to say or just need a listening ear, come as you are.

Leave feeling a little lighter, a little more supported, and a lot more understood.

VIP SPONSOR

KEYNOTE SPONSORS

CHAMPION SPONSORS

EP!C

HELPING HAND

SERTOMA STAR SERVICES

WIFI SPONSOR

LIFE'S PLAN

LANYARD SPONSOR

LITTLE CITY

INCLUSION SPONSORS

ACES$

BYLINE BANK

MERIDIAN/YOUTHCARE HEALTH PLAN

RAY GRAHAM ASSOCIATION