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Hello Fellow Advocates,
As we kick off National Disability Voters Rights Week from September 9th to 13th, we take this opportunity to reflect on the importance of empowering every voice in our democracy! This week serves as a vital reminder of the barriers that still exist for individuals under guardianship, particularly in the seven states - Missouri, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, and West Virginia - where voting rights are stripped away. This unjust reality is not just a policy issue; it reflects a broader societal opportunity to educate about what guardianship truly entails.
Guardianship is designed to support individuals who may need assistance in decision-making, but it does not imply an inability to understand or exercise one’s rights! Many adults under guardianship are fully capable of participating in our democratic process, and it is crucial to recognize that a cognitive or developmental issue does not inherently equate to a lack of understanding of their rights. The denial of voting rights to individuals under guardianship is discriminatory and undermines the very principles of inclusivity and equality that our democracy stands for.
We celebrate this week not just to raise awareness but to advocate for change. We draw inspiration from states like us here in Illinois, where there are no voting restrictions for individuals under guardianship. Illinois sets a powerful example of inclusivity that we must strive to emulate across the nation.
The REV UP Campaign, run by our own Carole Rosen, is an initiative launched by the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD)—emphasizes the importance of civic engagement within the disability community. REV UP stands for “Register! Educate! Vote! Use your Power!” This mantra encapsulates our mission to ensure that every eligible voter, regardless of ability, is registered, informed, and empowered to cast their vote.
Let us come together to amplify the voices of individuals with disabilities, advocate for their voting rights, and push for policies that promote accessibility and inclusion. By harnessing the collective power of our community, we can create a more equitable and representative democracy.
Join us in celebrating National Disability Voters Rights Week, and let’s work together to ensure that every voice is heard and valued!
Truly, Samantha Alloway , Executive Director, The Arc of Illinois
There's Still Time to Register!
Family to Family Health Information Center Symposium
September 17, 2024 | 9:30 am - 4:00 pm
Virtual Conference
Attendees will learn:
How to get help for people with disabilities through the Family-to-Family program and other The Arc of Illinois programs
What The Autism Program of Illinois is and how to get diagnostic and therapeutic help for people with autism
What Medicaid waivers are available for children and youth in Illinois, and how parents may be able to be paid for providing care in these programs
How children and young adults can have their healthcare needs met in schools through effective IEP and 504 plans
How everyone can take part in disability advocacy by turning small ideas into major advocacy efforts
How to support family caregivers through the continuum of caregiving, from diagnosis onward
Recently Received an Early Notification Letter or a PUNS Selection Letter?
Join the Know Your Options
Virtual Monthly Webinar
12:00-1:00 p.m.
Learn about your options under the Medicaid Home and Community Based Waiver for Adults with Developmental Disabilities in Illinois.
We will discuss service and support options, explore the role of your ISC, review the key steps you need to take to prepare for supports, and talk through common concerns and barriers.
Webinar is free; registration is required.
The next webinar will be on Thursday, October 3rd, 2024 at 12:00-1:00 pm.
Going Home Coalition members were on hand for the Caring Across Generations Bus Tour Kickoff at Access Living.
The Care Can’t Wait Bus Tour signified the importance of paid leave, making care jobs good jobs, and advocating for quality, accessible aging, disability and child care across the country. It also shed light on the lack of equitable and inclusive care systems and brought together care advocates, elected leaders, and influencers in the fight for better care. Stops were made in Michigan, Pennsylvania, New York, North Carolina, and Georgia.
Speakers and attendees in Chicago includedUnited States Secretary of Labor, Julie Su; President, National Domestic Workers Alliance, Ai-Jen Poo;President and CEO of Access Living, Karen Tamley;Vice President of Advocacy at Access Living, Amber Smock;Chief of Advocacy and Campaigns, Nicole Jorwic;Health/Home and Community Based Services Community Organizer, Ryan McGraw; United States Representative, Jan Schakowsky (D-IL 9); Curtis Harris; Chuy Compuzano; and Michael Grice.
Contact Admin, admin@thearcofil.org, to be added to our email list for Going Home Coalition’s upcoming September 25th Virtual Legislative Coffee and upcoming watch party for our Voices of Advocacy, Voices of Change video series.
Your Vote Matters!
It's Official!
Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker has issued a proclamation commemorating Disability Voting Rights Week for Illinois.
Illinois – REV UP Illinois, in partnership with the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) and the national REV UP campaign, proudly announces the observance of Disability Voting Rights Week from September 9th to 13th. This week, now officially recognized by Governor J.B. Pritzker, is dedicated to honoring the contributions of voters with disabilities and raising awareness about the importance of accessible voting. Over 200 individuals and organizations comprise REV UP Illinois, which provides a powerful voice for advocacy, accessibility and voting rights concerns for Illinois’ disabled citizens. REV UP Illinois is part of the national REV UP campaign, which stands for Register! Educate! Vote! Use your Power! The campaign is dedicated to increasing the participation of people with disabilities in the electoral process and ensuring that disability issues are fully included in political discourse.
Leaders across Illinois have united to form REV UP Illinois, a coalition focused on advancing voting rights for people with disabilities throughout the state. This nonpartisan initiative aims to uplift and empower the voices of people with disabilities in Illinois. Through advocacy and civic engagement, REV UP Illinois is creating an inclusive Illinois that values choice, rights, and breaks down barriers to voting for people with disabilities.
About The American Association of People with Disabilities:
The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) is a national cross-disability civil rights organization advocating for the full recognition of rights for over 61 million Americans with disabilities.
REV UP is a movement organized by the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) working to increase civic engagement in the disability community and improve election accessibility. REV UP was started in 2016 by grassroots disability activists in Texas. The Arc of Illinois joined the movement in 2022 and created the REV UP Illinois coalition in 2024. The Arc of Illinois and AAPD are 501c (3) organizations.
There are an estimated 38 million Americans with disabilities who are eligible to vote. Nationally, people with disabilities voted at a 3.6% lower rate than nondisabled voters in the 2022 midterm elections. Additionally, one in seven voters with disabilities reported difficulty voting.
Voting Accessibility Challenges:
REV UP Illinois focuses on ensuring that every person with a disability has the opportunity to vote and that their vote is counted. Accessibility to voting remains a critical issue, with many polling places and voting procedures still presenting barriers for people with disabilities.
There are an estimated 38 million Americans with disabilities who are eligible to vote. Nationally, people with disabilities voted at a 3.6% lower rate than nondisabled voters in the 2022 midterm elections. Additionally, one in seven voters with disabilities reported difficulty voting.
The disability community represents a significant and influential part of the electorate. However, barriers to voting accessibility remain a critical issue. Despite the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) being in effect for over 30 years, a 2023 study from the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) found that 60% of polling places still have significant barriers for people with disabilities. Common issues include inaccessible entrances, lack of ramps, poorly positioned voting machines, and inadequate accommodations for individuals with sensory disabilities. This underscores the importance of promoting accessible voting options, including mail-in ballots, early voting, and accessible voting machines.
This underscores the importance of promoting accessible voting options, including mail-in ballots, early voting, and accessible voting machines.
Call to Action:
Throughout Disability Voting Rights Week, REV UP Illinois calls on all voters with disabilities to check their voter registration status, learn about accessible voting options in their area, and make a plan to vote in November. Increased awareness and advocacy ensure that all voters can exercise their right to vote regardless of ability.
While there has been progress, significant work remains to ensure that all voters with disabilities can participate fully in the electoral process. REV UP Illinois will continue its advocacy and efforts, which are essential to overcoming these persistent barriers. Disability Voting Rights Week serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of the disability vote.
"Voting is the most powerful tool we have for making our voices heard," said Franklin D. Roosevelt, a U.S. President who used a wheelchair. "Nobody will ever deprive the American people of the right to vote except the American people themselves, and the only way they could do this is by not voting."
For more information and to be added to the REV UP Illinois meeting listserv, contact admin@thearcofil.org.
Out and About
The Arc of Illinois Family Transition Project and REV UP Illinois were on hand August 30th at the Ludeman Community Resource Event.
Pictured: Greg Walkington, Program Director, Family Transition Project, The Arc of Illinois; and Carole Rosen REV UP Illinois Director
The Programs of Arc of Illinois were represented on September 7th at the Neighborhood Parents Network of Chicago Developmental Differences Fair.
Pictured L-R: Donise Von Moore; Susan Agrawal,Program Director, Family to Family Health Information Center, at The Arc of Illinois; Kim Johnson, The Arc of Illinois Board President; Carole Rosen, Advocacy Program Specialist
Pictured: Susan Agrawal,Program Director, Family to Family Health Information Center, at The Arc of Illinois
Hot Off The Press! REV UP Illinois T-Shirts Are Available!
The Arc of Illinois Bonfire store now has several must-have styles including a REV UP Illinois branded T-shirt. And, you have lots of colors to choose from! Check those out here!
We Celebrate Direct Support Professionals Recognition Week!
We support the vital role Direct Service Professionals (DSP) play for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities this week, but more importantly, every day including our fight for higher DSP wages. Together, we advocate for a better future. Thank you for your hard work and dedication.
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