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Dear Fellow Advocates,
Pictured L-R: Samantha Alloway and ICDD Kimberly Mercer-Schleider
Pictured L-R: Carole Rosen, Rep. Theresa Mah and Samantha Alloway
Pictured L-R: Governor Pritzker Signing the Bill
Pictured L-R: Lieutenant Governor Stratton and Samantha Alloway
As many of you know, the Dignity in Pay Act was signed on Tuesday, January 21st. As Governor Pritzker signed this significant legislation, you could feel it. The rare electricity of hope mingled with purpose. Self-advocates, family members, service providers, and policymakers stood together, united in the vision of a more equitable future for Illinoisans with disabilities!
In moments of profound change, we at The Arc of Illinois recognize the importance of embracing the whole truth. The path ahead is filled with both promise and challenge. Great progress often brings unintended consequences that can impact our most vulnerable community members first and most deeply. This is why our unity matters more than ever.
Our community’s strength lies in our capacity to hold multiple truths: to celebrate progress while safeguarding the vulnerable, to embrace change while ensuring no one is left behind, and to move forward while supporting one another through uncertainty. This moment calls us to be our best selves - listening deeply to every voice, especially those that express concern or fear.
As a member of the Employment & Economic Opportunities for People with Disabilities (EEOPD) Taskforce, which includes about 50 other state leaders focused on economic opportunities for people with disabilities, I want to hear your thoughts, fears, and concerns. This only works if we do the work together. It is essential that we remain vigilant and accountable to one another, ensuring that no one slips through the cracks.
The extraordinary energy of collaboration we witnessed at the signing isn't just for special occasions; it’s the foundation we need for the work that lies ahead. The Arc of Illinois is front and center in this transition, committed to being a bridge through this process. We need everyone’s voice, experience, and support to make it truly impactful.
I encourage you to reach out to me at Samantha@thearcofil.org. Together, we are stronger. Together, we are wiser. Together, we can make a lasting impact as we strive for dignity in pay and process, ensuring that every family is heard, every concern is addressed, and no one is left behind.
Truly, Samantha Alloway Executive Director, The Arc of Illinois
Big Announcement!
We have MOVED our home office to Tinley Park!
The Arc of Illinois 7550 183rd St Tinley Park, IL 60477
It's not just a change of address – it's a whole new chapter! We can’t wait for you to be part of this journey. Our new space is located at the UCP Seguin office building. We are here and ready to connect, just from a fresh, new location.
Stay tuned for all the updates, new opportunities, and exciting projects we have in store!
Need to reach us? No worries – our phone number is staying the same! You can still reach us directly at 815-464-1832 or through email at info@thearcofil.org.
Get ready for a transformative experience at the QIDP Leadership Conference, available live through Zoom! This virtual event will cover essential topics for QIDPs, including Online Safety, Grief, Artificial Intelligence, and much more. Don't miss the chance to gain valuable takeaways for your career. Register now and be part of the future of QIDP leadership!
Visit the websitefor speaker bios and topics. Click herefor the brochure.
As part of its legislative priorities, Going Home Coalition has recently advocated on the passage of two bills and will be discussed.
Refer to the step-by-step graphic below to register.
HB 2474, passed this January in the Lame Duck Session of the legislature, is an anti-retaliation bill that will allow nursing home residents and workers to voice their care concerns and mistreatment.
Advocates from several organizations who collaborated on the passage of HB 2474 under the Humanize Long Term Care Campaign will offer a detailed recounting of the twists,turns, highs, lows, and the work involved to make this a real-world example of a successful legislative outcome.
Legislation that safeguards the rights of people with disabilities establishes the foundation and guiding principles for future public policy. We will be using HB 2474 to identify lessons and best practices in advocacy for legislative problem-solving.
People with intellectual and developmental disabilities in nursing homes will also benefit from the protections HB2474 puts in place. The full text of the bill with its amendments can be found here.
Click here to watch the video showcasing the experiences of individuals who advocated for this bill.
We are Proud to Introduce You to Our Organizational Member, Arts of Life!
Under the leadership of Denise Fisher, Arts of Life empowers artists with intellectual and developmental disabilities by providing a collaborative space to grow their practice and leadership skills.
Happy 25th Anniversary, Arts of Life! Celebrating 25 years this year, Arts of Life is the only fully community-integrated programs for creative people with developmental disabilities at all levels to pursue lives and careers as artists. The organization offers creative opportunities at studio locations in Chicago’s West Town, Glenview, Woodlawn, art centers in Evanston and Highland Park, and even in artists' homes. Their team of Direct Support Professionals (DSPs), who are also professional artists, provide tailored guidance to help participants thrive as artists.
Arts of Life’s archive and gallery program supports artists by exhibiting their work alongside non-disabled peers at their Circle Contemporary gallery, and at galleries nationwide and internationally (NYC, Miami, Tokyo, Seoul, and more). They also assist with selling artwork, securing commissions, and maintaining museum-quality documentation and storage.
With a focus on confidence and skill-building, Arts of Life creates an environment where artists take ownership, lead, and shape their community. Through the Artist Enterprise Program, artists can also grow professionally as art educators, curators, and more.
We invite you to visit www.artsoflife.org for information, art gallery and upcoming events!
SAVE THE DATE!
The Arc of Illinois 75th Annual Convention
Hybrid Conference on April 22 - 23, 2025; Marriot in Bloomington-Normal, IL & Virtual Webinar through Zoom
Brochure and Registration information coming soon!
Do you know someone who makes a difference every day in our community? How has this person, organization, or program supported The Arc of Illinois' mission? In what ways have they enhanced the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities? If so, celebrate your hidden hero by nominating them to recognize their outstanding dedication and accomplishments!
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