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Dear Fellow Advocates,
At The Arc of Illinois, we are thoughtfully monitoring the ongoing discussions about changes to federal education funding and the implications for our communities. Currently, federal funding contributes approximately 12% of Illinois school districts' budgets, with some of our highest-need districts, such as Rockford, relying on federal sources for up to 22% of their funding.
These resources are essential, enabling vital support for special education services, mental health programs, career training, and the necessary assistance for students with disabilities. We have witnessed the profound impact that effective educational support can have on individuals and families. For my own family, special education was a crucial lifeline during my son’s diagnosis, providing not only essential resources but also a nurturing community that has enriched our lives in ways we never expected.
Reflecting on the history of special education, we are reminded of what is truly at stake. Before the establishment of federal protections, many students with disabilities were excluded from public education. Today, thanks to the unwavering advocacy of many, these students have the opportunity to learn, grow, and prepare for independent and fulfilling futures.
As we look beyond the statistics, we see the real stories in our communities every day - the student who gains confidence through tailored instruction, the young adult who secures meaningful employment through career programs, and the family that finds strength and hope through school-based support services. These narratives remind us of the importance of safeguarding educational resources.
We invite you to join our advocacy efforts by sharing your own experiences about how educational support has made a difference. Clickhereto tell your story.
Together, we can ensure that Illinois remains a place where quality education is accessible to all students, regardless of their abilities or circumstances.
Truly, Samantha Alloway Executive Director, The Arc of Illinois
We Need Your Voice to Highlight the Essential Role of Educational Support in Our Communities!
Ongoing discussions about changes to federal education funding are raising important questions about the future of our communities.
We want to hear your IEP/504 stories. We will amplify your experiences through our social media platforms, newsletters, and directly to our Congressional representatives and state legislators.
Together, let’s call on them to protect education and stand up for those we serve and care about. If you're not ready to share a story but still want to show support, become a Member of The Arc of Illinois today! Click here to join our movement.
Feel free to upload a photo of yourself, the person benefiting from an IEP/504, or create a short video explaining how it’s impacted your life.
Meet Kelly. Her life has been deeply impacted by Medicaid. From supporting her employment to enhancing her overall quality of life, Medicaid plays a vital role in her care.
Medicaid provides healthcare, therapy, and support for so many families, but we know every story is different. That’s why we want to hear your story. Share how Medicaid has made a difference for you and help us spread the word.
We are Proud to Introduce You to Our Organizational Member, Search Inc.
Search, Inc. got its start in 1968 as a grassroots movement of parents in the Cabrini Green neighborhood of Chicago advocating for the inclusion of their children into the public school system. Standing up against the segregation of people with disabilities from their communities is core to their legacy.
Search's vision is of a world where all people live, learn, work and thrive alongside each other, bringing their unique abilities to the community. In support of this mission, Search has a strong emphasis on community integration.
Programs include:
Search for Adventure: a unique travel program that offers people with disabilities vacation experiences to destinations near and far.
Disability Awareness Training: teach organizations to integrate disability-aware customer service and employment practices into core business strategies.
Youth Initiative Program: provides students who are aging out of the public school system with pre-employment transition supports.
Ignite: learn self-management skills and personal development in balanced approach that includes fitness, wellness, and visual arts classes.
Congratulations on your 25th Anniversary, Arts of Life!
Join Arts of Life as they mark a milestone—their 25th anniversary of championing creativity, vision, and the arts. Longtime Supporter and Guest of Honor Cindy Shanker will join them to commemorate this special occasion.
Join Going Home Coalition for our upcoming virtual meeting
Date:February 20th, 2025 CT Time: 3:30 PM
Don’t Miss Going Home Coalition’s upcoming meeting!
There is an urgent need to advocate to protect Medicaid now!!!
Join Going Home Coalition to hear why the impact of any changes to Medicaid would negatively affect the Disability community and hear how people have been advocating. We'll connect participants to resources, inform you of ways to advocate, support you to meet with your legislators, tell your story, and get the word out.
We will also have an update about Bill HB3853. This critical piece of legislation is called The Protective Medical Equipment Freedom Act.We'll discuss how we can advocate to protect people's right to mask.
Registration is required. Only registrants will receive materials.
We are thrilled to welcome Sebastian Aragon as the new Legislative Assistant for the Going Home Coalition at The Arc of Illinois.
Sebastian is committed to advocacy, caregiving, and community involvement. He has experience tutoring, volunteering with hospice organizations, and working toward becoming a Direct Support Professional, supporting both neurotypical and neurodivergent individuals. As a student in Human Services and Social Work, he specializes in autism support, mediation, and American Sign Language. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with family, crocheting, watching movies, and caring for his pets.
Going Home Coalition Celebrates Black History Month
The Women of Olmstead – Lois Curtis
Lois Curtis was a disability rights advocate who grew up with cognitive and developmental disabilities and spent nearly 20 years in institutions, at different points in her life. The landmark Supreme Court ruling on her case, Olmstead v. L.C., that institutionalizing people with disabilities was discriminatory, was a monumental and watershed moment in the Independent Living Movement.
To read more about ‘Why Black Disabled History Matters in the article from The Arc of the United States, please click here.
Join Ashley Kjos, Manager of the Program Development Unit with the Division of Developmental Disabilities, as he explores the latest updates on the PUNS list, including key statistics, trends, and insights from recent bulletins.
Please reach out to carole@thearcofil.org if you are planning any REV UP Illinois events and would like support in getting the word out to the Coalition.
Our upcoming meeting schedule will be coming out at the end of February. Please reach out with meeting topics, presentations, and resources you would like to share.
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, Tuesday, April 15 through Wednesday, April 23, 2025
In-person at the Marriott, Bloomington, Tuesday, April 22 through Wednesday, April 23, 2025
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 and to complete the submission form.
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