If you're having trouble viewing this email, you can see it online.
Hello Fellow Advocates,
Image: Ohio Governor Mike Dewine and Samantha Alloway
Image: Some of our Directors of The Arc of Illinois
Image: Rocio Perez and Meghan Burke, Professor of Special Education at Vanderbilt University after their presentation at The Arc of the US's National Conference
Image: Team Building event with the Directors at The Arc of Illinois
Image: Our Board President, Kimberly Johnson, with other State Chapter Board Presidents and Board Members
The past week has been a transformative experience for The Arc of Illinois as we gathered in Columbus, Ohio, for the Arc of the United States National Convention. This was the first occasion in my tenure where our incredible Directors and our Board President Kimberly Johnson convened in person for an extended period. Our time together was filled with shared laughs and team-building activities, but more importantly, it served as a vital opportunity for team growth and cohesion!
It became abundantly clear to me, and to everyone in attendance, that The Arc of Illinois stands as a formidable force for change. A particularly enlightening concept discussed during the convention was that of the "change agent," defined as an individual or group that leads and facilitates change within an organization or situation. This role transcends titles; whether you are an employee, parent, team leader, neighbor, each of us has the potential to improve the lives of others.
As a dynamic team, we’re all about making a difference! We understand the power we hold, and we’re thrilled to share it by welcoming new self-advocates and families into The Arc. Our goal? To spread awareness, ignite change, engage families, and uplift voices across Illinois. This isn’t just about numbers or funding - it’s about building a vibrant community where individuals with I/DD and their families feel empowered and heard. Together, we’re unstoppable, and we’re excited to keep growing, thriving, and making that impact.
In our discussions, we’ve prioritized securing the right funding, elevating service quality, and building respectful and effective partnerships with providers, other trade organizations, and the State. At the heart of this work are individuals with I/DD and their families. Our mission is to enhance support at every stage. From home-based services and special education to resources that create smooth, lifelong transitions for a more fulfilling life. We’re here to empower every parent, sibling, and extended family member who forms the foundation of our community, working together to ensure individuals with I/DD can thrive and live to their fullest potential.
To effectuate meaningful change, we must be willing to embrace discomfort and take bold steps forward. So, how can you help?
Spread the Word: Share our mission with your network to amplify our reach. The more people know about The Arc of Illinois, the stronger we become in driving change across Illinois.
Get Involved: Whether you’re a self-advocate, family member, or community supporter, we need you! Join our initiatives, volunteer, or participate in local events. Your involvement makes a difference!
Advocate for Change: Connect with local and state representatives to push for the funding and resources families need. Your voice plays a vital role in shaping policies that impact our community.
Build Connections: Invite new families and self-advocates to join The Arc of Illinois. Together, we can create a network that champions the rights and needs of all individuals with I/DD.
Join us to amplify our voices and build a stronger community where individuals with I/DD and their families have the support, respect, and resources they deserve. Stand with us to create lasting change and make Illinois a place of dignity and opportunity for all. This is our moment - let's seize it and be the change we want to see.
Truly, Samantha Alloway Executive Director, The Arc of Illinois
Your Vote Matters!
Register! Educate! Vote. Use Your Power!
Tomorrow, November 5th, is Election Day!
Use the QR codes above to check your voter registration and to look up your polling place.
BallotReady is a great resource on researching candidates and creating a mock ballot to take with you to use with a voting buddy at the polls.Click here to visit BallotReady.
You must provide two forms of ID when you register to vote. One of them needs to show your current address. For a list of ID examples or to receive Voter ID assistance,click here.
Remember!!!
Voting is your right!
You have the right to vote even if you have a guardian.
Your vote is your own choice.
Polling places should be accessible for you!
You are entitled to the support you need to vote!
If your voting rights are not respected, you can file a complaint with the following organizations
For the Illinois State Board of Elections,click here.
For Illinois Guardianship and Advocacy Commission, click here.
Out and About
On October 22th, REV UP Illinois’ Da Wen Mei copresented twice in one day! First for Jewish Child and Family Services (JCFS) and second for The Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities (ICDD) 2024 Legislative Session Recap and Veto Session Outlook. Also, REV UP Illinois Copresenter, Curtis Harris, was engaging nursing home residents on the power of the disability vote!
On October 23rd, REV UP Illinois held its large group meeting to celebrate, collaborate, and catch up on all the great work that is happening out there.Join us by emailing admin@thearcofil.org.
Shown here: Family Transition Project Mentor and REV UP Illinois Copresenter, John Porter; DDD Public Service Administrator, Melissa Reynolds; Advocacy Program Specialist, Carole Rosen; Family Transition Project Director, Greg Walkington
On October 25th, The Family Transition Project was on hand at Fox Developmental Center with REV UP Illinois to engage their residents on voting. The current census at Fox is 71 people with the average resident age being 57 years old. 97% of the population is considered to have complex and profound physical and developmental disabilities with the majority of people being nonverbal and non-ambulatory. For more on Fox Developmental Center, clickhere.
On October 30th, Da Wen Mei copresented to Family Matters Parent Training and Information Center (FMPTIC).
Image: Keshet Participants
Image: New Trier Transition Students Matty Schulz (REV UP Illinois Copresenter) and Hayden Rosen
On October 31st, New Trier Transition student, Matty Shulz copresented to Keshet’s Gadol program. We had a great time!
On November 1st, The Arc of Illinois Board President, Kimberly Johnson, and Carole Rosen joined Dr. Lemont Baker on his award-winning radio program, "Street Talk", which discusses, urban issues, education, disability, politics, and motivation.
On behalf of REV UP Illinois and all our fabulous copresenters, I want to thank everyone for their amazing engagement.Empowering the disability vote goes beyond the November 5th election. We’re just getting started!!!Thank you to everyone who reached out to engage our team of REV UP Illinois copresenters.We are grateful!
Carole’s 100 Day Vote Shirt Challenge Comes to an End
Image: Carole Rosen standing next to an Early Voting sign
And, that's a wrap on Carole’s 100 Day Vote Shirt Challenge! #100dayvoteshirtchallenge
As an act of civic engagement, it was a wonderful way to bring attention to the importance of voting.
As legendary disability rights activist Judy Heumann said, "Voting is not just a right—it’s our responsibility." Heumann’s message continues to resonate with advocates everywhere.
It is my hope that every member of the disability community will recognize the power they hold when they cast their vote.
Your Advocacy Matters!
Here are some highlights from The Arc of United States National Conference in Columbus, Ohio that took place from November 1-3. Throughout the weekend, fantastic resources were shared. Bringing newfound education, resources, and insights into practice through Going Home Coalition will benefit us in the months ahead as we dig in and advocate for systems change!
Morgan Spicer, The Arc of the Mid Ohio Valley; Joe Damiano and Melody Cooper, SABE, The Arc of Indiana; and Ashley Glears, The Arc of the United States; spoke on the topic of supporting self-advocates as leaders.
How can Going Home Coalition support you as an individual or an organization in your advocacy?
Have you checked out our legislative advocacy modules?
Click here to view The Arc of Illinois Legislative Webinar Series.
Image: Russell Lehmann
Russell Lehmann, motivational speaker, poet, and advocate, shared his lived experience, empowered minds and transformed perceptions of autism, mental health, and disabilities with his session "Bridging Gaps: The Intersection of IDD and Mental Health Care". It was great seeing Russell again; he presented a keynote at The Arc of Illinois Annual Convention in 2020.
Joze Piranian’s impactful presentation "Conquering Fears, Building Resilience and Skyrocketing Potential" was insightful and humorous. In addition to being a Ted Talk speaker, Joze also does standup comedy!
Please like and follow Going Home Coalition’sFacebookandInstagramPages!
Are you passionate about creating a world where everyone can lead a fulfilling life grounded in equity and inclusion?
We invite you to consider joining The Arc of Illinois Board of Directors!
We are seeking dedicated individuals who share our mission: The Arc of Illinois is committed to empowering persons with disabilities to achieve full participation in community life through informed choices.
Applications are now open until December 1, 2024. This is your opportunity to make a meaningful impact by expanding our advocacy, services, and accessibility throughout the state of Illinois. If you have the drive to help individuals with disabilities thrive and promote an inclusive community, we want to hear from you!
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, November 7th, 2024 at 12:00-1:00 pm.
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
