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Common Sense and Community: Why Medicaid Matters
Dear Fellow Advocates,
In times of political turbulence, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by the headlines swirling around us. Just last week, we’ve seen how quickly narratives can take on a life of their own, with even tragic events becoming part of the broader political conversation.
In a recent statement, President Trump blamed individuals with disabilities in the FAA for a tragic plane crash near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. His comments could perpetuate stereotypes and undermine the expertise of qualified professionals. With the future of Medicaid uncertain for the I/DD community and beyond, his words only deepen concerns about how leadership values people with disabilities. When questioned about his reasoning, he simply stated, "Because I have common sense."
Medicaid provides vital health insurance to nearly 80 million Americans - one in five people - and is a critical financial backbone for our healthcare system. It supports children, low-wage families, veterans, seniors, and people with disabilities, ensuring access to essential care. What’s truly remarkable is that, in times of uncertainty, people are willing to stand up for their own rights and those of the ones they love. That commitment to protecting what matters most is powerful!
Just this week, we saw that power in action. When The Arc of Illinois shared a video about Medicaid's impact on our community, the response was nothing short of extraordinary. In just 36 hours, more than 14,000 people stopped to listen, and 101 families stepped forward to share their stories. Each story is a testament to why these services are not just line items in a budget, but lifelines for our community.
Currently, 16,589 people in Illinois are waiting for services. Each number represents a family holding their breath, hoping for support that should be a fundamental right, not a distant dream. As we face proposals for block grants, work requirements, and funding caps, we must remember what's truly at stake.
When we share our stories with legislators, we show that Medicaid isn’t just a policy - it’s about real lives. It’s the child needing speech therapy, the adult requiring personal assistance, the family struggling for medical equipment. When we unite our voices, decision-makers listen. Those 101 stories in 36 hours? They're powerful tools for change, reminding us that every policy decision affects thousands of lives.
Stay involved with The Arc of Illinois: become a member, make a donation, or again - share your story. Your voice matters, and together, we’ll make an undeniable difference. And if you ask me how I know, it’s simple.
Because I have common sense.
Truly, Samantha Alloway Executive Director, The Arc of Illinois
Listen to Our Message on Medicaid!
We Need Your Voices to Shine a Light on the Vital Role Medicaid Plays in our Communities!
Whether it’s about access to healthcare, support for loved ones, or the impact on your daily life, your stories are powerful.
Join us in sharing your Medicaid experiences. We will amplify your stories across our social media platforms, newsletters, and directly to our Congressional representatives and state legislators.
Let’s urge them to protect Medicaid and advocate for those we serve and love. Not able to share a story - but still want to show support? Become a Member of The Arc of Illinois today! Click hereto join our movement.
You can upload a photo of yourself, the person who benefits from Medicaid or create a one-minute video explaining the impact on your life.
Founded in 1959 by a group of visionary parents, Little City aimed to create an inclusive and supportive environment for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, challenging the belief that they should be institutionalized.
Little City provides a range of living options for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, focusing on safe, nurturing environments for growth. The residential facilities are staffed with highly trained professionals who offer personalized care based on individual needs
Little City also offers day programming at the Countryside and Grayslake Centers, and in 2022, launched the THRIVE program for children with severe autism who need high-intensity support. The Foster Care & Adoption program has placed hundreds of children in loving homes, while our Community-Based Clinical Services support families facing challenges beyond disabilities.
Under the leadership of Rich Bobby, Little City continues to empower individuals with disabilities, offering new opportunities every day.
To find out more about Little City and to check out their brand new website, please visitwww.littlecity.org.
To get involved, click here. We invite you to consider a donation to Little City to support their programs and services. Click here to donate.
Last Week's Meeting Recap
On January 30th, the Going Home Coalition’s virtual meeting featured an insightful update from Samantha Alloway, Executive Director of The Arc of Illinois, and Susan Agrawal, Director of The Family-to-Family Health Information Center. They provided valuable, actionable information and resources regarding recent developments with Medicaid. To watch the Medicaid video, click here and to view the presentation slides, click here. Please feel free to share this widely!
Members of The Humanize Long Term Care Campaign discussed the strategic, focused, and collaborative advocacy required to pass HB 2474 during January’s Lame Duck Session of the legislature. This bill, centered on anti-retaliation, ensures that nursing home residents and workers can voice concerns about care and mistreatment without fear of retribution.
Speakers at the meeting included Fran Tobin, Barb Pritchard, Ebony Payne, Ryan McGraw, Mary Matthews, and Lyndsay Sullivan. Advocates from multiple organizations, who worked together to pass HB 2474, shared a detailed account of the challenges, triumphs, and perseverance involved, showcasing how their efforts led to a successful legislative outcome.
Legislation that protects individuals with disabilities sets a crucial precedent and guides future public policy decisions.
The Going Home Coalition will continue to use this innovative meeting format to uncover key lessons and best practices for advocacy in legislative problem-solving.
Going Home appreciates the robust turnout and extends a sincere ‘Thank You!’ to all attendees, including self-advocates, Illinois government agencies, advocacy and protection groups, service providers, nonprofit organizations, allies, legislators, and legislative staff.
Going Home Coalition Celebrates Black History Month
Fannie Lou Hamer, (1917-1977), became disabled after contracting polio. She was an amazing American voting and women's rights activist, community organizer, and one of the leaders of the civil rights movement. One of her accomplishments amongst so many others was that she was also a co-founder of the National Women's Political Caucus, an organization created to recruit, train, and support women of all races who sought election to government offices. Fanny Lou Hamer’s accomplishments impact our awareness. Advocacy is an ongoing effort and, especially, during these times we need to be there for each other, organize, and continue with all our strength to keep moving forward.
Nominate Your Hidden Hero at the Annual Convention Awards Reception!
Know someone whose efforts have made a lasting impact on our community? Whether it's an individual, organization, or program supporting The Arc of Illinois’ mission, now is the time to recognize them!
Submit a nomination to honor their kindness or advocacy and inspire others to follow their lead.
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. Artwork is due to by March 28, 2025.
The Arc of Illinois 7550 183rd St Tinley Park, IL 60477
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.
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