IMPACT CIL

05/15/2026

Wonderful news!
MPS & ML Awareness Day is now recognized in Illinois! 💜

A heartfelt thank you to Kris for making this possible—this means so much to her and to all the individuals and families impacted. Your dedication and advocacy truly make a difference!

Pictured - L to R:
Jackie, Tammy, Deb, Kris, Angela, Beth, Cindy and Phileena. (Not pictured Wendy and Hanna).

05/15/2026

Today at INCIL Advocacy Day, IMPACT CIL showed up strong with a team of 10 staff members!

Pictured: Angela, Kris, Jackie, Deb, Cindy, Tammy, Beth, and Phileena met with Christopher Belt at the Capitol. (Not shown: Hanna and Wendy.)

We had a great discussion about how Centers for Independent Living (CILs) provide essential programs and services that support people with all types of disabilities—helping individuals live independently in their communities.

We are advocating for a $10 million increase in CIL funding to expand our reach and ensure more individuals receive the services and support they need.

05/04/2026

A federal jury in Wisconsin ruled against Walmart for the firing of Marlo Spaeth, a long-term employee with Down syndrome.

Spaeth had maintained a "near-perfect" employment record for 16 years at a Walmart Supercenter in Manitowoc.

The conflict began when the company implemented a new automated scheduling system that shifted her regular hours by 60 to 90 minutes.

Due to her condition, Spaeth required a strict routine for meals and transportation; the new schedule caused her to miss her bus and delayed her dinner, leading to a decline in her health and subsequent absences.

After the shift change, Spaeth’s sister and guardian met with management multiple times to explain why the new hours were physically and mentally impossible for Marlo to maintain.

Despite her 16-year tenure and high performance reviews, Walmart refused to revert her schedule and fired her for "excessive absenteeism" in 2015.

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission took up the case, arguing that Walmart failed to engage in the interactive process required to accommodate a disabled worker.

In July 2021, a jury awarded Spaeth $125 million in punitive damages and $150,000 in compensatory damages.

Due to federal caps, the punitive amount was later reduced to $300,000, the maximum allowed under the law.

04/29/2026

It’s International Guide Dog Day! Today and every day we recognize the many dedicated guide dogs helping people who are blind or have low vision live independent lives.

04/29/2026

⚠️ Illinois Alert: Landlines May Be Ending

AT&T has notified customers that traditional copper landline service (POTS) could be phased out as early as March 15, 2027—impacting over 3.3 million Illinois residents.

The concern? Internet-based phones may not work during power or internet outages—putting access to 911 at risk.

This change follows state legislation supported by JB Pritzker allowing the phase-out of traditional landlines.

Advocacy - Speak up. Stay informed. Protect accessible, reliable communication.

Need help? Ask us about the FREE ITAC amplified phones & cellphone program for those who qualify. Call IMPACT CIL 618-462-1411

04/29/2026

In the event of accessibility concerns, discriminatory practices, or adverse experiences at a healthcare facility, notification to the Illinois Department of Public Health is mandatory within 24 hours at (217) 782-4977 or file a complaint online. For further guidance, IMPACT CIL offers advocacy support.

04/15/2026

IMPACT CIL is among the participating organizations at this event.

Bethalto Special Olympics is coming and along with it will be the amazing Resource Fair. Check out the information!

04/09/2026

The 504 sit-ins remain one of the most powerful and defining moments in disability rights history.

In April 1977, Disabled activists organized sit-ins across the country to compel the government to enforce Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. The San Francisco sit-in lasted 26 days, making it the longest occupation of a federal building in U.S. history. This movement reminds us that disability rights were won by collective action, not compliance or patience.

Share your stories or memories below ⬇



[ID: A rectangular informational graphic with a yellow background and a black header at the top featuring a torch logo and the word “INDEPENDENCE.” Centered below the header is the bold black title “DISABILITY RIGHTS HISTORY: 504 Sit-in.” Three black‑and‑white photos appear beneath the title, each showing groups of Disabled activists participating in protests and sit‑ins during the 1977 504 demonstrations. Below the photos, black text explains that in April 1977, Disabled activists organized sit‑ins in San Francisco and across the country to push for Section 504 regulations, with the San Francisco occupation lasting 26 days inside the HEW Building, making it the longest federal building occupation in U.S. history.]