IMPACT CIL

03/26/2026

SAVE THE DATE!!! WHOO WHOO! TRIVIA NIGHT FRIDAY NIGHT AUGUST 7th!
Please share!

03/25/2026

Kris Klenke of IMPACT CIL shared the exciting news!

"I'm so thankful to work at a place that supports advocacy for individuals of all abilities. Last week I was in Washington DC advocating for rare diseases. The FDA has denied 78% of new treatment applications for rare diseases in 2025. This is very concerning for those in the rare disease community. For those that don't know, my son was dx with a rare disease called Mucopolysaccharidosis Type II, MPS II or Hunter Syndrome. When he was diagnosed there were zero treatment options. Last week we pulled together to put pressure on the FDA to use the procedures that Congress has already put in place like accelerated approval and clinical trial design. We advocated for those individuals who can't speak up for themselves.

Today is an exciting day. The FDA has granted approval of a new treatment for individuals dx with MPS II. The first new treatment approval in 20 years and a treatment that crosses the BBB. This is a huge win for the rare disease community.

I just wanted to share that advocacy efforts do pay off and the work we do at IMPACT makes a difference."

The link below is the announcement of this new treatment, Avlayah, if anyone wants to read it.

https://investors.denalitherapeutics.com/news-releases/news-release-details/denali-therapeutics-announces-us-fda-approval-avlayahtm
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03/25/2026

We cordially invite you, your family & friends to join us for dinner at Decaro’s in Alton on Tuesday, April 7th, where 15% of your bill will be donated to IMPACT Center for Independent Living. Decaro's offers an exceptional array of culinary options! Come and support us!

03/25/2026

World's First Practicing Lawyer with Down Syndrome, Proving that Dreams have no Limits.

You think some careers are off‑limits for people with Down syndrome – until you meet this lawyer.

Ana Victoria Espino de Santiago from Zacatecas, Mexico became the first person with Down syndrome in the world to earn a law degree when she graduated from the Universidad Autónoma de Zacatecas. She completed high school online to avoid discrimination and then passed the entrance exam for law school. The headmaster initially told her the school was not prepared to accommodate her needs.

One professor stepped up and offered to accompany her through all five years of college, sitting in on every class and helping her study and prepare for exams. Despite facing prejudice from teachers and classmates who did not believe she could graduate, she pushed through and earned her degree.

Her goal is to become a legislator and advocate for the rights of people with disabilities across Mexico.

03/19/2026

IMPACT CIL's Staff Kris Klenke here, currently in Washington DC advocating for rare disease awareness. Please find a link to a Newsweek article detailing our efforts at the FDA: https://www.newsweek.com/moms-stage-funeral-outside-fda-drug-protest-11701910

03/09/2026

Who do you know that struggles to hear on the phone or avoids calls altogether?
It could be a parent, a grandparent, a neighbor, or a close friend.
If someone you love finds phone conversations difficult, they may qualify for a free ITAC device.
A simple share can help someone stay connected to the people who matter most. 💙

03/05/2026

March is Women’s History Month.

Disabled women have shaped history, advanced civil rights, challenged artistic norms and transformed how we understand disability.

From Judy Heumann’s leadership in the disability rights movement to Harriet Tubman’s abolitionist legacy, from Frida Kahlo’s groundbreaking art to Alice Wong’s impact on disability storytelling and advocacy, their contributions continue to influence generations.

Representation matters. History includes disabled women. Who else would you add to this list? Let us know in the comments.

Image description: Graphic titled “Disabled Women Who Shaped History” with NDI logo in the top right corner. The slide features four women with brief biographies and photos: Judy Heumann (1947–2023), disability rights activist and wheelchair user who helped lead the 504 Sit-in and advance the Americans with Disabilities Act; Harriet Tubman (c. 1822–1913), abolitionist and political activist who sustained a traumatic brain injury and likely lived with epilepsy; Frida Kahlo (1907–1954), Mexican painter who lived with chronic pain and mobility impairments; and Alice Wong (1974–2025), disability rights activist with spinal muscular atrophy and founder of the Disability Visibility Project. Portrait images of each woman appear below their biographies.

03/05/2026

EVENT HAPPENING TOMORROW!!!!! ***EMPLOYERS LISTED***

Madison County Employment and Training is Hosting a Job Fair!

AT THIS TIME, THERE IS NO NEED TO REGISTER - PLEASE ATTEND THE EVENT IF ABLE BETWEEN 10AM - 3PM

When: March 5, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Location: 101 E. Edwardsville Road, Wood River, IL

This event is designed to support individuals impacted by the recent Alton Steel closure AND IS OPEN TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC!!!

Employers from a variety of industries will be on-site and ready to hire. If you're looking for new opportunities, this is a great chance to connect and explore what’s next!

03/04/2026

March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month (DDAM) — a time to celebrate inclusion, highlight achievements, and recognize the vital contributions of people with developmental disabilities in our communities. They have always been here, enriching our neighborhoods, workplaces, and schools — and they always will be.

Throughout the month, we will share meaningful stories, honor accomplishments, and promote the importance of creating communities where every individual has the opportunity to thrive and succeed.

03/04/2026

Spring forward in 4 days!

02/24/2026

♿️ Winter Paralympics! 💪🏽
USA - streaming on Peacock
Opening Ceremony
Friday, March 6, 2026 at 1 PM