IL Council on Developmental Disabilities

10/22/2025

Thank you to The Arc of Illinois for sharing this information with its network. This is a fact sheet from The Arc of the United States about the government shutdown.

This fact sheet covers: "what will continue, what could be delayed, and steps you can take if services are disrupted." https://www.thearcofil.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/2025-Shutdown-Fact-Sheet-1.pdf

10/21/2025

This information is shared from the University of Illinois at Chicago Department on Disability and Human Development List Serve:

𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗙𝗼𝗰𝘂𝘀 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗽: 𝗢𝗻𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲

1. Do you use public transportation and/or paratransit services to get around in Chicagoland region?

2. Are you interested in sharing your experiences, issues and ideas for systems change specific to transportation access & equity for people with disabilities in Chicagoland?

University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) is hosting an online focus group and action planning session to get your ideas and input on transportation access in Chicagoland for people with diverse disabilities. Our UIC students are learning how to do focus groups and you will be helping them learn, and also providing information that can then by used by disability rights groups and organizations in their advocacy to improve transportation access. Laura Saltzman from Access Living has been helping to teach our students about transportation issues in Chicagoland that they are advocating for now. We will be focusing on these issues so Access Living can use the findings from the focus groups in their transportation advocacy.

𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗲’𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗱𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘀:

WHAT: Transportation Access Focus Group and Action Planning Session

WHERE: Online via Zoom

WHEN: October 23, 2025 (Thursday evening, the session will go from 4-7pm online (with breaks, ½ on the focus group and ½ on action planning advocacy and improvements)

WHO: People with diverse disabilities who are using public transportation and/or paratransit in the Chicagoland region and counties. We are especially looking for people who have experience with public transportation (bus, train, both).

To thank you for your time, we will be giving you 𝗮 $𝟲𝟬 𝗴𝗶𝗳𝘁 𝗰𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗲 (available electronically or we can mail you the gift card) after participating in this session.

If you would like to participate in this 10/23 focus group, please contact Joy Hammel or Elnaz Alimi at:

𝗘𝗺𝗮𝗶𝗹: hammel@uic.edu; ealimi2@uic.edu
𝗣𝗵𝗼𝗻𝗲: (708) 209-8479 (for texts) or (312) 996-9655 (for voice mail)

Please make sure to let us know your name and how to reach you (email, text or phone) so we can connect and give you details and the zoom invite.

10/17/2025

From the State Journal Register: Illinoisans could stop receiving SNAP benefits in November. Here's what to know

"Federal officials with the U.S. Department of Agriculture have informed all states that it will not fund the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits unless the government opens"

Illinoisans will stop receiving food assistance starting Nov. 1. Here's what to know.

10/16/2025

Here is a story from WCIA.Com, a news outlet in Champaign, Illinois The story talks about the impact of impending SNAP cuts on food pantries in Illinois.

SNAP benefit cuts impacting food banks in Central Illinois https://www.wcia.com/video/snap-benefit-cuts-impacting-food-banks-in-central-illinois/11172518

Several groups in Central Illinois are anticipating the effects of continued and impending snap benefit cuts.

10/15/2025

From the American Association of People with Disabilities: "What the Government Shutdown Means for SNAP, WIC, and Disability Programs"

On Wednesday, October 1, at 12:01 AM, part of the federal government shut down because Congress could not agree on a funding plan. As of now, the government has been shut down for two weeks. Congress and the White House are still working to reach a deal to reopen it. What Happens During a Government...

10/14/2025

Happy National Hispanic Heritage Month, which started on September 15 and runs through October 15. Events continue across Illinois that celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month, including events hosted by the University of Illinois at Chicago Center for Student Involvement.

Here is a link to a list of events on October 14, October 15 and October 17.

Join UIC in celebrating LatinX Heritage Month with events highlighting LatinX culture, achievements, and contributions.

10/10/2025

The Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities is so proud of Village of Progress and Kreider Services! Congratulations on breaking ground on this innovative housing project!

Here is a link to news coverage about the Hill Street Neighborhood Project in Mount Morris, Illinois.

A groundbreaking ceremony in Mt. Morris on Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025, marks the upcoming construction of the Hill Street Neighborhood – a unique $10 million duplex apartment project offering a new housing option for people living with disabilities.

10/09/2025

Here is a note from the Illinois Department of Human Services Website regarding the 𝗙𝗲𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝗵𝘂𝘁𝗱𝗼𝘄𝗻:

"𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝗲𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝘀𝗵𝘂𝘁𝗱𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁 𝗢𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝗯𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗳𝗶𝘁𝘀 for current IDHS customers. This includes but is not limited to 𝗦𝗡𝗔𝗣, 𝗖𝗖𝗔𝗣, 𝗪𝗜𝗖, 𝗠𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗶𝗱, 𝗘𝗮𝗿𝗹𝘆 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗧𝗔𝗡𝗙 cash benefit customers."

"Regularly scheduled benefits will continue to be issued and our offices will remain open and ready to assist you."

The Illinios Department of Human Services helps Illinoisans and their families become healthy and self-sufficient.

10/08/2025

𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗜𝗗𝗗 𝗦𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺 𝗥𝗲𝗱𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻 𝗖𝗼𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

The IDD System Redesign Coalition (also known as Disability Partners) is pleased to announce that our efforts are underway. This is the culmination of a three-year journey made possible by a grant from the Coleman Foundation. The Coalition members will provide in-depth information about our mission, history, and plans as we move forward in the coming year.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗠𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿𝘀

Samantha Alloway: The Arc of Illinois

Mike Bibo: The Center for Developmental Disabilities Advocacy and Community Supports

Kathy Carmody: The Institute on Public Policy for People with Disabilities

Caitlin Crabb: The University of Illinois Chicago: Institute on Disability and Human Development

Josh Evans: The Illinois Association of Rehabilitation Facilities

We invite you to attend this free introductory webinar to learn more about our efforts. This one-hour webinar is available via Zoom and will begin at 𝟭𝟭:𝟬𝟬 𝗔𝗠 𝗼𝗻 𝗧𝘂𝗲𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝗢𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟭𝟰, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱.

𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗸: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_fz2QkK16SXWruEC9R-r2QA

Any questions may be sent to 𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗼@𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝗹.𝗼𝗿𝗴

10/06/2025

"With fiscal cliff approaching, RTA reduces rideshare program for paratransit riders, increases fare."

Here is a story from ABC Channel 7 Chicago that features ICDD Council Member Curtis Harris.

The story reports on the "Fiscal Cliff" and the impact of the budget on transit programs for people with disabilities.

Budget challenges for regional transportation in the area are ongoing, and some riders with special needs are already feeling the pinch.

10/01/2025

It's October 1. Welcome to 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗘𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗼𝘆𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵. Here is a message from the 𝗜𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗼𝗶𝘀 𝗗𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀:

"We're proud to announce that Governor JB Pritzker has officially proclaimed October 2025 as Disability Employment Awareness Month in Illinois."

"This month-long observance celebrates the contributions of workers with disabilities and highlights the importance of inclusive, equitable workplaces across our state. The 2025 National theme, "Celebrating Value and Talent," reflects Illinois' continued commitment to recognizing the strengths and potential of all individuals in the workforce."

"We invite communities, employers, and advocates to join us in honoring the achievements of individuals with disabilities and supporting efforts that advance meaningful employment opportunities for all."

This photo was shared with ICDD by the 𝗛𝗮𝗽𝗽𝘆 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲, 𝗮 𝗯𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝗢𝗮𝗸 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗸, 𝗜𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗼𝗶𝘀.

09/29/2025

On September 18 and 19, 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗜𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗼𝗶𝘀 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗹 𝗼𝗻 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 (𝗜𝗖𝗗𝗗) 𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗼𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗮 𝗛𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗡𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗴𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗔𝘀𝘀𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝗕𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗼𝗻-𝗡𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗹, 𝗜𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗼𝗶𝘀. For the past few years, ICDD has funded a 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗛𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗡𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗴𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿 𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗔𝘀𝘀𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁 in order to expand supportive housing opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities (DD). The project provides guidance and individualized support from Housing Navigators at Independent Service Coordination (ISC) agencies in Illinois. Hundreds of self-advocates with DD are connected to the Housing Navigator Program, and the initiative has already helped dozens move into homes of their own. In 2024, the Illinois Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) transitioned Housing Navigation from a Pilot Program to a regular part of their work.

At the convening on September 18 and 19, self-advocates, DDD, ISC agencies, and Housing Navigators met to hear directly from self-advocates in supportive housing, share success stories, identify challenges, and develop strategies for the future. Congratulations and thank you to all those involved in the program and the convening, including 𝗗𝗗𝗗, 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗿𝗽𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗛𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 (𝗖𝗦𝗛), 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗜𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗼𝗶𝘀 𝗛𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆 (𝗜𝗛𝗗𝗔), 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗕𝗲𝘁𝘀𝘆 𝗕𝗲𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗼 𝗼𝗳 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀, the lead of the Supportive Housing Navigator Technical Assistance Project.