Thank you to our Sponsors!
VIP Sponsor
Contact IL ABLE at (888) 609-8683 or il.clientservice@savewithable.com
IL ABLE Accounts make it possible for people with disabilities and their families to save and invest their money for expenses related to living with a disability without risking public benefits such as SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, and others. Money in an IL ABLE Account can be used to pay for a wide range of expenses related to living with a disability including education, health and wellness, personal support, and so much more. Learn more at www.illinoisable.com.
Keynote Sponsor
8 South Michigan Ave, Suite 1700, Chicago, IL 60603 – info@envisionunlimited.org, 312.346.6230
Envision Unlimited is dedicated to empowering individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities through a lifetime of comprehensive, person-centered support. Our services include community day programs, residential options, employment training, mental health services, and community based recreational activities – ensuring every individual has the opportunity to thrive in an inclusive, supportive environment. With over 75 years of experience, we partner with individuals and families to create personalized pathways to independence, social engagement, and meaningful community participation. Reach out to learn more about how we can help your loved one live their fullest life!
1110 West Lake Cook Road, Suite 165 Buffalo Grove, IL 60089 – email@rubinlaw.com, 847.279.7999
Legal and future planning for Illinois families or individuals with special needs. Includes special needs trusts, Guardianship and alternatives, Powers of Attorney, benefits and navigating the “maze” of Children and Adult Services.
Champion Sponsor
EP!C 1913 W Townline Rd, Peoria, IL 61615 – info@epicci.org, 309-691-3800
For 75 years, EP!C has provided educational, employment, residential, and clinical supports to people with cognitive differences. For over 35 years we’ve offered a unique residential program giving people the ability to choose the community they reside in. EP!C Host Homes matches adults of all ages to host families where they are supported in a home setting allowing them to become immersed in both community and home life with the help of a Provider.
2000 Jacobssen Drive, Normal, IL 61761 – rebeccabrennan@lifelongaccess.org, 309.451.8888
At Lifelong Access, we fight to break down barriers for each other and those who cannot fight for themselves. We envision a community where children, teens, and adults receive holistic support through a lifetime of meaningful services.
901 Warrenville Rd, Suite 500, Lisle, IL 60532 – snixon@lifesplaninc.org
Life’s Plan, Inc. specializes in managing trusts for individuals with disabilities, ensuring they receive supplemental services without losing eligibility for state and federal benefits. The organization supports individuals and families through:
- Personalized Case Management: Guiding families through the trust setup process.
- Legal Assistance: Offering support to attorneys for drafting appropriate trusts.
- Trustee Services: Acting as a trustee when families are unable to do so.
- Expenditure Oversight: Ensuring professional supervision of trust spending.
- Pooled Trusts: Managing over 270 active trusts, allowing for greater earnings from a larger fund pool.
- Affordable Tax Services: Providing prorated tax services at lower rates.
- Government-Approved Forms: Ensuring compliance with tested and approved legal forms.
- Individual Statements: Offering personalized financial reports upon request.
- Family-Centered Approach: Prioritizing the needs and preferences of individuals and families in the care plan.
- Individual Trust Management: Delivering services tailored to complement pooled trust options.
In short, Life’s Plan, Inc. combines trust management expertise with a compassionate, family-driven approach to support individuals with disabilities.
Feel Free to contact Scott Nixon, Executive Director – 630-628-7189 or by email at snixon@lifesplaninc.org
- Life’s Plan Brochure
- Individual Trustee Services.
- Handbook for Trustees
- Handbook for Trustees – Spanish
Inclusion Sponsors
Attain ABA Therapy, 1890 Swarthmore Ave, Lakewood, NJ 08701– info@attainaba.com, 866.864.1661
Attain ABA offers a unique opportunity for professionals seeking to help children with ASD and other developmental delays. We offer a supportive team from executive leadership to peers and colleagues. We offer a thorough infrastructure that allows our team members to maintain their role within their clinical expertise. We offer all the tools, resources, and training you need for success! Team members and client’s alike have an opportunity to work and receive services wherever it is best for them. We offer in-home, center, or even school-based services. Reach out to hear more! We look forward to speaking with you!
3638 West 111 Street, Chicago, IL 60655 – kathy@instituteonline.org, 708.359.2768
The Institute on Public Policy for People with Disabilities (the Institute) is Illinois’ largest statewide association focused exclusively on people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and the community agencies that support them. Our mission is to promote policy and practice that supports all people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to access services and resources to pursue valued and meaningful lives.
Collectively Institute members provide direct services and support to 35,000+ people with I/DD and their families in 1,000+ community locations across Illinois spanning 80%+ of Illinois Legislative districts. Institute member organizations serve more than half the CILA and Children’s Group Home populations across the state. Institute ISC members support 10,000+ people on the PUNS list and receiving HCBS services. Institute member organizations are recognized leaders in the I/DD community and serve as a strong voice in the I/DD legislative, advocacy, and policy arena in Illinois.
901 Warrenville Road, Suite 500 Lisle, IL 60532 – 630.620.2222
Ray Graham Association is a non-profit organization that serves nearly 2,000 people with disabilities and their families throughout DuPage County and the surrounding area through five service areas: Residential, Employment, Life Skills, Recreational, and Family Support. RGA’s mission is to create opportunities that empower people with disabilities to Reach, Grow, and Achieve.
300 Park Avenue, San Jose, CA 95110 – jessica.fleming@sage.com, 843.906.5573
Sage Intacct is the AICPA’s preferred provider of cloud financial applications. At Sage Intacct, we help nonprofits strengthen stewardship, build influence, grow funding and achieve mission success. We’re proud to partner with Chapters of The Arc to help streamline grant accounting, automate manual processes and deliver real-time visibility into the financials and metrics to help further your mission.
Contact Pat Trebe, Director of Development/Community Relations, 708.888.7418, ptrebe@newstarservices.org
Sertoma Centre, Inc. and New Star have officially merged, forming Sertoma Star Services. For a collective 125-plus years, the New Star and Sertoma Centre agencies have provided state-of-the-art services and programs to individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities. Sertoma Star Services’s mission is to empower individuals with disabilities, their families, and those living with mental illness to achieve personal success by providing choices and opportunities. Our service area reaches those living in and around the Chicagoland area and northwest Indiana.
Breakfast Sponsor
2960 Baker Drive, Springfield, IL 62703 – supportil@mycil.org, 877.223.7781
ACES$ Financial Management Services, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Northeast Pennsylvania Center for Independent living, is a consumer-directed payroll management solution for Medicaid recipients and their caregivers. As a Center for Independent Living we have decades of experience serving seniors as well as people with disabilities. CIL’s ACES$ Financial Management Services empowers consumers by handling the administrative employer functions of payroll for them. Additionally, the experience is simple and convenient for personal service workers. ACES$ is highly regarded by consumers for our efficient onboarding process as well as our outstanding customer service. Notably, ACES$ delivers a great cost savings to Medicaid programs and the States with which we work.
Scholarship Sponsor
1450 American Lane, Suite 600, Schaumburg, IL 60173 – aburnside@humana.com, 941.704.7703
Humana Healthy Horizons is more than a health plan. We’re human care. Together with state governments, providers and community-based organizations, we address social determinants, drive better outcomes and advance public health. From teens who need additional support for their mental well-being to aging adults who need assistance to live independently in the community, we help all people of all ages live the life they want to live, regardless of social circumstance. By promoting quality of life, we center our efforts on whole-person care.
EXHIBITORS
theablefables.com, dr.nicolejulia@theablefables.com
The Able Fables® is a disability-positive children’s book series that empowers young readers to celebrate themselves and their diverse peers. Built around the belief that every child is unique, valued, and capable, this heartfelt series creates a foundation of inclusion and acceptance from an early age. 20% of profits from both The Able Fables® books and advocacy apparel is donated to help build inclusive playgrounds across the USA!
91 Cedar St, Park Forest, IL 60466 – leanneadvocacy@gmail.com, 708.465.2368
Blue Tower Solutions co-directors and consultants are involved in many projects in Illinois and nationally. Learn about our projects and presentations and passions, and how we can work with your organization supporting self advocates and staff to find their passion and joy.
carolinesbirdietweets@gmail.com
1015 Davis Street, Evanston, IL 60201 – rmalone@independentfutures.org, 847.328.2044
As a direct service nonprofit, Center for Independent Futures (CIF) is uniquely qualified to create assessments and a life skills curriculum for the real-world needs of individuals with disabilities transitioning to adulthood. We’ve packaged this expertise into the My Full Life digital platform – a comprehensive, ready-to-teach resource. It is user-friendly and visually engaging, enabling instructors and learners to easily access tools, set goals, and track progress with minimal training. Stop by for a live demo!
100 N First Street, Springfield, IL 62777 – crsa.info@illinois.gov, 217.782.2438
The mission of CRSA is to promote a network of resources for Illinois youth with social and emotional health conditions to receive timely and appropriate access to the services they deserve.
1901 S 4th St, Ste 209, Effingham, IL 62401 – info@fmptic.org, 866.436.7842
101 Hempstead Pl, Suite 1A, Joliet, IL 60433 – greetings@hightidepress.org, 779.702.5490
High Tide Press publishes books, training materials, and interactive learning media for leaders at every level in human services organizations. All proceeds benefit people with disabilities.
NAQ promotes the highest quality in services and supports through leadership development of disability specialists who support people with I/DD to flourish and live their best possible lives. Applications are open for our new NAQ-Certified I/DD Specialist Program. Please join us for our 2025 conference on August 5th – 8th at the Gaylord Texan Hotel!
6103 Parkway Drive, Laurel, MD 20707 – andrew@icaremanager.com, 610.389.3323
iCareManager is an easy-to-use, comprehensive EHR and data management software system designed specifically for organizations servicing the specialized needs of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Brilliantly designed to be intuitive, iCM is easy to navigate, helping providers more efficiently manage individuals, staff, and locations.
701 N Walnut, Springfield, IL 62702 – iatp@iltech.org, 217.522.7985
Connecting people with disabilities to assistive technology to enhance independence and participation in all aspects of life.
830 South Spring Street, Springfield, IL 62704 – 217.782.9696
The Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities (ICDD) works to promote the independence, productivity, integration, and inclusion of those with disabilities into the community, ensuring that those individuals with developmental disabilities have the same opportunities as others in the community. ICDD is creating a new 5-Year State Plan. This plan will guide what we focus and work on from 2027 to 2031. We need your help to make sure the plan is helpful and meets the needs of people with developmental disabilities (DD) and their families. We want your input because your stories and experiences will help us understand what is working and what needs to change. Please take a few minutes to share your thoughts in this public survey by scanning the QR code or visiting our exhibit table.
305 N Sterling St, Streator, IL 61364 – leanneadvocacy@gmail.com, 708.465.2368
Illinois Epilepsy Supports and Resources is a project of IDHS Division of Developmental Disabilities for people with epilepsy in the central and northwest regions of Illinois. Through the partnership of Streator Unlimited and Blue Tower Solutions we provide supports to people with epilepsy and their families including information and referral, assistance applying for benefits, virtual and in person support groups, and training about epilepsy and seizure first aid for people with I/DD, community groups and schools.
Services are Statewide – 1.866.274.8023
The Illinois Guardianship and Advocacy is an agency that advocates for the rights of individuals with disabilities in the state of Illinois. We provide this service through the Human Rights Authority, Office of State Guardian, Legal Advocacy Services and our Special Education Collaborative.
Statewide Services
555 Skokie Blvd, Suite 500, Northbrook, IL 60062 – ilrespitecoalition@gmail.com, 217.814.0487
The Illinois Respite Coalition provides statewide linkage, referral and supports to Illinois caregivers caring for a loved one with a disability. Please stop by to get connected to respite (a chance to take a break) support in your area.
Campus Box 5300, Normal, IL 61790 – SpecialEducation@IllinoisState.edu, 309.438.8982
The Department of Special Education at Illinois State University is one of the largest and most respected special education programs in the country. We offer graduate and undergraduate programs in Learning Behavior Specialist and Blindness/Low-Vision and an undergraduate program in Deaf/Hard of Hearing. In addition, we are addressing the special education teacher shortage through our PULSE program and Learning Behavior Specialist 1 minor. The PULSE program is designed for special education paraprofessionals with at least 2 years of classroom experience seeking to earn their Bachelor’s degree in Special Education and their Professional Educator’s License (PEL) with a Learning Behavioral Specialist 1 endorsement. Our Learning Behavior Specialist minor will prepare ISU general education majors on inclusive practices so they can apply for a Learning Behavior Specialist endorsement. We value inclusive education and are committed to prepare educators on research-based practices to create classrooms where everyone can be successful.
1640 W Roosevelt, Chicago, IL 60608 – 312.413.1647
The Institute on Disability and Human Development (IDHD) includes the University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research and Service (UCEDD) for the State of Illinois. Our mission is to promote the independence, productivity and inclusion of people with disabilities in all aspects of society.
We conduct research and disseminate information about disability to academicians, policymakers, businesses, government agencies, service providers and the general public. We also provide clinical and community services and offer interdisciplinary pre-service training.
19710 Governors Hwy Ste 5 – 1115, Flossmoor, IL 60422 – coach@men2fit.com, 773.957.5208
It Takes A Village – Spectrum Strong Bootcamp is first of it’s kind virtual and in-person program designed to support autism families through fitness, emotional wellness, and community coaching. We provide structured, interactive sessions that help both parents and children build physical strength, emotional resilience and a supportive network.
Jazz Pharmaceuticals plc (Nasdaq: JAZZ), a global biopharmaceutical company dedicated to developing medicines for people with serious diseases — often with limited or no options. They have a diverse portfolio of marketed medicines and novel product candidates, from early- to late-stage development, in neuroscience and oncology. They are a leader in sleep disorders and epilepsy; further developing in movement disorders and PTSD; and focused on hematologic malignancies and solid tumors.
Within these therapeutic areas, they are identifying new options for patients by actively exploring small molecules, biologics, innovative delivery technologies and cannabinoid science. Jazz is headquartered in Dublin, Ireland and has employees around the globe, serving patients in nearly 75 countries.
For more information, please visit www.jazzpharmaceuticals.com and follow @JazzPharma on Twitter.
EPIDIOLEX® (cannabidiol) Official Site | Home
heyitsash1989@gmail.com, 630.670.6804
They said, “Write a cookbook!” and we weren’t afraid to take that whisk. Now, we are “souper” excited to share it with you! All you “knead” to do is visit our website to place your order. You will receive your cookbook in “thyme”, because that’s how we “roll“!
Just Z creates unique hand sculpted and painted jewelry, accessories, and wearable art that lifts the spirit and makes people happy.
205 West Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60657 – info@lambis.com, 866.481.LAMB
Lamb is the largest insurance broker in the country dedicated exclusively to helping nonprofit and human service organizations manage their risks. Lamb leverages its expertise, experience, and insurance carrier relationships to deliver the most comprehensive insurance program available at an advantageous cost to you. With more than 1,500 clients nationally, Lamb is truly making a different by aggressively pursuing our mission of “protecting organizations that positively affect people’s lives.”
PO Box 7629, Columbia, MO 65205 – mftbt@midwestspecialneedstrust.org, 573.256.5055
Missouri Family Trust dba Midwest Special Needs Trust (MSNT) was established as a result of advocacy by parents and professionals who realized that many obstacles hinder planning for the financial future of individuals with disabilities. The organization was created by statue (RSMo 402.199 – 402.208) in 1989 for the primary purpose of administering special needs trusts for persons with disabilities to protect important public benefits. As authorized and specified by statute, the Missouri Family Trust was incorporated as a non-profit and received IRS 501(c)(3) charitable designation.
2302 Clearlake Boulevard, Champaign, IL 61822 – espohr@nhrma.com, 217.403.4900
NHRMA Mutual provides workers’ comp coverage and risk management services to those that care for others. Our experts are singularly dedicated to maximizing safety and minimizing costs for your organization.
sharonswebautism@gmail.com, 317.778.5660
Meet Noah and Adriana Smith, authors in The Ancestors Within collaborative books series and mentioned in season 1 episode 10 of The Telepathy Tapes Podcast series. Noah and Adriana are nonspeaking authors who assist others with energy and communication.
info@sibsnetwork.org, 708.989.3619
Siblings have the longest lasting relationships with each other often exceeding 70 plus years. Check out the S.I.B.S. table to gather information on how to support siblings of people with disabilities across the life span in Illinois. Come talk with siblings about how organizations, parents, and others can support siblings in their communities and at home.
1225 McBride, Morton Grove, IL 60035 – 847.269.3167
Tarrytown Expocare Pharmacy is America’s leading IDD and Behavioral Health pharmacy. Our services are focused on providing efficiency, medication accuracy, standardized processes, training/support, and cost containment to the Agencies we serve. This includes our proprietary Web Portal / Mobile APP and processes that deliver over 90% of all medications via Cycle Fill . Founded in 2007 in the Tarrytown neighborhood of Austin, TX, we’ve grown to serve over 30,000 Individuals in 31 states. Our services are available 24/7 and provided by a dedicated team of over 600 experts.
2820 McFarland Rd, Rockford, IL 61107 – tyler@arcwbo.org, 815.965.3455
The Arc of Winnebago, Boone and Ogle Counties serves over 200 adults and children with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families each month through a wide variety of programs, services and activities including: Resource and Referral, Guardianship Assistance, Home Based Support Service Facilitation, Money Management/Rep Payee, Counseling Skills Training, Social Activities, Outreach and Education, and Advocacy.
The Arc of Winnebago, Boone, and Ogle Counties is proud to share the artwork made in our “Project Art” program through cards, bookmarks, prints, jewelry, and much more!
333 Kennedy Rd, Suite R101, Torrington, CT, 06790
Therap is a web-based, person-centered, and data-driven solution designed to support agencies and families. Our comprehensive system facilitates daily documentation, medication administration, staff communication, maintain compliance, and so much more. We serve over 12,000 providers across all 50 states as well as 25+ state and government contracts. We would be pleased to assist you in transitioning from paper-based processes to a fully comprehensive web-based solution.
1411 Opus Place, Suite 210, Downers Grove, IL 60515 – michele.westmaas@thrivent.com, 630.333.4888
As a parent of an adult self-advocate, I know the unique issues faced by the disability community. Previously a statewide advocate and coordinator, I worked with families on person centered planning and special education advocacy. Now as a financial advisor, I am passionate about helping families achieve financial clarity and develop holistic plans to meet their personal goals. I believe in using money as a tool to provide reassurance to loved ones and give back to the community.
1500 W Ogden Ave, Naperville, IL 60540 – contactus@turningpointeaf.org, 630.570.7948
Turning Pointe is dedicated to supporting individuals on the autism spectrum by building best practice learning environments that increase independence, improve communication, and support socially appropriate behaviors. As a 501 (c)(3) not-for-profit, we partner with school districts, families, volunteers, and employers to raise quality of educational and life supports for children and young adults with autism.