It is good to be back after a week of hiking, fishing and reading a couple of good books! As you might expect catching up is going to take a little time so if you send me an email last week, I will get back to you as soon as I can!I was pleased to see that the Illinois Blueprint has been refreshed and we still have much work to do but we are on the right track.

Some finding include:

In May 2012, the new report Illinois at the Tipping Point – Blueprint for System Redesign Update was released and found that:

  • Illinois is still not providing services to individuals with reasonable promptness.  The wait list nearly doubled since the first report.
  • Illinois still relies heavily on State Operated Developmental Centers, private ICFs/DD and 24/7 community group homes for the majority of the services population.
  • Illinois still does not invest enough money in Home and Community Based Services

However, the new report also found that:

  •  State policy makers have shown a willingness to make necessary changes and commit to a person-centered service system. 
  • The Division of Developmental Disabilities’ seven year strategic plan can be used to managing many of the changes in policy and practice that must occur.
  • Implementation of the Ligas Consent Decree and the Governor’s rebalancing initiative are providing opportunities for individuals to transition to community options.
  • Self-advocates are increasingly calling for changes to promote community integration and self-direction. 

Here are some links to the Blueprint Refresh:


Tony Paulauski
Executive Director
The Arc of Illinois
20901 S. LaGrange Rd. Suite 209
Frankfort, IL 60423
815-464-1832 (OFFICE)
815-464-1832 (CELL)
Tony@www.thearcofil.org