Governor Quinn’s budget offers many opportunities for people with intellectual and
developmental disabilities and represents a thoughtful and forward thinking blueprint to help
them live fulfilling lives in the community. The Governor called for a $1.00 per hour increase
in Direct Support Professionals’ wages, which will help to attract and retain qualified care for
people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Going Home Campaign strongly
supports the budget’s commitment to Employment First, which will help people with disabilities
enter the Illinois workforce. With more than 20,000 people on the waiting list for disability
services, the Governor’s commitment to move 500 of those individuals into the community is
moving Illinois in the right direction.
Illinois ranks almost last in the nation in supporting people with intellectual and developmental
disabilities and the budget is another step to bring Illinois in line with the national trend to
provide them with the opportunity to live a life of freedom and equality in a community near
family and friends.
Going Home is an advocacy campaign dedicated to full inclusion and equality for people with
intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Going Home leadership team consists of
Access Living, The Arc of Illinois, Center for Independent Living, Community for All Coalition,
Equip for Equality, Family Transition Project, Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities,
and Illinois Self-Advocacy Alliance.
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
