Representative Robyn Gabel introduced our wage bill in the Illinois House of Representatives. The DSP Wage bill is House Bill 2960. Read it here. Ask your State Representative to become a co-sponsor of House Bill 2960.
While legal advocates, the Court Monitor and The Arc has been saying for years now, that the Ligas Consent Decree is not ending, rumors persist that the Consent Decree is ending. Ligas is entering a new phase which will include benchmarks on the waiting list moving at a reasonable pace.
What is changing is the right for individuals in ICF-DD to affirm their right to a community placement. From Equip for Equality, “Under the Consent Decree, any person who was residing in an ICF-DD on June 15, 2011 has an absolute right to move into the community. However, to preserve that right, ICF-DD residents must make a record with the State by June 15, 2017 confirming their desire for community services. To join the class, contact Troy Markert at Troy.Markert@Illinois.gov or 217-785-6171. If residents don’t make a record by June 15, 2017, they lose that absolute right to move into the community, but can become part of the Waiting List class.”
It is critical that people residing in ICF-DD affirm their right to community as soon as possible.
Equip for Equality issued the following explanation regarding the Ligas Consent Decree.
Important Information About Obtaining Services Under the Ligas
Consent Decree Background: Ligas v. Norwood (formerly Ligas v. Maram) is a class action lawsuit filed in 2005 by nine people with developmental disabilities seeking community services, who either reside in large private State-funded facilities (ICF-DDs) or who are likely to be placed in such facilities if they do not received community services. On June 15, 2011, the judge approved an agreement to resolve the case called a Consent Decree. Nearly 6,000 class members have received community services under the Consent Decree so far.
You can also learn more about this and other important aspects of the Ligas Consent Decree by attending the following free presentation below.
“KNOW YOUR OPTIONS” PRESENTATION”
Date: Wednesday Evening, February 22, 2017 -Time: 5:30 pm. – 8:30 p.m.
Location: DayOnePact, 750 Warrenville Road, Lower Level, Lisle, IL 60532
This is a FREE Event – But You MUST Register by Calling: 708-331-7370 or email Shirley@thearcofil.org!
Please know there is limited space.
Tony Paulauski
Senior Advisor
The Arc of Illinois
20901 S. LaGrange Rd. Suite 209
Frankfort, IL 60423
815-464-1832 (OFFICE)
708-828-0188 (CELL)
Tony@thearcofil.org