Today I am meeting with Senators Biss and Steans on community integration and the
state budget.
The following letter was sent to the State Journal Register and other papers regarding
the restoration of the grants and closing state institutions.
Tony
The Arc of Illinois congratulates Governor Rauner’s decision to do the right thing and
restore important state grants to disability services including The Autism Program and
The Arc’s Illinois Life Span Program. The Life Span Program, known as the “411” of
disability services, has been in existence to families for over 14 years. Last year we
assisted over 15,000 requests from families seeking advocacy and information resources.
The Disability System in Illinois is extremely institutionalized and costly. Illinois spends
$428 million a year segregating 1,730 individuals in 7 fully operational state
developmental centers. That works out to about $250,000 per year per person! The Arc
is calling for the closure of 6 of the 7 developmental centers.
It is time to reinvest into our community system to support infants, children and adults
with intellectual and developmental disabilities, allowing them to keep their families intact
and, as they age, supporting them to remain close to family and friends.
There is waste in the Disability System but it is not in community services. We call upon
Governor Rauner to continue to do the right thing for people with intellectual and other
developmental disabilities, as well as Illinois taxpayers.
Governor Rauner, close those 6 antiquated state institutions.
Everyone can live a rich and fulfilling life in the community with proper supports.
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@thearcofil.org
