We are hosting Mike Mayer who is presenting, “Making a Real Difference Implementing Best
Practices in Person Centered Planning” at the Tinley Park Convention Centered.
Tomorrow Shirley Perez, Executive Director of the Family Support Network are in Chicago for
the House Appropriations Committee Hearing for Advocates on the Dept. of Human Services
Budget. The hearing begins at 10)) a.m. on the 6th Floor of the Balandic Building, 160 N
LaSalle.
Friday I am very pleased to be meeting with Kerry Schlaack, Executive Director of Autism
Speaks.
Tony
ARC DAY IN THE CAPITOL
Speak up and speak out at our annual rally to show support for people with disabilities living
in the community. The rally will take place before the Governor’s budget address. Legislators
will be in attendance that day so it is a prime time to gather and have our voices heard.
Wednesday, March 26, 20149:30 am – 1:00 pm
Illinois State Capitol Rotunda Springfield, Illinois
Following the Going Home Rally, participants will drop off information to their elected officials
to educate them about the benefits of community integration and reinforce that everyone can
live in the community with the proper supports and services.
Going Home is an advocacy campaign dedicated to full inclusion and equality for people with
intellectual and developmental disabilities. For more information call 312-300-6870 or go to www.goinghomeillinois.org
NAQ IN NASHVILLE THIS YEAR
The National Association of Qualified Developmental Disability Professionals was formed in
1996 by Trinity Services staff as the result of a recognized need by QDDPs – Qualified
Developmental Disability Professionals/QMRPs – Qualified Mental Retardation Professionals
(also known as Case Managers) to establish a strong resource for research, networking,
and addressing issues that concern QDDPs today.
We are in high gear planning for the 19th Annual Conference of QDDPs to be held in
Nashville, TN August 5th-8th. The National Conference of QDDPs provides a forum to share
information pertinent to the diverse interests of QDDPs.
FREE PUBLIC POLICY TRAINING FOR SIBS!
The Sibling Training on Disability Policy is being held on Saturday, March 15th from 9:30am
to 2:30pm at The Autism Program of Illinois (5520 South Sixth Street Road, Springfield, IL).
This event is for adults over 18 years old. We are targeting siblings of people with disabilities
and their brothers and sisters with disabilities. We would also love to have sib-in-laws attend
as well. Parents and other family members are also welcome. More information can be found
at this link: SIBS TRAINING ON DISABILITY POLICY
In the morning we will be conducting research that is voluntary. We will be holding focus
group discussions with siblings of people with disabilities and their brothers and sisters with
disabilities to discuss their experience with disability advocacy and policy. Siblings do not need
to come with their brothers and sisters, though they are welcome to bring additional members of
their family, including their parents.
The focus groups will be from 9:30am-11am and coffee/tea, donuts, and fruit will be provided.
The training will be from 11am-2:00pm and lunch will be provided.
The training is focused on siblings of people with disabilities and their brothers and sisters.
Parents and other family members as well as professionals are welcome to attend the training.
The training will provide highlights on disability policy and its relevance to siblings. Attendees
will have an opportunity to discuss disability policies and ask questions. Also, an Advocacy
Toolkit will be shared with strategies for siblings and their families to engage in advocacy and
effect change. This will include details on how to effectively share your story. Attendees will
get an opportunity to practice sharing their story and can choose to have it videotaped.
Outcomes: The information from the Sibling Training will be used to develop a sibling policy
brief, whitepaper, as well as a video for policymakers.
Please contact me if you have any questions.
Best,
Katie
_______________________
Katie Arnold
Director of Community Education
Institute on Disability and Human Development
University of Illinois at Chicago
1640 W. Roosevelt Rd (m/c626) Rm#718
Chicago, IL 60608
(312) 996-1002
(312) 413-0453 TTY
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
