Today, more than 250 self advocates, families and community organizations are rallying in the rotunda of the State Capitol to advocate for increased funding for community living (including increased pay for staff and rates), an end to waiting lists for services, increased informed choice for people in SODCs and a shift in funding prioritizaiton from... Read more »
Below is from the Arc of the United States about federal advocacy: Medicaid/LTSS: President Signs MFP Extension On April 18, President Trump signed the Medicaid Services Investment and Accountability Act of 2019 (H.R.1839) into law. This bill adds an additional $20 million for the Money Follows the Person (MFP) program through September 30, 2019. MFP... Read more »
The Division on Friday released new guidance and FAQs about self directed assistance. This is important for families with home based services who use SDAs to help support individuals. Providers will hopefully see further clarity and flexibility around the SDA parameters. The Arc has advocated for the division to remain broad in their interpretation so... Read more »
STATE Speak Up and Speak Out Registration Out! Last year Speak Up and Speak Out sold out faster than ever before! Don’t miss it – register now! Here is the registration brochure. Call the Arc office with any questions. This year there is an even stronger focus on speaking up for our rights! Connect to... Read more »
On June 22, The Arc of Illinois along with disability advocates across the country celebrate the 19th anniversary of the Supreme Court’s Olmstead decision, which has forced states to offer opportunities to people with disabilities to live in the least restricted settings. On this day, we ask you to make TWO ACTIONS: 1) Join the... Read more »
Happy Friday! Although we have been focused this week on Springfield, the federal government continues to make disability policy. Check out this update from the Arc of the United States: for the week of May 29, 2018 Action Alert Did Your Representatives Vote to Protect SNAP? Major Recent Events Budget & Appropriations – Appropriations... Read more »
New Member/Key Stakeholder Survey – Please fill out today. Here is a word document for those who need greater accessibility. Take 7 minutes or less to help the Arc of Illinois in its future direction! FEDERAL ADVOCACY SNAP Vote Potentially This WEEK! Call Your legislators now! You can click here to receive the contact number to... Read more »
Thanks to all those who joined last week’s Executive Forum! Sorry about the late issues with the phone line. SAVE THE DATE – June 6 Executive Forum (Medicaid Managed Care) Following up from the Executive Forum: 1) Please send me a contact who might want to participate in a short term employment/subminimum wage discussion. We... Read more »
What Are Barriers to Gaining Employment? Individuals with Disabilities and Families, please join us for: Supported Employment Listening and Learning Session April 11, 2018 9:30-11 am Marcfirst, 1606 Hunt Dr #1A, Normal, IL 61761 Participants will listen, learn and: Share your experience and talk about how to improve supported employment. Learn more about policy... Read more »
Action Alert! February 1 Call In Day! The EMPOWER Care Act Gets Individuals with Disabilities & Seniors Back Home S. 2227, the bipartisan EMPOWER Care Act introduced by Senators Portman (R-OH) and Cantwell (D-WA), extends and improves the Money Follows the Person program (MFP). First authorized by President Bush in 2005 with strong bipartisan support, MFP... Read more »