The Arc of Illinois Weekly Update #1 – So Much News We are Sending Two Emails!   Update On DD Hub – From Director Stark Since joining the Division of Developmental Disabilities as Director, I’ve heard from many of you about the DD Hub and how it has assisted providers and families in resolving Medicaid redetermination issues. The Hub was created as a pilot project and has been staffed with caseworkers on loan from IDHS Division of Family and Community Services. By all accounts the Hub has been successful, and I am pleased to announce that it will continue to operate, albeit under a slightly different structure.  Effective December 1, 2019 the Division of Family and Community Services (FCS) will resume responsibility for this work. The Hub has been expanded to five dedicated caseworkers within FCS Office 238 that will solely work on Medicaid waiver redeterminations.  The move to FCS will allow more streamlined operations, and the additional staff will provide even more support to the community. We will be working closely with FCS management to assist with any training needs or other support during this transition. Providers, individuals and families will continue to have a dedicated DDD contact for questions. Derek Hedges, who has been providing supervision to Jay Bohn and the DD Hub team, will be the main contact for you moving forward as issues arise. He can be reached at (217) 782-5919. We thank Jay Bohn for all his help and support as he transitions back to his regular role within the waiver unit. More details to follow. The Arc of Illinois Sends a Huge THANK YOU to Jay Bohn and the DD Hub Team for their willingness to step in when families really needed them and at a time of crisis for many people.  We are happy to see the prioritization of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities continue and expand within the Department of Human Services.  As advocates and family members, if you run into challenges with anything, please share your experience with me at Meg@thearcofil.org.  We want to be able to share any transition concerns as well as successes. Supportive Employment Learning Network (SELN) Meeting – Director Stark reports that there was overwhelming interest in attendance for the SELN 14c/CDS facilitated meeting on December 5th. We had close to 40 providers request participation. We ultimately chose 24 providers that met the criteria and represented different regional areas within the state. She sent invitations to these providers. As a provider if you did not hear, she was unable to offer a seat at the meeting.  I believe, however, that there will be opportunities for participation in the future. Thank you for your interest!