August 30, 2021 DDD Communication

Good Afternoon,

QUICK NOTES

  • Per IDPH, the preliminary seven-day statewide positivity for cases as a percent of total test from August 20-26, 2021 is 5.2%. The preliminary seven-day statewide test positivity from August 20-26, 2021 is 5.7%. However, regional 7-day test positivity averages range from 4.2% to 10.8%.
  • Remember to register for Supporting Sex Education: What Providers Need to Know webinar being held on September 9th at 1pm.

NATIONAL DSP RECOGNITION WEEK

September 12 - 18th is National Direct Support Professional (DSP) Recognition Week! I want to thank all of our DSPs for the work they do each and every day for individuals with I/DD across the state. I would love to thank some of our DSPs in person, or virtually, the week of the 12th. I am available for an in-person visit in the Chicagoland area, and in the latter half of the week, in the Bloomington/Normal area. I would also be available for a virtual meet and greet any time that week! Members of my exec team could also visit. Just reach out!

In addition, the National Alliance of DSPs (NADSP) is celebrating the week with another free, virtual event, "From Promise to Progress"! The event goes beyond just the recognition and appreciation for DSPs to promote specific actions and cutting-edge approaches to improve the human services field and elevate the status of DSPs! You can find the full line-up and registrations links here.

NEW EXECUTIVE ORDER

On August 26th Governor Pritzker issued COVID-19 Executive Order NO.87 that has impact on healthcare facilities.

Agencies providing the following services ARE required to comply with the EO:

  •  Intermediate Care Facilities for I/DD (ICF/DDs)

Agencies providing the following services are NOT required to comply with the EO at this time.

  • Community Integrated Living Arrangements (CILA)
  • Children's Group Homes (CGH)
  • Community Day Services (CDS)*

*IDPH may require CDS programs that serve individuals from ICF/DDs to follow the EO. We await clarification from IDPH on if and when they will issue this directive.

SODC TRANSITION PLACEMENTS NEEDED

The State Operated Developmental Centers (SODCs) currently have over 100 individuals who are actively interested in transitioning to community settings. With the assistance of the Independent Service Coordination (ISCs) agencies throughout the state, Support Services Team (SST), the SODC Interdisciplinary Teams, and the SODC Transition Coordinator Melissa Shaw, we hope to continue to increase the number of people successfully placed in community settings. If you are a provider that has current vacancies, we encourage you to reach out to the ISC to discuss placement possibilities. For additional information from our SODC Transition Coordinator, feel free to contact Melissa Shaw at (815) 677-0107 or melissa.shaw@illinois.gov.

SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT ADMINISTRATOR STARTING SEPTEMBER 1

The Division is so excited to announce that Casey Burke, currently working as our part-time Supported Employment Administrator on contract for the Division, has accepted the full-time position effective September 1st! Casey began his career of service to individuals with disabilities as a Direct Support Professional at a rural Illinois I/DD provider during his time as an undergraduate at Northern Illinois University (NIU). After receiving his BA from NIU, Casey remained in the field working at several large Chicagoland organizations serving individuals with I/DD. Casey continues to be a champion of Employment First, is a Certified Employment Support Professional (CESP), and is part of several efforts to enhance the availability, quality and scope of employment related supports for individuals with disabilities. We're so glad he'll be joining the team full-time to expand on our employment vision!

BALC BUREAU CHIEF STARTING SEPTEMBER 1

The DHS Bureau of Accreditation, Licensure and Certification (BALC) is pleased to announce that Amanda Cade is starting as the Bureau Chief on September 1st! Ms. Cade brings with her a wealth of experience in providing services to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, people with dual diagnoses, and providing leadership in quality enhancement activities. Ms. Cade has worked in and with a variety of service settings including ICF/IDs and community support services in both day and residential services. She has provided direct service as a behavior specialist and has been in leadership positions for most of her career. Some of her quality enhancement experience includes directing the "look-behind" surveys in ICF/IDs for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Service, conducing accreditation surveys for The Council on Quality and Leadership, and functioning as the Quality Improvement Director for SODC Operations under the direction of the Deputy Director for SODC Operations in the late 1990's. Ms. Cade holds a Bachelor's degree as a double major in English and Psychology from Olivet Nazarene University and a Master's degree in Clinical Psychology from Illinois State University. In addition, Ms. Cade is a graduate of the National Leadership Consortium on Developmental Disabilities at The University of Delaware.

Thank you for all you do!

Warmly,

  • Allison V. Stark
  • Director, Division of Developmental Disabilities
  • Illinois Department of Human Services
  • 600 East Ash-Building 400, Springfield, IL 62703
  • Tel: (217) 782 -6803

The information contained herein should not be considered a substitute for the appropriate official statutes, rules, regulations, or the advice of legal counsel.


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