State of Illinois
Department of Human Services
Independent Living 2008 Annual Report
Independent Living means different things to different people. For those steeped in the Independent Living Movement, it means having control of one's life. Living independently does not mean however, doing everything for one's self, but being in control of decisions made about one's self. This is the foundation from which Centers for Independent Living (CILs) are founded.
A Center for Independent Living is a private, non-residential, community-based, not-for-profit, consumer-controlled organization that is mandated to provide four core services: Advocacy, Peer Support, Independent Living Skills Development and Information and Referral. Staff serve as role models, demonstrating that people with disabilities can be independent and productive. Their knowledge, support and guidance help to create informed choice options that give consumers the confidence to pursue their own independence and to realize their dreams and aspirations.
In contrast to more traditional medical models in which the "client" or "patient" is highly dependent on "experts," a CIL's emphasis is on "consumer" self-direction and control. CILs promote a positive self-image, which is important to developing significant peer relationships.
What truly distinguishes and set CILs apart from other organizations is the fact that consumer control exists on every level, where at least fifty one percent of staff, management staff and the Board of Directors must be persons with disabilities. Having consumer control in decision-making positions is paramount to maintaining the integrity of what a CIL should and must be. The most challenging barrier however, for people with disabilities to overcome is attitude. To gradually dismantle this barrier, CILs advocate for changes in legislation, provide disability awareness-related activities, develop technical assistance initiatives regarding the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and work in a committed fashion to deinstitutionalize people with disabilities who can and want to live independently.
Clearly, CILs are not social service agencies, but agents for social change.
Illinois Network of Centers for Independent Living
Access Living of Metropolitan Chicago (AL) Page 5
Advocates for Access (AFA) Page 6
DuPage Center for Independent Living (DCIL) Page 6
FITE Center for Independent Living (FITE) Page 7
Illinois-Iowa Center for Independent Living (IICIL) Page 7
Illinois Valley Center for Independent Living (IVCIL) Page 8
Impact Center for Independent Living (IMPACT) Page 8
Jacksonville Area Center for Independent Living (JACIL) Page 9
Lake County Center for Independent Living (LCCIL) Page 9
Living Independence For Everyone (LIFE) Page 10
LINC, Inc. (LINC) Page 10
Northwestern Illinois Center for Independent Living (NICIL) Page 11
Opportunities for Access (OFA?CIL) Page 11
Options Center for Independent Living (OPTIONS) Page 12
Persons Assuming Control of their Environment (PACE) Page 12
Progress Center for Independent Living (PCIL) Page 13
Regional Access and Mobilization Project (RAMP) Page 13
Southern Illinois Center for Independent Living (SICIL) Page 14
Soyland Access for Independent Living (SAIL) Page 14
Springfield Center for Independent Living (SCIL) Page 15
Stone-Hayes Center for Independent Living (STONE-HAYES) Page 15
West Central Illinois Center for Independent Living (WCICIL) Page 16
Will/Grundy Center for Independent Living (WGCIL) Page 16
Message
February 2009
Dear Colleague:
On behalf of the Department of Human Services (DHS), Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS), we are pleased to share this redesigned version of the 2008 Annual Report on Centers for Independent Living in Illinois. This new report would not have been possible without the active cooperation and support of the Illinois Network of Centers for Independent Living (INCIL) whose numerous contributions make this year's report a vivid record of what independent living means as it relates to the Disability Rights Movement.
Illinois' 23 Centers for Independent Living (CILs), in accordance with their mission, provided services to 117,076 Illinois citizens with disabilities in federal fiscal year 2008. These citizens received information and referral as well as direct services in their communities from CIL staff. The majority of staff are persons with disabilities who demonstrate on a daily basis that persons with disabilities can, and do, lead independent and productive lives. Many of the successes described in this report belong to them.
We also commend the Centers for the groundbreaking work on the Community Reintegration Program. Their tireless efforts have increased the quality of life of more than 1,500 individuals and saved the state millions of dollars over the past decade. In a similar vein, they have shown tremendous leadership in working with DHS and the MFP Steering Committee on the implementation of the innovative Money Follows the Person (MFP) systems change grant. We also look forward to the ongoing efforts related to the Rapid Reintegration Pilot, which has been initiated in Rockford and Springfield. As a direct result of this public-private collaboration, DHS and the 23 Centers for Independent Living have made excellent progress over the past several years in reducing the institutional bias in Medicaid long-term care in Illinois!
In addition, the Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC) which was established 14 years ago, in compliance with the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended, has been given the authority for the planning of independent living services and policy activities. Among its many activities in 2008, SILC moved the Youth Leadership Summit to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, which allowed the participants to experience a fully accessible and informative college experience.
We will continue to work in partnership with INCIL and SILC to explore and implement effective strategies to improve the quality of life for all persons with disabilities in Illinois.
Sincerely,
Carol L. Adams, Ph.D.
Secretary, Illinois Department of Human Services
Robert F. Kilbury, Rh.D.
Director, Division of Rehabilitation Services
Metropolitan Area Group for Igniting Civilization (MAGIC)
MAGIC's Hip HOPE (Health Outreach Prevention Education) program targets young men and women who are at-risk and have acquired spinal cord injuries (SCI) due to gun violence. This year MAGIC began the "Get Back in the Race" campaign designed as an outreach and marketing effort aimed at assisting individuals with SCI return to independent lifestyles through employment, education and vocational programs. Throughout the year, MAGIC made referrals to DHS and community based agencies for supportive services.
A major accomplishment was to engage over 30 men who have SCIs in a series of informal community gatherings, serving to remove the social stigma that confronts persons with disabilities. Consequently, these events increased the awareness of community residents and their understanding about the abilities and potential of wheelchair users. The culminating event was an anti-violence rally organized by six of the men who are paralyzed due to interpersonal violence. The rally was held at Chicago's Abbott Park and attended by over 1,000 people, many of whom spoke openly about their disabilities and were excited that a community-wide event was planned to showcase the potential of individuals with disabilities.
Legislative Internship Project
Legislative Internship Project for Minorities with Disabilities and Individuals with Disabilities from Rural Communities
The Division of Rehabilitation Services's Independent Living Unit first awarded Legislative Internship grants to CILs to develop this project in FY 1998. This project provides opportunities for minorities, youth and those living in rural communities who have disabilities to learn about the legislative process. These opportunities enable participants to develop leadership and decision-making skills that enhance their ability to address legislative issues that impact them and their respective communities.
By engaging in and learning the basic components of the legislative process, individuals with disabilities can develop more effective interpersonal and communication skills while becoming more familiar with the process. Ultimately, participants will enhance their ability to self advocate and therefore, increase their potential for growth and independence.
Independent Living Unit - Program Highlights - FY '08
- CILs served 93 of Illinois' 102 counties.
- Direct services and Information and Referral contact combined for FFY'08 was 117,076
- The Independent Living Unit (ILU) conducted three on-site full compliance reviews in FFY 2008. Each review was a three-day process which covered the CIL's programmatic, administrative and fiscal operations.
- Nine follow-up/monitoring reviews were conducted in FFY'08
- The ILU provided technical assistance to 23 CILs on 137 occasions during FFY'08
- The ILU conducted seven CSR/704 Report Trainings in FFY 2008
- Three Travel trainings were conducted in FFY'08
- The percentage of persons with disabilities on boards for FFY 2008 was 71 percent, which is the same as FFY 2007.
- The 704 Work Group IL Annual Report Subcommittee, consisting of ILU Directors, Independent Living Unit Staff, and the Graphic Designer at the Illinois Office of Communication and Information, worked collaboratively to help create this year's newly revamped IL Annual Report. Thanks to everyone for their efforts.
Access Living of Metropolitan Chicago
115 West Chicago AVenue
Chicago, Illinois 60607
312-640-2100 (V)
888-253-7003 (TTY)
Serving:
City of Chicago
- Access Living met with Chicago Public Schools (CPS) regarding their plan to increase the number of accessible schools within CPS. CPS has committed to expend $140 million over the next five years to improve access. We are currently monitoring the implementation of this funding.
- Access Living conducted 913 consumer contacts for consumers desiring affordable, accessible, integrated housing options and we placed 56 people into housing.
- Access Living deinstitutionalized 38 people (both seniors and non seniors)
- Access Living conducted 104 fair housing tests.
- Access Living successfully advocated for low income people with disabilities to have free mainline transportation statewide.
- Access Living conducted two 16 week youth leadership trainings, with 34 youth trained. Ninety percent of those trained reported an increase in their self-esteem and their disability identity (determined through pre and post tests).
Advocates for Access
4450 N. Prospect Road, Suite C8
Peoria Heights, Illinois 61616
309-682-3500 (V)
309-682-3567 (TTY)
Serving:
Fulton
Peoria
Tazewell
Woodford
- An Advocates For Access Community Reintegration consumer moved from a nursing home into homeownership with a collaborative effort of all the programs provided by AFA. A local news station and the Peoria Journal Star provided coverage of the story.
- AFA and the Deaf Advisory Committee sponsored the 2nd Annual Deaf Idol competition at Richwood's High School.
- AFA's Amplified Phone Program was #1 in the State for the third year in a row.
- AFA's Homeownership Program collaborated with Habitat for Humanity, which enabled one of our consumers to own a new home.
- AFA met with our local legislators one on one at our center to inform them of our programs, services and the needs of people with disabilities in our service area.
DuPage Center for Independent Living
739 Roosevelt Road
Building 8, Suite 109
Glen Ellyn, Illinois 60137
630-469-2300 (V/TTY)
Serving:
DuPage
- DuPage CIL (DCIL) continues to have a certified Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP) Counselor on staff. SHIP is a free statewide health insurance counseling service for Medicare beneficiaries and their caregivers.
- The Hearing Aid Action Committee (HAAC) is working intensively to prepare a bill to be introduced to the new general assembly in spring of 2009. This legislation would mandate hearing aides be covered through Illinois health insurance providers.
- DCIL had the opportunity to welcome and highlight the Center's programs and services for two groups of visitors from Seoul, South Korea. Our guests were Executive Directors of Centers for Independent Living and also a group of activists and advocates, both from Seoul. The visit was educational for both groups, as well as for the DCIL staff.
FITE Center for Independent Living
730 B. West Chicago Street
Elgin, Illinois 60123
847-695-5818 (V/TTY)
Serving:
Kane
Kendall
McHenry
- FITE created the Homeownership Coalition for People with Disabilities allowing people with disabilities to realize their dream of homeownership and increase affordable and accessible housing in our area.
- Services have increased by 200% through various outreach methods and expansion of services in both our Aurora and Elgin locations providing an increased presence in McHenry County for people with disabilities.
- We obtained grants to provide home modifications for individuals living in Aurora. The grants provided assistance to six individuals, allowing them barrier free access to their homes, increasing their safety and independence.
- Three new staff positions have been created allowing more services for people in Aurora and Elgin. Our focus is on Information and Referral and walk in consumers who need immediate assistance and support to consumers with complex needs.
- FITE partnered with local libraries to assist them with accessibility issues and advised them on ways to improve access to their facilities.
Illinois-Iowa Center for Independent Living
3708 11th Street
P.O. Box 6156
Rock Island, Illinois 61204-6156
309-793-0090 (V)
309-793-0693 (TTY)
Serving:
Henry
Mercer
Rock Island in Illinois
Clinton
Muscatine
Scott in Iowa
Rock Island's County Clerk refused to provide an interpreter for Hershel Jackson, IICIL's Independent Living Advocate and a person who is Deaf, to participate in training for deputy registrars. He was told that he needed to cover the cost out of pocket. IICIL informed the clerk about the need for appropriate communications access and he still would not change his stance. IICIL organized an informational picket at the county building with consumers and explained the situation to the general public. This was widely publicized in the local media, both television and newspapers. It also generated much discussion on blogs and within the local community. The IICIL appealed to the County Board of Supervisors, who then approved paying for interpreters.
Illinois Valley Center for Independent Living
18 Gunia Drive
LaSalle, Illinois 61301-9712
815-224-3126 (V)
815-224-8271 (TTY)
Serving:
Bureau
LaSalle
Marshall
Putnam
Stark
- IVCIL's advocacy efforts lead to 20 businesses/service providers to increase their accessibility and meet the Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAD) and/or the Illinois Accessibility Code.
- IVCIL increased accessibility of hospitals and sought to improve conduct toward patients with disabilities, resulting in two local hospitals opening dialog with IVCIL, leading to providing recommendations to improve accessibility and conducting disability sensitivity training for hospital staff.
- IVCIL supported a consumer during a lengthy legal process, resulting in setting precedent for all children aging out of the Division of Specialized Care for Children into the Home Services Program. At the age of 21, the consumer was no longer eligible for services from DCSS, but became eligible for the Home Services Program, causing a reduction in services. The reduction could have forced him to live in a nursing home and lose his ability to live in his own home.
Impact Center for Independent Living
2735 East Broadway
Alton, Illinois 62002
618-462-1411 (V)
618-474-5308 (TTY)
Serving:
Calhoun
Greene
Jersey
Macoupin
Madison
Bond
- IMPACT had its first student of Braille complete the curriculum and become fluent in Braille. The consumer also obtained employment with a large company.
- Shannon Davidson is one of Impact's many successful reintegration stories. Shannon was a resident of a nursing home for two years, but with the help of IMPACT's Community Reintegration Program, she was able to move out of the nursing home and into a beautiful one-bedroom apartment.
- IMPACT has implemented a new personal assistant training program by utilizing "The National Caregiver Training Program", which contains a comprehensive caregiver education curriculum.
Jacksonville Area Center for Independent Living
15 Permac Road
Jacksonville, Illinois 62650
217-245-8371 (V/TTY)
Serving:
Mason
Scott
Cass
Morgan
- JACIL assisted five individuals through our Community Reintegration Program to move from a nursing home into their own apartment within the communities of their choice. Another person moved from a state-operated facility into his own apartment with JACIL's assistance.
- Over 1000 children and adults are more aware of certain disabilities due to the disability awareness programs provided by JACIL staff in our four county service area.
- JACIL has facilitated a successful self-advocacy group composed largely of residents of a state-operated facility who have made over 50 contacts with state and local policy makers, conducted 3 service projects (raising over $700), and attended both the CCDI Conference and the Speak Up/Speak Out Summit.
- JACIL relocated to new office space, which provides a more comfortable and confidential environment from consumer and community services.
Lake County Center for Independent Living
377 North Seymour Avenue
Mundelein, Illinois 60060
847-949-4440 (V/TTY)
Serving:
Lake
- LCCIL through grassroots advocacy provided public testimony at our Transportation Forum that resulted in a commitment from the Lake County Board to provide match funds to expand affordable, accessible transportation.
- LCCIL expanded the Youth Leadership Program to include new schools and now maintain a wait list for the Employment Readiness Program.
- Seventy five percent of the consumers in our Staff Associates Program have now obtained permanent employment and are no longer in need of the program.
- The Older Blind Services Program is outreaching and is expanding its information base.
- LCCIL's Community Reintegration Program assisted thirteen individuals out of nursing homes, and into their own place of residence.
Living Independence For Everyone
2201 Eastland Drive
Suite #1
Bloomington, Illinois 61704
309-663-5433 (V)
309-663-0054 (TTY)
Serving:
Dewitt
Ford
Livingston
McLean
- LIFE Center played a key leadership role in planning, implementing, and assuring full accessibility of public transportation in Region 6.
- LIFE Center provided advocacy, training, and technical assistance to help a local school district accommodate and include parents with disabilities.
- LIFE Center collaborated in planning for disaster needs of people with disabilities and helped assure that 911 centers can respond to calls from people who are Deaf.
- LIFE Center moved seven individuals from nursing homes to their own homes within the community.
- LIFE Center served 102 seniors with vision loss by providing them with the skills and low vision aids they need to maintain independence within their own homes.
- LIFE Center's staff, Dana Craig won the Coalition of Citizens with Disabilities in Illinois' Dr. Judy Smithson Advocacy Award for her tireless pursuit of disability rights and equal opportunities for consumers to be able to participate in community life.
LINC Center for Independent Living
120 East A Street
Belleville, Illinois 62220-1401
618-235-9988 (V)
618-235-0451 (TTY)
Serving:
St. Clair
Monroe
Randolph
- LINC CIL was awarded a grant from the National Council on Independent Living and the U.S. Administration on Aging to hire a part-time Aging and Disability Resource Specialist (ADRS). The program is unique in that it brings older adults needed information and resources as they experience disabling conditions.
- Firoz Ali Alizada, the Advocacy Officer for Handicap International in Afghanistan, visited LINC to further gain knowledge on disabilities and advocacy programs in the US. Alizada's visit was sponsored by the Starkloff Disability Institute to help move Afghanistan forward by the inclusion of persons with disabilities in their communities.
- LINC CIL sponsors Fun & Learning classes for youth with a disability who are transitioning into the community. In the Fun & Learning classes the students gain knowledge in a variety of subjects that enhance their level of independence.
Northwestern Illinois Center for Independent Living
229 First Avenue
Suite #2
Rock Falls, Illinois 61071-1239
815- 625-7860 (V)
815-625-7863 (TTY)
Serving:
Carroll
Lee
Ogle
JoDaviess
Whiteside
- NICIL hosted the 3rd Annual "Walk & Roll" Disability Awareness Fund Raiser that raised $4,000. Participants used wheelchairs and alternated with team members to try and experience what a person with a disability might experience in some situations.
- NICIL, through our Community Reintegration Program, was able to reintegrate eight consumers who as a result, are now living in the community independently.
- NICIL provided Disability Awareness Training in our five County service area outreaching to 1500 students to educate them about disabilities.
Opportunities for Access
4206 Williamson Place
Suite 3
Mount Vernon, Illinois 62864
618-244-9212 (V)
618-244-9575 (TTY)
Serving:
Clay, Clinton
Effingham, Fayette
Jasper, Jefferson
Marion, Washington
Wayne, White, Edwards, Hamilton, and Wabash
- Opportunities For Access Center for Independent Living's (OFA CIL) Community Reintegration Program moved out nine consumers from nursing homes and advocated with them to regain their freedom. As a result, these consumers are happier in the community and living independently, while at the same time, saving the state money.
- OFA CIL partnered with other community organizations to secure funding for fifteen home modifications to make the homes of people with disabilities more accessible.
- OFA CIL continues to provide a third party service that enables people with disabilities who are DRS customers to obtain quick payment for necessary items to further their education, job search or employment opportunities. This program also includes ramps and other home modifications for consumers in the Home Services Program. OFA CIL provided 149 home modifications in the amount of $115,928.
- OFA CIL continues its successful Social Security and Pharmaceutical Procurement Programs that help people with disabilities stay out of nursing homes and other institutions, allowing them to remain as independent as possible within the community.
Options Center for Independent Living
22 Heritage Drive
Suite 107
Bourbonnais, Illinois 60914
815-936-0100 (V)
815-936-0132 (TTY)
Serving:
Kankakee
Iroquois
- Options, through the Community Reintegration Program, assisted eight consumers to move out of nursing homes while 90 other consumers avoided institutionalization.
- Options assisted 29 persons obtain housing choice vouchers and acquired accessible housing. In addition, 25 consumers obtained ramps or home modifications.
- Options assisted 386 persons with various disabilities acquire assistive devices.
- Options assisted consumers with travel training, learning how to ride the bus and to use bus vouchers/tokens independently. In addition, one of Options' staff was elected as the vice-chair of our county and region transportation committees.
- Options assisted seven consumers obtain employment.
- Option's advocacy efforts resulted in 45 businesses coming into compliance with accessible parking rules and regulations.
- Option's representation of 53 children at IEP meetings helped insure the children's rights were protected and their educational needs were met.
Persons Assuming Control of their Environment
1317 East Florida Ave. #27
Urbana, Illinois 61801
217-344-5433 (V)
217-344-5024 (TTY)
Serving:
Champaign
Douglas
Edgar
Piatt
Vermilion
- PACE assisted 6 first time homeowners in the year 2008.
- PACE assisted 12 consumers reintegrated from nursing homes to community in 2008.
- PACE, an ITAC Selection Center, distributed 122 amplified phones free of charge in 2008.
- PACE started a collaboration with the local community college to hold an annual Wheel-a-thon.
- PACE partnered with Family Matters to bring parent trainings regarding IDEA and Educational Access to PACE consumers.
- PACE worked with many community organizations to put on the first Disability Expo of services and equipment in the area.
- PACE collaborated in Champaign and Danville and presented two Low Vision Fairs.
Progress Center for Independent Living
7521 Madison Street
Forest Park, Illinois 60130
708-209-1500 (V)
708-209-1827 (TTY)
Serving:
Suburban Chicago
- Progress Center introduced our new Executive Director, Mr. Horacio Esparza, in July of 2008.
- PCIL, as part of the Make Medicare Work Coalition, has expanded its outreach efforts to target the deaf and hard-of-hearing and mental-health communities.
- PCIL's radio show, Vida Independiente, expanded to include a third hour broadcast in English.
- PCIL joined the Community for All Coalition to protest the continued operation of Howe Developmental Center.
- PCIL began the creation of an Aging and Disability Resource Center to serve the suburban Cook County area.
- PCIL's Emergency Backup Personal Assistant Program has expanded to include two new regions of Cook County.
- PCIL served as fiscal agent and major co-sponsor of the Fifth Annual Disability Pride Parade.
Regional Access and Mobilization Project
202 Market Street
Rockford, Illinois 61107
815-968-7567 (V)
815-968-2401 (TTY)
Serving:
Boone
Dekalb
Stephenson
Winnebago
- RAMP reintegrated 22 people with disabilities through the Community Reintegration Program.
- The Boone County Wheel-A-Thon raised $25,502 and will be used to provide services to people with disabilites.
- Youth Education Advocates assisted 400 children.
- The DeKalb County Scavenger Hunt raised awareness about disability issues, resulting in TransVac, the local bus service, providing training to all drivers on how to use the accessible lift system. Another positive change is the timing on a crosswalk light at the ever bustling Lincoln Highway which now allows for a more realistic time for people to cross the street.
- RAMP served 201 consumers with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) through the TBI Program.
Southern Illinois Center for Independent Living
2135 West Ramada Lane
Carbondale, Illinois 62901
618-457-3318 (V/TTY
Serving:
Franklin
Jackson
Perry
Williamson
Gallatin
Hardin
Saline
- Two consumers purchased homes this year thanks to SICIL's Home Ownership Program.
- Since graduation, John, who uses a wheelchair, had lived with his parents and then in public housing. He is now a proud homeowner, while Mary and Jerry, both of whom have disabilities, are thrilled to have a home in which to raise their children.
- Clint, an LPN studying to become an RN, was failed because of behaviors arising from his Tourette's syndrome. The nursing director told him that he could never repeat the class and graduate because he was "just too big a risk." Clint and his parents appealed the decision and with the help of SICIL advocacy, he was allowed to repeat the class. Clint will soon have the degree he earned.
- SICIL opened a satellite office in Sesser, Illinois.
Soyland Access for Independent Living
2449 Federal Drive
Decatur, Illinois 62526
217-876-8888 (V/TTY)
Serving:
Macon
Moultrie
Shelby
Cumberland
Clark
Coles
- SAIL assisted 222 people with disabilities with completing Circuit Breaker, Illinois Cares RX and Medicare Part D applications.
- SAIL collaborated with Family Matters Parent Training and Information Center to sponsor training activities for parents of children with disabilities and school personnel on Special Education Law.
- SAIL outreach staff gave information on health issues and disaster preparedness at 11 health fairs in the area.
- SAIL staff provided peer support, independent living skills training and information and referral through support groups, including low visions groups, Deaf Fellowship, Autism Support Group, ADHA Support Group and Parents Raising Awareness in Special Education.
- This was the 10th year SAIL has worked at the Decatur Celebration to make the event accessible for people with disabilities.
- SAIL collaborated with the Tazwell County Resource Center mobile low vision team to provide 37 free low vision examinations.
- SAIL referred 30 individuals who are deaf to Sorenson Communications to receive videophones, allowing them to connect visually and communicate directly in American Sign Language.
Springfield Center for Independent Living
330 South Grand Avenue West
Springfield, Illinois 62704
217-523-2587 (V)
217-523-4032 (TTY)
Serving:
Christian
Logan
Menard
Montgomery
Sangamon
- SCIL and other organizations advocated diligently for years to make transportation possible during the evening hours. As a result, Springfield Mass Transit District kicked off evening bus service on December 3, 2007.
- SCIL's Independent Living Specialist, after completing 34 hours of training on Medicare, became a certified Senior Health Insurance (SHIP) Counselor for people with disabilities in the 5 county service area.
- SCIL provided an Internship for a University of Illinois student with disabilities. The student intern assisted with the development and production of a special edition newsletter devoted to voting.
- SCIL staff and board members provided disability awareness presentations at seven sessions of Sangamon County Election Judge Training. SCIL staff and board will have attended 30 sessions upon completion of the training.
Stone-Hayes Center for Independent Living
39 North Prairie
Galesburg, Illinois 61401
309-344-1306(V/TTY)
Serving:
Henderson
Knox
Warren
- Stone-Hayes completed another successful Legislative Internship Program with 11 graduates who moved on with advocacy on the Disability Vote Project.
- Stone-Hayes reached a new group of consumers and families faced with significant hearing loss. Through a Sign Class, individuals have expressed dramatic changes in their lives.
- A Stone-Hayes Advocate successfully assisted an individual attain his independence from living in a shed because of financial exploitation to living in his own apartment; he is thrilled to be free.
West Central Illinois Center for Independent Living
300 Maine, Suite 104
Quincy, Illinois 62301
217-223-0400 (V)
217-223-0475 (TTY)
Serving:
Adams
Pike
Brown
Schuyler
Hancock
McDonough
- *?West Central Illinois Center for Independent Living continues to move forward in the empowerment of persons with disabilities, increasing opportunities and providing information through disability etiquette and awareness trainings for businesses and organizations.
- WCICIL staff members have been appointed to serve on a variety of Board of Directors in a six county service area.
- WCICIL and Two Rivers Regional Council partnered to complete several home modifications. The collaborations allowed for the greatest use of available resources and funding.
- Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) training has been provided to personal assistants as an active part of WCICIL's home services program. The American Red Cross is providing the training.
- A very successful 2008 ADA Celebration was held, "Breaking down Barriers".
Will/Grundy Center for Independent Living
2415 A West Jefferson Street
Joliet, Illinois 60435
815-729-0162 (V)
815-729-2085 (TTY)
Serving:
Will
Grundy
- Will-Grundy provided assistance to 18 people leading to their reintegration from an institutional setting to living within their community.
- Will-Grundy set a state record for distributing 57 amplified telephones in March 2008. The Illinois Telecommunication Access Corporation (ITAC) has never had a selection center distribute more phones in one month.
- Will-Grundy's outreach effort to minorities with disabilities has been intensified. More people with disabilities from minority communities have started receiving services from the Center.
- A "Liberty Launch" was held to demonstrate the inhumanity of institutionalization. Staff, consumers, and members of the general public participated in this event.
- A Disability Forum was held to inform people with disabilities about the Americans with Disabilities Act, accessible voting, emergency preparedness, low interest loans for assistive technology, accessible parking, and more. Over 100 persons with disabilities, general public, and elected officials attended this educational program.
401 South Clinton Street * Chicago, Illinois 60607
100 South Grand Avenue, East * Springfield, Illinois 62762
www.dhs.state.il.us
Programs, activities and employment opportunities in the Illinois Department of Human Services are open and accessible to any individual or group without regard to age, sex, race, sexual orientation, disability, ethnic origin or religion. The department is an equal opportunity employer and practices affirmative action and reasonable accommodation programs.
Printed by the Authority of the State of Illinois. (03/09)
