No, I work for an organization called The Council on Quality and Leadership - or CQL for short.
CQL is a not-for-profit organization that works with organizations all over the country, to assure that they are providing safe and quality supports to people with disabilities. Our office is in Maryland, but people who work for CQL live in many different states. Some live here in Illinois. Information about CQL can be found at the website: www.thecouncil.org.
CQL has been contracted (hired) by Illinois' Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) to do this work. It is our job to talk with people affected by the Ligas Decree (that is, those who live in ICFs/DD), to see if they want to learn more about living options (places to live) available to them.
Most CQL interviewers (people who will meet with you) live in a nearby state, but not in Illinois. We think this is important, so you can feel assured that any information you share, or decisions you make, are kept private and confidential. There are a few interviewers who live here in Illinois, but they do not work for a provider organization, and they too, are committed to keep any information you share confidential.
If you'd like to make sure we are who we say we are, you can call (or we can ask him to call you, if that's what you prefer):
That depends on your question. It's usually best to start with the organization that provides support to your family member, perhaps a staff person or supervisor.
If you'd like to talk with someone at DDD about your family member's current services, Jim Eddings can help you, or direct you to the right person. His number is (217) 557-6335.
We can meet at your home, at your family member's home, or at another local place (e.g., a coffee shop, restaurant, library). You and your family member can choose which works best. If you'd like, we could bring or buy breakfast or lunch for [individual].
Most meetings will last 1 to 11/2 hours. We are happy to spend more time, if needed. And it's possible that it could take less time, if you'd like to review some of the materials ahead of time.
No one from DDD will be present at the meeting. I [or name other person] will be the person from CQL meeting with you. If needed, we might also bring an interpreter.
We would definitely like you (as guardian) and your family member to attend. If there is another close family member or advocate who you would like to attend, they are also welcome. We are happy to give you extra copies of the materials, if there are others you'd like to involve in your decisions.
Yes. We have interviewers on staff who speak English and Spanish. If another language is required, we will have an interpreter available at the meeting. Interpreters will also be available for individuals who use sign language or oral interpretation.
Our written materials will be available in several languages, large print, and Braille (if necessary). Our video will be close-captioned.
The interview, or meeting, will likely last between 60 - 90 minutes. It will include:
No, you may take time to think about it. Please refer to the timelines in Question 21 for guidance.
If you choose not to meet with us, we will simply notify the State DDD that, at this time, you are not interested in pursuing other living options. At any time, you may choose to change your mind - or declare your preference for your family member to remain in his or her ICF/DD.
In Illinois, individuals with developmental disabilities who live in ICFs/DD and meet certain eligibility criteria, have the option to remain in their current ICF/DD, transition to another ICF/DD, or receive residential and other services (e.g., employment, day services, transportation) through Home and Community-Based Waiver (HCBS) funding. Under the HCBS Waiver, DDD offers a variety of living options. As an example, there are four types of CILAs (Community Integrated Living Arrangements) that would be considered "other living options", or alternatives to ICFs/DD. They include 24-hour CILAs, Host Family CILAs, Intermittent CILAs, and Family CILAs. We have detailed information about these and other living options in our brochures, written materials, and video. Please let us know if you'd like us to send these materials to you.
"Ligas" started as a lawsuit filed in 2005. The Ligas lawsuit was filed on behalf of adults with developmental disabilities who live in ICFs/DD (with 9 or more people) and choose to move to community-based settings; and on behalf of those who live at home with their families and are seeking community-based living options and services.
Then, in June of 2011, the Court approved a Consent Decree settling the Ligas v. Hamos lawsuit. The Consent Decree identifies two groups of Class Members:
The Decree does not force individuals who do not want community-based services or placement to move. Nor does it force providers to close beds or enter into downsizing agreements with the State against their will.
These above benchmarks apply only to those class members living in an ICF/DD of 9 or more residents on June 15, 2011.
Information can be found on the DDD web site at: Ligas Consent Decree (pdf). You may also contact:
Jim Eddings, DDD Phone: (217) 557-6335, Email: Jim.Eddings@illinois.gov; Ronnie Cohn, Court Monitor, Phone: (914) 649-1856, Email: Ligas.monitor@gmail.com; Barry Taylor, Class Counsel, Phone: (312) 895-7317, Email: barryt@equipforequality.org.
Please contact:
Mike Vespa, Manager of Program Development, DDD Phone:(217) 785-6171 Email:Michael.Vespa@illinois.gov
Mike maintains a log of such complaints so the DDD can ensure each issue is addressed appropriately and any trends are identified and addressed.
Illinois Department of Human ServicesJB Pritzker, Governor · Grace B. Hou, Secretary
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