Description
The EEOPD Task Force was created by the General Assembly in 2009 (20 ILCS 4095/) to analyze programs and policies of the State to determine what changes, modifications, and innovations may be necessary to remove barriers to competitive employment and economic opportunity for persons with disabilities, including barriers such as transportation, housing, program accessibility, and benefit structure. The Task Force also analyzes State disability systems, including the mental health, developmental disabilities, veterans' assistance, workforce investment, and rehabilitation services systems, and their effect on employment of persons with disabilities. The Task Force reviews and analyzes applicable research and policy studies, innovations used in other states, and any federal policy initiatives such as customized employment, and federal funding opportunities that would increase competitive employment and economic opportunity for persons with disabilities in Illinois.
Submitted Reports
January 2018 FINAL EEOPD Recommendations Report (pdf)
Membership
The EEOPD Taskforce was established in 2009 via Legislation (PA 96-368) and is a collaboration with the following State Agencies: Governor's Office, Illinois State Board of Education, Illinois Community College Board, Illinois Board of Higher Education, Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Illinois Department of Human Services Divisions of: Mental Health, Substance Use Prevention and Recovery, Rehabilitation Services, Early Childhood, Developmental Disabilities, and Family and Community Services, Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities, Illinois Department of Employment Security, Illinois Department of Central Management, Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice, and Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs. A non-voting advisory capacity position was added pursuant to PA 103-1060 for the Department of Labor.
The EEOPD also includes 15 Public Members that are appointed by the Governor's Office (at least 5 who have a disability) to serve on the Taskforce. This diverse stakeholder group is comprised of representatives from the following sectors:
- Statewide disability organizations,
- Agency with expertise in assistive technology devices,
- Advocates for veterans with disabilities,
- Centers for independent living & disability services providers,
- Organized labor,
- Higher education,
- Private sector business community,
- Current Section 14 (c) certificate holders, and
- Entities that provide employment and training services to persons with disabilities.
| Appointee |
State Agency |
| Ryan Croke* |
Office of the Governor |
| Melissa Cory |
Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice |
| Chris Bond |
Illinois Department of Central Management Services |
| Casey Burke |
IDHS, Division of Developmental Disabilities |
| Anna D'Ascenzo |
Illinois Department of Employment Security |
| Alex Weidenhamer |
Illinois Community College Board |
| Ahlam Jbara |
IDHS, Division of Family and Community Services |
| Lisa Jones |
Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity |
| LaMetrice Lane |
Illinois State Board of Education |
| Rahnee Patrick |
IDHS, Division of Rehabilitation Services |
| Darius McKinney |
IDHS, Division of Mental Health |
| Lori Harrison |
IDHS, Division of Early Childhood |
| Kimberly Mercer-Schleider |
Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities |
| Mariel Hamer-Sinclair |
Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities |
| Rafael Rivera |
IDHS, Division of Substance Use Prevention and Recovery |
| Dr. Nkechi Onwuameze |
Illinois State Board of Higher Education |
| VACANT |
Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs |
| VACANT |
Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services |
| Ganaphathi Ramaswamy |
Department of Labor (non-voting, advisory capacity) |
| Public Members Appointed by the Governor's Office |
Organization/Statutory Description |
| Benjamin Evangelista Lumicao* |
Allstate |
| Kathy Carmody |
Institute on Public Policy for People with Disabilities |
| Josh Evans |
Illinois Association of Rehabilitation Facilities |
| Phil Milsk |
Attorney and Public Policy Advocate |
| Benro Olive |
Illinois Deaf and Hard of Hearing Commission |
| Patty Walters |
Developmental Services Center |
| Mohammed Khan |
Special Olympics Illinois |
| Britney Godwin |
Illinois Assistive Technology Program |
| Brion Brooks |
Village of Progress (14(c) Certificate) |
| Hugo Saltijeral |
Valley Sheltered Workshop (14(c) Certificate) |
| Katie Blank |
Access Living |
| Shea Haury |
Comwell |
| Marilyn Green |
The National Federation of the Blind of Illinois |
| Michael Roush |
National Disability Institute |
| Cheryl Jansen |
Equip for Equality |
| VACANT |
Higher Education |
| VACANT |
Veterans with Disabilities |
| VACANT |
Organized Labor |
*Co-Chairs
Work Groups
The following workgroups are established within the EEOPD and support their priorities:
Workforce Development Workgroup: identify key policies, practices, and strategies to align services and to improve opportunities for competitive and integrated employment.
Provider Workgroup: identify key policies, practices and strategies that must be addressed and embraced for all citizens of Illinois to attain the goal of employment.
Employer Workgroup: provide recommendations that will sustain the increased engagement of public and private employers to achieve Employment First in Illinois.
Transition Workgroup: identify policies and practices that will increase the competitive and integrated employment of youth.
Legislative Workgroup: consider legislation and policy, advise the Taskforce on legislative and policy ideas, and review relevant pending legislation.
Dignity in Pay Workgroup: create a multi-year plan of recommended actions, outcomes, and benchmarks in accordance with paragraphs to help the State successfully eliminate the use of 14(c) certificates on July 1, 2029.
EEOPD Meetings
All Task Force meetings and work group meetings are open to the public and are subject to the Open Meetings Act.
| Month |
EEOPD Task Force |
Workforce Development work Group |
Provider Work Group |
Employer Work Group |
Transition Work Group |
Legislative Work Group |
Dignity in Pay Work Group |
| January 2025 |
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| February 2025 |
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| March 2025 |
March 19; 10-11:30 am |
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| April 2025 |
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| May 2025 |
May 21; 10-11:30 am |
May 30; 11am - 12 pm |
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May 14; 1-2:30 pm |
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May 19; 2-4 pm |
| June 2025 |
June 25; 10-11 am |
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June 17; 1-2:30pm |
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| July 2025 |
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| August 2025 |
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| September 2025 |
September 17; 10-11:30 am |
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| October 2025 |
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| November 2025 |
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| December 2025 |
December 17; 10-11:30 am |
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IDHS Administrative Support
If an individual needs an accommodation in order to participate in an EEOPD meeting, please contact Ebony Sadat-Shelby at Ebony.SadatShelby@Illinois.gov , 312-515-2252 (phone). Please make your request at least 14 calendar days prior to the scheduled meeting.
