Good Morning,
QUICK NOTES
- Per IDPH, the preliminary seven-day statewide COVID-19 positivity for cases as a percent of total test from September 24-30, 2021 is 2.2%. The preliminary seven-day statewide test positivity from September 24-30, 2021 is 2.8%.
- Please remember to complete the DDD Provider Survey by October 14th. We ask that ALL providers complete one for their agency. Requests for paper copies have been requested and they are attached. Providers can use these to prepare to answer the online survey. Note: it will automatically save your progress if you need to come back to it!
NATIONAL DISABILITY EMPLOYMENT AWARENESS MONTH (NDEAM)
Happy Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM)! Recognized each October, NDEAM is a time to celebrate the contributions of workers with disabilities as well as provide education and promote diversity, equity and inclusion through awareness raising and action. We are also pleased to share Governor Pritzker's NDEAM proclamation (attached). We're so pleased with the Governor's acknowledgement and support of NDEAM! Please share widely!
The Division also invites you to join our webinar on October 13th, from 1:00pm-3:00pm, which will center on state and national topics of importance related to employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. We will be joined by members of the State Employment Leadership Network (SELN). Register for the webinar here. The Office of Disability and Employment Policy (ODEP) suggests a number of engagement activities for awareness raising. Download and distribute your NDEAM poster today! English Version / Spanish Version Finally, Save the Date for October 20th as Illinois workforce partners are hosting an Innovation Summit: Connecting Employment to People Living with HIV and the Disabled Trans Communities in honor of NDEAM. Registration details to follow.
STATE USE PROGRAM ELIMINATES SUBMINIMUM WAGES
The State Use Program, created through a 1983 amendment of the Illinois Purchasing Act, synergizes the purchasing power of State government with employment opportunities for persons with significant disabilities. However, until now, the State Use program allowed vendors to pay certain individuals, who were producing goods and delivering services, subminimum wage. The Division is pleased to share that in an effort to further the tenets of Employment First and promote dignity, equity and independence of all citizens, in particular those with significant disabilities, Governor JB Pritzker has issued an Executive Order mandating that all current and future State Use contracts provide for payment of wages no less than the state minimum wage. Adjustments will be made to existing contracts to ensure the sustained employment of individuals with significant disabilities by Qualified State Use vendors. Amazing news!
WORK INCENTIVES AND PLANNING ASSISTANCE (WIPA) UPDATE
There are currently 3 agencies contracted with the Social Security Administration to provide Work Incentives Planning and Assistance to eligible beneficiaries who are residents of Illinois.
- Disability Rights Iowa
- Volunteers of America of Illinois
- Illinois Assistive Technology Program
Representatives from these WIPA entities are available to assist eligible individuals, who receive SSI or SSDI, in navigating the protection of health and cash benefits while entering the workforce.
To learn more about work incentive programs and to find information on the WIPA entity assigned to you, visit the WIPA page on the DDD Website.
WAIVER RENEWAL FEEDBACK SESSION
Last week the Division hosted a Waiver Renewal Feedback session. You can find a copy of the PowerPoint attached. Thanks to all who attended and asked questions! There will not be a recording posted of the session.
COMMUNITY PROVIDER TRAINING SERIES - NEW INVITATIONS
Be on the lookout for new links to register for the Community Provider Trainings being held by the Division this fall. Unfortunately, our current configuration does not allow for closed captioning. We will need to re-issue the invitations. We apologize for the confusion and the request to re-register. Please note: the link to the NDEAM webinar above is new and correct.
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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