9. A Look into the Future

Constant change...continued connection

While our accomplishments in 2022 were impactful, we look forward to the continued delivery of excellent supports and services to Illinoisans with disabilities. Quality of life is enhanced through participation and inclusion in a person's community and through employment. The Division remains steadfast in their commitment build services and programs that allow people with disabilities to find purpose, learn skills, and provide a platform for meaningful contribution. Therefore, DRS has outlined the following goals for FY 2023:

1. Actuate Division Reorganization

  • Director leads the DRS, the State of Illinois' lead agency on people with disabilities. The Director develops and recommends policy and policy guidelines related to planning, development, and evaluation for direct service and consumer advocacy programs; leads and manages Vocational Rehabilitation, Home and Community-based waiver services, Centers for Independent Living, Disability Determination Services and education services. Liaises to consumer and advocacy groups committing the Department of Human Services and the Division of Rehab Services to specific courses of action directs policy recommendations for DRS.
  • Chief of Staff (COS) realigns the role of the Chief of Staff to focus on high level centralized support functions that impact the Division statewide such as overseeing DRS education and disability determination services. The COS realigns Personnel Support and training to ensure the Division is fully staffed with highly trained employees.
  • Bureau of Customer & Community Services (BCCS) consolidates all the direct field and ancillary support services into one Bureau to provide a holistic approach to the provision of services. Transition & Community Rehabilitation Services will oversee all contracts related to the Vocational Rehabilitation and related programs and provide enhanced vendor support and technical assistance. Customer & Community Field Services (CCFS) will oversee all Vocational Rehabilitation and Home Services field staff, including the Ashburn Unit. Customer & Community Blind Services (CCBS) will oversee all Vocational Rehabilitation Services for individuals who are visually impaired, blind, and deafblind including the Business Enterprise Program and the Illinois Center for Rehabilitation & Education - Wood.
  • Bureau of Home & Community Based Supports (BHCBS) distinguishes the role of the former "Home Services Central Office" into a Bureau that provides technical support, management, and oversight over the provision of the Home and Community-Based waivers for persons with disabilities, brain injuries, and HIV/AIDS. BHCBS will provide oversight for the Independent Living Unit.
  • Bureau of Engagement & Support Services (BESS) consolidates all specialized field support functions into one Bureau to provide a well-rounded approach to customer engagement that allows for multiple customer touchpoints. BESS will manage and oversee Business Development, Benefits Planning, and Targeted Populations.
  • Bureau of Planning & Strategic Management (BPSM) consolidates mandated administrative and reporting requirements of all employment and independent living related programs to ensure the expectations of customers are met and the internal goals and guiding principles of the Division are maintained. BPSM will serve as an audit liaison, maintain quality assurance and compliance with the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, oversee One Stop, Division Data Analysis and Assistive and information Technology support.
  • Bureau of Support Services (BSS) realigns the Operational Support functions in the Division focusing on budget, fiscal analysis and payment management, ensuring operational efficiency and oversight of funding, contracts, and expenditures.

2. Change DRS Culture to disability neutral

  • Advancing individual and collective growth in cultural fluency, agility, and competency across IDHS/DRS
  • Bringing stakeholder groups together to identify and remedy barriers to social justice and equity
  • Improving recruitment and retention of diverse staff
  • Meet customers of all races, religions, languages, and eligible needs
  • Adjust to internal and external customer feedback
  • Integrating principles of social justice throughout the rehabilitation process and working environment
  • Develop a culture of inclusivity and respect through dialogue, outreach, education, and equitable policies and practices.
  • Increasing the range, scope, and depth of diversity, equity, and inclusion of our case management system
  • Demonstrating leadership in social justice

3. Increase the competitive employment rate of disabled people

  • Achieve 6,000 successful outcomes
  • Expand Supported and Customized Employment programs
  • Support community rehabilitation providers to create a new business model to end subminimum wage for Illinoisans with disabilities
  • Contact up to 100,000 youth with disabilities

4. Strengthen the Home Services Program

  • Grow home services program to keep disabled people out of nursing facilities.
  • Increase customer contact
  • Invest in modernization

We look forward to a year full of change and continued connection. Our goals are robust, but we are confident in the abilities of our disability community, staff, providers, and other partners. We will reach new heights together. The people of Illinois are our greatest strength, it is our duty to invest in everyone, including those with disabilities.