DDD Communication | May 22, 2025

IN 05/22/2025 COMMUNICATION:

  • Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
  • Pre-Submission Conference for Stabilization Home RFA (TODAY!)
  • Help Shape DDD's Future
  • Upcoming SODC Transition Fairs
  • Training Opportunities
  • Final Information Bulletin Posted
  • Other Resources

ASIAN AMERICAN AND PACIFIC ISLANDER HERITAGE MONTH - MAY 2025

At the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD), we recognize the profound contributions of the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community to the history and growth of the United States (US). According to the most recent Census data, approximately 14% of Asian Americans and Native Hawaiians or Pacific Islanders in the US live with some form of physical, sensory, cognitive, or other disability-an increase from 9.4% in prior reports.

Despite the rapid growth of this population, individuals with disabilities in the AAPI community have been historically underrepresented in research, advocacy, and support services. As part of our ongoing commitment to inclusion and equity, we honor the contributions of AAPI individuals with disabilities, raise awareness of their unique needs, and share resources aimed at supporting their inclusion and well-being.

PRE-SUBMISSION CONFERENCE FOR STABILIZATION HOME RFA (TODAY!)

DDD is very excited to announce that our Request for Applications (RFA) for providers to provide Stabilization Services has been posted!

There will be a webinar to provide the opportunity to ask the DDD and the Procurement Office questions about the RFA on May 22 at 2pm. Please use this link to attend the webinar: Pre-Submission Conference for Stabilization Home RFA

As a reminder, there was legislation passed that increased the current capacity of stabilization homes. There are currently 8 short-term stabilization homes. The legislation will add an additional 8 long-term homes and 2 short-term homes. DDD encourages all current CILA providers with expertise in behavioral health supports to consider applying. The deadline for applications will be July 1, 2025.

HELP SHAPE DDD'S FUTURE - SUBMIT YOUR INPUT BY MAY 31, 2025

The Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) is in the process of developing its new Five-Year Strategic Plan for Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) and beyond. To ensure this plan reflects the needs and priorities of the community, we need input from a wide range of stakeholders, including individuals receiving services, families, service providers, front-line staff, State employees, Independent Service Coordinators (ISCs), advocates, and others. Your feedback is critical in shaping the future of DDD services and supports.

Act Now!

We invite you to participate by completing the Strategic Planning Survey. Please make your voice heard by sharing your top five priorities for the new FY26-30 plan, including areas where services should be expanded, new initiatives should be developed, and where you'd like to see more investment.

The deadline to provide your input is May 31, 2025.

We encourage you to take the survey by this date to ensure your ideas are included in the planning process. The survey is available in English and Spanish.

?Questions or additional feedback can be sent to DHS.DDDComments@illinois.gov. Thank you for taking the time to help shape the future of DDD. Your participation is invaluable!

UPCOMING SODC TRANSITION FAIRS

The State-Operated Developmental Centers (SODC) continue to host transition fairs for residents and family/guardians to help educate all regarding options for where individuals might want to receive services. Send an email to DHS.DDD.Transformation@Illinois.gov if you're interested in signing up as a vendor at the SODC transition fairs.

Transition fairs for Spring 2025 are from 9am-12pm Central Time on the dates listed below:

  • Shapiro Developmental Center - 05/22/2025 (back-up date 05/30/25)
  • Fox Developmental Center - 05/29/2025 (back-up date 06/06/25)

TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES

Illinois Respite Coalition (IRC) is pleased to offer a comprehensive, self-paced online respite training program. This no-cost training is designed to support individuals who provide temporary relief to primary caregivers of individuals with disabilities, chronic conditions, or other special needs. It is ideal for both new and experienced respite providers-including family members, volunteers, and direct support professionals. Learn more here: IRC Respite Training Program

IntellectAbility will be holding a training session on HRST, SAMA, and Report options June 4, 2025, at 9:00 am Central Time for Independent Service Coordinator Agencies (ISC), Registered Nurse Trainers (RNT), Qualified Intellectual Disabilities Professionals (QIDP), and anyone else responsible for using the Health Risk Screening Tool (HRST). IntellectAbility Registration Link

DDD Hosted: Provider Staff Training (Central Time for all Training)

FINAL INFORMATION BULLETIN POSTED

The Division has released Support Service Team (SST) Final Information Bulletin (IB). The SSTs provide an interdisciplinary technical assistance and training response for adults and children with an intellectual or developmental disability struggling with their behavioral or mental health. You can review the final IB here: Support Services Team Final Information Bulletin.

OTHER RESOURCES

WISE Webinars - The Illinois Assistive Technology Program Work Incentive Planning & Assistance (IATP-WIPA) brings you the Work Incentive Seminar Event (WISE). WISE webinars can help you and your family members learn about the Ticket to Work Program and Social Security work incentives. Use this WISE Zoom Link for May 22 at 6:00 pm (Central Time).

The information contained herein should not be considered a substitute for the appropriate official statutes, rules, regulations, or the advice of legal counsel.

To request to be added to our email database, or to update your contact and service information, please complete our Contact Survey.

Return to DDD Communication

Return to DDD Home Page