IN 07/02/2025 COMMUNICATION:
- Disability Pride Month
- PUNS Summer Selection
- RN Trainer Mailing List
- Rule 116 Signatures
- BALC Updates & Reminders
- Other Resources
- DDD is Hiring
DISABILITY PRIDE MONTH - JULY 2025
We celebrate Disability Pride Month in July 2025 the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) honors the achievements and contributions of individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. This month serves as a reminder of the importance of inclusion, respect, and equal rights for all, while acknowledging the work still needed to ensure full participation in society.
The treatment of people with disabilities throughout our history is marked by segregation, discrimination, and attacks on their basic human rights.
At DDD, we are dedicated to removing barriers and providing the support necessary for people with both intellectual and developmental disabilities to live independently and thrive. We believe in a collaborative approach to create a more inclusive Illinois for all.
We encourage everyone-individuals, families, employers, policymakers, and beyond -to join us in celebrating Disability Pride Month. Together, we can continue to foster inclusion and build a more equitable future for all people with disabilities.
PUNS SUMMER SELECTION ANNOUNCEMENT
This July, DDD is excited to announce that the PUNS Unit will select every adult eligible for selection on PUNS that has been waiting more than 42 months.
This time waiting is equivalent to three and a half years; a full year and half earlier than we are obligated to select by Ligas Consent Decree.
PUNS staff have worked hard in partnership with the Independent Service Coordinator (ISC) Agencies to ensure those in their service areas have up to date information and addresses so they may receive their selection letters and begin working towards confirming clinical eligibility and obtaining the services they need.
RN TRAINER MAILING LIST
DDD appreciates that Registered Nurse (RN) Trainer specific information might be difficult to identify in the general DDD Communications. DDD has created an RN Trainer mailing list as of 4/2025 (previous year's RN mailing list has been archived) to ensure that information that is pertinent to RN Trainers can be emailed to them in a nursing-focused communication.
We encourage all RN Trainers to sign up for emails so that they are part of the new RN Trainer mailing list. We have had many RN Trainers already sign up and sent out the first communication in May 2025. ALL RN Trainer emails will be stored here for reference: RN Trainer Communications
The Division is open to suggestions regarding other nursing and/or medication related topics you would be interested in us covering in the communications. Please send suggestions and requests to DHS.DDDComments@illinois.gov. When applicable, information may be taken from the General DDD Communications and distributed to the RN Trainer emailing list.
RN Trainers should sign-up here: Nurse Trainer Mailing List
Rule 116 Signatures
As has been expressed in previous communications, Rule 115 stipulates that electronic signature should follow the guidelines set forth by Rule 115 in section 115.320)h)5. We will be implementing the signature requirements of either handwritten or electronic signature on the Corrective Action Plan (CAPs) for the Rule 116 surveys. CAPs without proper signatures will be returned and asked to be corrected with the acceptable signatures.
BALC UPDATES & REMINDERS - Effective July 1, 2025
- BALC has provided more time to submit a Plan of Correction (POC) after a survey by allowing working days to be counted versus calendar days. When required, a provider will have 30 working days (excluding state holidays) to respond to the survey report with a POC. If the POC is not received by the end of the prescribed time frame, an email will be sent to the provider reminding them that the POC is due. Please remember that all citations listed on the Notice of Deficiencies must be addressed in order for the POC to be accepted. Providers will continue to be notified if their POC is approved or denied.
- BALC regularly reviews providers who have a license or certificate that will expire at the end of each month. If the license or certificate cannot be renewed, BALC's Compliance Unit staff will issue a 6-month continuance to allow the provider to continue to operate and bill for services. The continuation letter will be emailed to the agency. However, providers will now only be issued up to 3 consecutive continuation letters per program. If barriers remain to renew a program, BALC administration will review the status of the program and will make a final decision.
- Per Rule 115.410 e) CILA agencies must be operational within 18 months, or the Department will consider the licensure process abandoned. Any future licensure application by the provider will be considered a new application.
OTHER RESOURCES:
TASK - Life Skills videos share free virtually recorded resources and guidance for several topics.
The Arc of IL - Family Advocate Program: Know Your Options. This event is offered virtually multiple dates starting at either 12 noon or 6:00 pm Central Time. Learn more and register here: KYO Info (next sessions July 10 and 15, 2025).
The Arc of IL and WIPA - How can I work AND maintain my benefits? Free Zoom presentation on July 8, 2025, at 4:00pm Central Time. This presentation will provide an introduction to the Work Incentives Planning & Assistance (WIPA) Program. Learn more and register here: WIPA Zoom
DDD IS HIRING:
The Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) is looking for talented, experienced people who want to join the effort to ensure Individuals with Intellectual and/or Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) can get the services they want and need. We encourage you to apply today. Links will take you to the job descriptions.
47708: Community Services Administrator, Bureau of Community Services
47811: Social Service Program Planner III, Bureau of Community Services/Regional Services
If you are interested in applying for State of IL employment, please visit the new Careers at State of Illinois (jobs2web.com) to review open positions. Employees exercising contractual rights must utilize the employee portal to submit their bid.
To be added to our email database, or to update your contact information, please complete the Contact Survey.
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