IN 07/31/2025 COMMUNICATION:
- HHS Virtual Briefing
- 60th Anniversary of Medicaid & Medicare Signed into Law
- Training Opportunities
- Other Resources
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES VIRTUAL BRIEFING ON IMPACTS TO SNAP & MEDICAID DUE TO TRUMP'S BUDGET LAW
Notice to Groups Interested in Illinois Health and Human Services
At 1:00 PM on Friday, August 1, 2025, the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) and Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) will provide a virtual briefing on Trump's budget law that makes sweeping changes to programs such as the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Medicaid, and its impact on the people of Illinois.
IDHS Secretary Dulce Quintero and HFS Director Elizabeth Whitehorn will provide an overview of the legislation's key health and human services provisions. The briefing will immediately be followed by a Q&A session facilitated by First Assistant Deputy Governor Ryan Croke.
To view the briefing, please use https://multimedia.illinois.gov/hhs-live.html.
Questions for the Q&A session were required to be submitted by 5:00 PM on Tuesday, July 29, 2025.
This platform is accessible to participants with disabilities. The live stream will include real time captioning, and an American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter will participate. For other accommodation requests, please notify DHS.AuxiliaryAids@Illinois.gov.
Please share this information with your networks.
60TH ANNIVERSARY OF MEDICAID & MEDICARE SIGNED INTO LAW - JULY 30, 2025
On July 30, the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) recognizes the 60th anniversary of Medicaid and Medicare, signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1965. These programs have been integral to the healthcare system in Illinois and nationwide.
According to Healthcare and Family Services (HFS), as of June 2024, Medicaid covered approximately 3.9 million Illinois residents, including nearly 1.5 million children. For individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), Medicaid provides funding for essential services such as residential supports, in-home care, behavioral health services, day programs, and employment initiatives.
These services support individuals with I/DD in living within their communities and pursuing greater independence. As we mark this milestone, DDD acknowledges the ongoing role of Medicaid and Medicare in supporting Illinoisans.
TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES
DDD: QIDP Course Coordinator Training (two days). All QIDP's/ISC's/Leadership are encouraged to attend this two-day virtual training presentation (hosted quarterly) on August 5 and 7, 2025 from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm Central Time. Register here: Day One 8/5/25 Webex and Day Two 8/7/25 WebEx. A full list of upcoming provider training can be found here: DDD Provider Training
ANCOR: "Above and Beyond: The Lives & Careers of DSPs and How to Support Them" is free virtual training hosted August 6, 2025 at 12:00pm Central Time. Participants can expect to hear new research on DSPs' lived experiences, highlighting fundamental disconnects between DSPs' needs and employer perceptions of their needs. Attendees will learn how these insights can inform workforce strategies at every level-from policy to provider practice. Learn more and register here: Above and Beyond
UIC: HealthMatters Program Fall 2025 is a free 12-week training that provides community-based service providers and frontline staff strategies and materials to support healthy options and choices among people with intellectual and developmental disability (IDD). Deadline to apply for training is August 8th, 2025, 5pm CDT. Please read Application Instructions noting important dates and to apply for a spot in the training.
Epilepsy Foundation Greater Southern IL: Seizure Recognition & First Aid Certification Training provided free of charge. Request a training from Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Southern Illinois Community Education Specialist at (618) 236-2181 ext. 113 or email Will Rieger.
OTHER RESOURCES
TCARE and IntellectAbility - This webinar will equip supporters and family members with practical strategies to improve healthcare outcomes and experiences for people with IDD. The free virtual presentation will start at 11:00 am Central Time on August 8, 2025. Learn more and register here: TCARE Registration
UIC RCADD - Not So Puzzling: Autism & Social Narratives is a virtual webinar offered August 7, 2025 starting at 12:00 pm Central Time. Participants will leave with a better understanding of how to write and use a social narrative. Register here: RCADD Zoom
Epilepsy Advocate Network - Special speaker Nurse Missy Cartwright will present virtually August 7, 2025 starting at 6:30 pm Central Time. The webinar will feature tips on how to request seizure first aid training for school staff, overview of IEP and 504 plans, and more. Learn more and register here: Zoom Epilepsy Advocacy Network
The Lurie Institute for Disability Policy - Lactation and Breastfeeding with a Disability is a free virtual presentation on August 6, 2025. The webinar begins at 11:00 am Central Time. Parents with disabilities have babies at about the same rate as those without disabilities. However, all too often, disabled parents don't get the support they need postpartum. Learn more and register here: Lactation and Breastfeeding
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