IN 09/24/2025 COMMUNICATION:
- Recognizing the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
- HFS Comment Period Closing for HCBS Waiver Amendments
- Upcoming SODC Transition Fairs
- Deaf Awareness Month
- Training Opportunities
- Other Resources
RECOGNIZING THE REHABILITATION ACT OF 1973 - SEPTEMBER 26, 2025
The Division of Developmental Disabilities proudly recognizes the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 for its pivotal role in advancing equal opportunities, accessibility, and vital support for individuals with disabilities. This landmark legislation has laid the groundwork for inclusive practices that enable people to achieve greater independence and participate fully in their communities. We remain committed to these principles as we collaborate with partners and stakeholders to improve lives every day. To learn more about the Rehabilitation Act, visit the US EEOC website.
HFS COMMENT PERIOD CLOSING FOR HCBS WAIVER AMENDMENTS
Notices requesting public comment for Home and Community Based Services Waiver were first posted by Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) September 04, 2025. The public comment period for these notices ends October 04, 2025.
Links to the notices available for public comment are below:
Directions for submitting comments on each waiver amendment are listed within the link above. Comments are submitted to HFS.
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 Fall 2025 are from 9am-12pm Central Time on the dates listed below:
- Murray Developmental Center
- October 3, 2025
- Back-up date October 10, 2025
- Kiley Developmental Center
- October 8, 2025
- Back-up date October 15, 2025
- Mabley Developmental Center
- October 10, 2025
- Back-up date October 17, 2025
- Choate Developmental & Mental Health Center
- October 22, 2025
- Back-up date October 29, 2025
- Fox Developmental Center
- October 24, 2025
- Back-up date November 7, 2025
Additional transition resource: Family Transition Project | Arc of Illinois
DEAF AWARENESS MONTH - SEPTEMBER 2025
In recognition of Deaf Awareness Month, the Division of Developmental Disabilities acknowledges the experiences and contributions of deaf and hard of hearing individuals to every area of life. This month not only celebrates the remarkable achievements of this community but also offers an opportunity to reflect on the importance of accessible and person-centered services that respect each individual's communication needs, identity, and culture.
We appreciate the individuals, families, providers, and community partners who continue working alongside us to support full inclusion and equity for all those we serve.
HFS TOWNHALL: ILLINOIS HEALTHCARE TRANSFORMATION 1115 WAIVER ANNUAL PUBLIC FORUM
HFS Townhall: Illinois Healthcare Transformation 1115 Waiver Annual Public Forum to solicit comments on the progress of the state's 1115 Demonstration Waivers. The discussion will be held on October 3rd, 2025, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm Central Time. Join using this link: HFS WebEx
FEE REDUCTION FOR IL ABLE ACCOUNT HOLDERS
Effective September 1, 2025, IL ABLE account holders will benefit from a .02% fee reduction in the program management fee on the seven Asset Allocation Investment Options. Read more here: Good News for IL ABLE Account Owners!
TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES
- 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.
- DDD hosts free online provider training. Review pre-recorded webinars here: Pre-Recorded Provider Training. Review upcoming training opportunities with DDD here: Upcoming Provider Training. Completed trainings may earn Continuing Education (CE) credits.
OTHER RESOURCES
- NADSP - "Beyond Companionship: How Dogs Support People to Thrive" is a free webinar presented September 25, 2025, at 1:00 pm Central Time. Learn more and register here: How Dogs Support People - Webinar Registration
- The Arc of IL - "Family Support Group" is a free virtual event that is open to the public. The webinar will begin September 30, 2025, at 4:30 pm Central Time. Before the meeting you can submit topics by completing this Google Form. Register to attend the session here: Family Support Group - Zoom
- IL Life Span (ILS) Program - Seminario Web en Espanol: "Nuevas actualizaciones de la Administracion de Seguro Social" is a free webinar in Spanish on September 30, 2025 that starts at 5:30 pm Central Time. Learn more and register here: SSA - ILS Webinar
- The Arc of IL - "Family Advocate Program: Medicaid with an Expert" is a free virtual webinar. DDD staff person Jay Bohn presents on the Medicaid process, benefits, and resources. Presentation on October 6, 2025, begins at 12:00 noon Central Time. Register here: Medicaid with an Expert - Zoom
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. Information provided will help us to better tailor communications to you in the future.
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