IN 10/22/2025 COMMUNICATION:
- Federal SNAP Update
- Letter from OIG - Removal of Accused Employees
- Sex Offender Registry Notice
- IL ABLE Account Age Adjustment - Important Update!
- Upcoming SODC Transition Fairs
- Training Opportunities
- Other Resources
FEDERAL SNAP UPDATE
Updated 10/21/2025:
Federal officials with the U.S. Department of Agriculture have told all states that if the federal government shutdown continues, it won't pay for SNAP (food stamp) benefits in November.
As a result, SNAP customers will not receive November benefits - unless the shutdown ends or other action is taken at the federal level.
In the past, when the government shut down, Congress usually fixed the problem before families missed their benefits. But this time, things are still uncertain.
The situation is evolving, and the State of Illinois is sharing this information to help all who rely on food benefits make the best plan for Illinois families.
Illinois is awaiting further guidance from the federal government.
Please see additional resources around local and statewide food and nutrition supports:
LETTER FROM OIG - REMOVAL OF ACCUSED EMPLOYEES
Letter from Illinois Department of Human Services Office of Inspector General (OIG) re: Removal of Accused Employees When Credible Evidence Is Present (pdf)
Refer to linked letter above from OIG. All community agencies (as defined below, per Rule 50.10) must adhere to and comply with contents of this letter.
- "Community Agency" or "Agency" (Rule 50.10): A community agency licensed, funded, or certified by the Department, but not licensed or certified by any other human services agency of the State, to provide mental health service or developmental disabilities service, or a program licensed, funded, or certified by the Department, but not licensed or certified by any other human services agency of the State, to provide mental health service or developmental disability service.
As reflected in the Program Manual Attachment A (VIII. Special Conditions, section E), sanctions may be imposed on providers who fail to comply with Rules. More specifically, the provider risks being sanctioned for not removing accused employees from working with individuals when credible evidence is present in an OIG case. (Rule 50.30 (f) (2)).
You may refer your questions to Gary Holman, Administrator for Bureau of Quality Management (BQM).
SEX OFFENDER REGISTRY NOTICE
The online IL Sex Offender Registry (ILSO) no longer provides time stamps due to a website change. Providers still need to show proof that they ran the registry within proper time frames to remain compliant with standards.
Effective 10/27/2025 - this information has been rescinded and is being revised. You may refer your questions to Gary Holman, Administrator for Bureau of Quality Management (BQM).
IL ABLE ACCOUNT AGE ADJUSTMENT - IMPORTANT UPDATE!
Effective January 1, 2026, the Illinois Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) program will expand eligibility criteria. Previously, individuals had to have a disability diagnosed before age 26. Under the new guidelines, individuals with a disability onset before age 46 may qualify. This change broadens access to savings and investment opportunities for more individuals with disabilities.
For detailed information on eligibility and how to apply, please visit the IL ABLE eligibility page.
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.
The final Fall Transition fair is from 9am-12pm Central Time at Fox Developmental Center on 10/24/2025 (back-up date 11/07/2025).
Additional transition resource: Family Transition Project | Arc of Illinois Disability Assistance & Programs.
TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES
- The Institute - "Behavioral Health Clinic Training" is a free in person training (1st of 3 sessions offered) in Tinley Park on November 5, 2025, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm Central Time.
- This session is full and has a waitlist.
- Future sessions will be offered in Central and Southern IL.
- The training registration is limited to 2 people per organization.
- Please use this link to register: BHC Training - Registration. Please contact Rebecca Clark if you have further questions about the training.
- DDD - "Strengthening Documentation" will be hosted virtually October 29, 2025, from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon Central Time. This training is hosted quarterly for QIDPs/ISCs/Leadership. Register here: Strengthening Documentation - WebEx
- University of IL Extension - "Taking Care of Diabetes Together" is a free 3-part webinar series that is tailored for professionals who support adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. All sessions are presented virtually from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm Central Time. First session is Diabetes 101 presented by Caitlin Mellendorf on October 30, 2025. Learn more and register here: Diabetes 101 Registration
- BHWC - "Telehealth for Behavioral Health Providers ECHO" is a free webinar series for primary care providers, administrators, and executives. CE available for each session with verified attendance. Please email K. Nelson with questions about the training. The next session is November 10, 2025 at 12:00 noon Central Time. Future sessions will take place in 2026 (2nd Monday of each month Feb, March, April, and May). Learn more and register here: BHWC - Telehealth Provider Registration
- ICPN & DCFS - "Illinois Child Protection Training" is a 6-session series presented over 3 days. All sessions are free and virtually hosted. Continuing Education credits available for specified titles.
- Session 3: "Recognizing the Signs of Maltreatment in Children Through a Trauma-Informed Care Lens" will be presented October 28, 2025, starting at 1:00 pm Central Time. Register here: 10/28 1:00 pm - Registration
- Session 4: "Toilet Training" will be presented October 28, 2025, starting at 2:15 pm Central Time. Register here: 10/28 2:15 pm - Registration
- Session 5: "General Parenting Strategies, Basic Needs & Building Healthy Relationships" will be presented on October 29, 2025, starting at 1:00 pm Central Time. Register here: 10/29 1:00 pm - Registration
- Session 6: "Recognizing One's Personal Trauma" will be presented October 29, 2025, starting at 2:15 pm Central Time. Register here: 10/29 2:15 pm - Registration
OTHER RESOURCES
- AUCD - "Honoring the Contributions of Americans with Disabilities to the Workforce and National Progress through UCEDDs" is a free virtual webinar hosted by AUCD on October 28, 2025 at 2:00 pm Central Time. This webinar will connect disability employment to America's 250th anniversary, exploring the past, present, and future of inclusive employment. Learn more and register here: AUCD Event - Zoom Registration
- Blind Service Chicago - "Vision Expo 2025" is a free in-person event hosted October 28, 2025, from 9:00 am until 3:00 pm Central Time. The event will take place at City Hall Events. Registration required, as space is limited! Learn more and register here (click "Get Tickets" on the webpage): Vision Expo 2025 - Eventbrite
- GHC & The Arc of IL - "Storytelling" is a free, virtual webinar focused on Advocacy in Action through sharing lived experiences. This month's webinar is presented both October 27, 2025, from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm and October 29, 2025, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am Central Time. Click one of the following dates to register: Monday October 27 or Wednesday October 29. If you are interested in being a storyteller for a Going Home Coalition (GHC) meeting, please contact Jennifer to share your story.
- The Arc of IL - "Family Support Group" is a free virtual event that is open to the public. The webinar will begin October 28, 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
- SIU Medicine - IDD Grand Rounds presents "The ABCs of ADHD," a free virtual presentation by Pamela Campbell MD, on November 19, 2025. The webinar will begin at 12:00 pm Central Time. Learn more and register here: SIU Med - November Registration
- Epilepsy Foundation (Southern IL) - "Caregiver Support Group (open forum)" is a free event and open to individuals with epilepsy and their families living in Southern Illinois (the lower 34 counties). This in person event will take place November 4, 2025, at the Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Southern IL Event Hall (address: 750 West H Street in Belleville, IL 62226), starting at 10:00 am Central Time. Please register before October 29, 2025, by emailing Janee Baldwin or calling 618-236-2181 ext 116. Learn more about Epilepsy Foundation events here: Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Southern Illinois
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