IN 11/26/2025 COMMUNICATION:
- Epilepsy Awareness Month
- Anniversary of IDEA
- Draft IB for Public Comment
- Required FY25 Waiver Wage Attestation
- Training Opportunities
- Other Resources
EPILEPSY AWARENESS MONTH - NOVEMBER 2025
Many people in Illinois have epilepsy and seizures. The Division of Developmental Disabilities supports many people who experience seizures. November is a widely recognized time to learn about epilepsy, understand seizures, and learn how to support people who have them.
Epilepsy can look different for each person. This is why learning about it is important. During this month, we share clear information about seizures and how to help someone who is having one. Many people in Illinois learn these skills through the Epilepsy Foundation's Seizure Recognition and First Aid training. You can invite your friends and family to sign up for a free training. There are also trainings in Spanish.
ANNIVERSARY OF IDEA
On November 29, 2025, we acknowledge 50 years since the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) became a law. This law helps students with disabilities get the help they need at school. In Illinois, it has supported many students with intellectual and developmental disabilities so they can learn and take part in class. The Illinois Department of Human Services' Division of Developmental Disabilities is proud to recognize this anniversary and thanks the families, teachers, and helpers who support students with IDD across the state.
DRAFT IB FOR PUBLIC COMMENT
When policy is being written, prior to being published, the Draft Information Bulletin (Draft IB) is shared for public comments and feedback. Review the current Draft IBs by visiting DDD Draft Information Bulletins and submit comments on open drafts to DHS.DDDComments@illinois.gov.
Current Draft IB available for comment: ADA/Olmstead Outreach. Please submit comments by email to DHS.DDDComments@illinois.gov by close of business December 01, 2025.
You can access Final Information bulletins here: DDD Final Information Bulletins
REQUIRED FY25 WAIVER WAGE ATTESTATION
This is a duplicate notice - previously shared 11/10/2025, 11/12/2025, and 11/19/2025.
Pursuant to Public Act 102-0944, the State requires providers licensed under the Community-Integrated Living Arrangements Licensure and Certification Act (Community-Integrated Living Arrangements (CILAs)) to certify that all legislatively or administratively mandated wage increases have been and are being passed on to ICF Aides (aides) and Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) as prescribed by the State.
In Spring 2024, the Illinois General Assembly passed, and Governor J.B. Pritzker signed Public Act 103-0588, requiring the following as it relates to the wage increases effective January 1, 2025, as approved by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS):
For Waiver-funded providers including CILA (24 Hour, Host Family and Intermittent) and Enhanced Residential (37U):
- Wage increases of $1.00 per hour for DSPs, with at least $0.75 (75%) to be provided as a $0.75 per hour direct increase to all DSP wages, with the remaining $0.25 (25%) to be used flexibly for wage increases for DSPs and other frontline staff not covered by the federal Department of Labor (DOL) Bureau of Labor Statistics' (BLS) mean hourly wage increases; and
- Wage increases for all non-executive direct care staff, excluding DSPs, to the DOL BLS mean hourly wage based on the same or similar occupation title.
Please note: For ICF/DDs and MC/DDs, a separate attestation will be sent once CMS has approved the increases.
In implementing this requirement, the State has created the following Wage Attestation Form: IDHS: Fiscal Year 2025 Waiver Wage Attestation Form (7/1/2024 to 6/30/2025)
- The form should be completed by an Authorized Agency Representative for your organization.
- The form should be completed one (1) time per organization, unless as provided below.
- If your organization provides Waiver-funded CILA services, please complete the Waiver Wage Attestation Form.
- Please complete the form 1 time for all CILA services you provide. Please check the appropriate boxes on the form that correspond to the services your organization provides.
All forms must be completed by Friday, December 12, 2025.
Should you have questions about the completion of the form, please reach out to the Division of Developmental Disabilities at DHS.DDDComments@illinois.gov.
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.
OTHER RESOURCES:
- TAP/IDHD/LEND - "Illinois Training Initiative to Support People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities with Co-Occurring Behavioral Health Challenges" is a free virtual presentation about dual diagnosis (also known as co-occurring developmental and mental health disabilities). The presentation will be shared on December 02, 2025, starting at 1:00 pm Central Time. Learn more and register here: Co-Occuring Behavioral Health Challanges - Zoom Registration
- BTS - "The WOW Meeting REBOOT!" is a weekly recurring meeting for self-advocates that will be virtually hosted by Chuy and Tavarus. WOW stands for "Worth our While." This meeting will take place Fridays (including 11/28/2025) from 10:00 am until 11:00 am Central Time until further notice. All self-advocates are invited! Registration is not required.
- The Arc of IL - Serie de Sesiones de Diálogo del Proyecto "System Redesign: ¡Que tu voz sea parte del cambio!" (Rediseño del Sistema) es un seminario web virtual gratuito que comenzará a las 10:00 a.m., hora central, el 2 de diciembre de 2025. Regístrese aquí: Diciembre 02 - registro para la sesión de escucha
- The Arc of IL - "IDD System Redesign Coalition Listening Session for those with Medical Complexity and Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities" is a free virtual webinar hosted December 2, 2025, starting at 7:00 pm Central Time. Learn more (and find the link to register) here: December 02 - Listening Session Flyer
- ADvancing States, NASDDDS and NAMD - "Opportunities to Improve Coordination for Dually-Eligible Individuals" is a free webinar in a 3-part series focused on better serving dually-eligible individuals (eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid) in all programs. This session will be presented at 3:00 pm Central Time on December 4, 2025. Register here: Dual Eligibility Zoom
- ILS & F2F - "CARE Team, City of Evanston" is a free virtual presentation by speaker Jeron Dorsey on December 09, 2025, starting at 12:00 noon Central Time. Learn more and register here: Webinar Info: CARE Team of Evanston
- Epilepsy Foundation (Southern IL) - "Christmas Crafts" 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 December 09, 2025, at the EFGSI Event Hall in Belleville, starting at 11:00 am Central Time. Please register before December 03, 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
- ISBE - "SPP Indicator 3b, 3c, and 3d State Targets Review" is a virtually hosted webinar to gather partner feedback regarding State Performance Plan (SPP) indicators 3c, 3c, and 3d. The discussion will take place December 8, 2025, starting at 11:00 am Central Time. Learn more about these indicators on the ISBE website: Indicator 3: Statewide Assessments. Register for the webinar here: ISBE Registration
- Chicago Children's Museum - "Play for All" December 7, 2025; February 8, 2026; and April 12, 2026 starting at 10:00 am Chicago Children's Museum's Play For All initiative creates a community where play and learning connect for visitors of all abilities. Learn more and register here: Play For All - Chicago Children's Museum
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.
Return to DDD Communication
Return to DDD Home Page
