IN 12/24/2025 COMMUNICATION:
- CILA Home Modification Process Update
- Survey Opportunity
- Provider Training Opportunities
- Other Resources
CILA HOME MODIFICATION PROCESS UPDATE
* EDITED: The initial communication had a typo in this sentence, "Going forward, agencies can submit the request without the OSFM coming out and attest that the home does not have a sprinkler in order to be approved for the home modification funding." Emphasis added on the revised language.
For those agencies utilizing the $15,000 in home modifications funding to help pay for sprinklers, DDD has update the process and removed the requirement that the Office of State Fire Marshal must inspect and cite the home as not having sprinklers prior to applying for approval of the home modifications funds. Going forward, agencies can submit the request without the OSFM coming out and attest that the home does not have a sprinkler in order to be approved for the home modification funding. The rest of the process remains the same. DDD is now updating the form, but providers can proceed now with the new process. For questions, please email DHS.DDDComments@Illinois.gov.
SURVEY OPPORTUNITIES:
Teens and Young adults (age 15-25) with a disability: Brandeis University is doing a study about the things that young people with disabilities think are important for their sexual health. We also want to learn how their family, doctor, school, and/or community can help them take care of their sexual health.
Learn more here:
Parents and/or caregivers of individuals age 15-25 with a disability: Brandeis University is doing a research study to learn about parents' and caregivers' opinions on the barriers that young people with disabilities ages 15-25 years old face in getting sexual and reproductive health information and services.
Learn more here:
PROVIDER TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES:
- DDD - "DSP Course Coordinator" is a free virtual training open to established providers. The training is scheduled for 10:00 am to 12:00 noon Central Time on January 07, 2026. This session will offer practical and easy ideas to increase engagement and learning. Come ready to try out some interactive training options! The target audience of this training includes Training Coordinators, Trainers, and Supervisors. Register here: DSP Course Coordinator - WebEx
- IDHS - FY26 Q3 Grantee training series is virtual free training in January, February, and March 2026 for awardees. You can register for all three sessions at FY26 Q3 Grantee WebEx.
- January 20, 2026: Six-month budget review and analysis
- February 24, 2026: Completing Pre-Qualifications
- March 24, 2026: ICQ Completion
OTHER RESOURCES:
- Epilepsy Foundation (Southern IL) - "Caregiver 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 January 06, 2026, 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 December 30, 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
- Epilepsy Foundation (Southern IL) - "Adult CPR and First Aid Course" 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 January 20, 2026, at the EFGSI Event Hall in Belleville, starting at 9:00 am Central Time. Please register before January 07, 2026, by emailing Janee Baldwin or calling 618-236-2181 ext 116. Learn more about Epilepsy Foundation events here: Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Southern Illinois
- The Arc of IL - "Listening Sessions" are discussions that allow individuals, families, caregivers, etc. to share their experiences with the IL IDD system. In January 2026, The Arc of IL will host both virtual and in-person Listening Sessions. See dates, times, locations, and registration links below.
- IN PERSON
- January 6, 2026: EP!C (1913 W Townline Rd. Peoria, IL 61615) from 12:00 noon to 2:00 pm Central Time. Register here: 1/6/26 Register - In Person
- January 15, 2026: IATP (701 N. Walnut St. Springfield, IL 62702) from 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm Central Time. Register here: 1/15/26 Register - In Person
- January 21, 2026: The HUB (143 E. Main St. Galesburg, IL 61401) from 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm Central Time. Register here: 1/21/26 Register - In Person
- January 22, 2026: Bloomington Public Library Community Room #2 (205 E Olive St. Bloomington, IL 61701) from 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm. Another meeting in the same location will take place from 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm Central Time. Register here: 1/22/26 Register - In Person
- January 30, 2026: Exceptional Learners Collaborative (990 Corporate Woods Pkwy. Vernon Hills, IL 60061) from 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm Central Time. Register here: 1/30/26 Register - In Person
- VIRTUAL
- January 20, 2026: Virtual through Zoom. Hosted with Lurie Children's Hospital starting at 12:00 noon Central Time. Register here: 1/20/26 Register - Zoom
- January 22, 2026: Virtual through Zoom. Hosted with Will-Grundy Transition Planning Committee starting at 6:00 pm Central Time. Register here: 1/22/26 Register - Zoom
- NCI - "From Data to Dignity: Advancing Employment for People with IDD" is a virtual webinar recording from National Disability Employment Awareness Month. The session examines how many people with IDD are working in the community, and what we know about wages, hours, and weekly activities. Find the recording here: NCI Youtube
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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