The Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities Five-Year State Plan for 2027-2031 is now open for comment. Visit this link to view the plan and for more information. Website Link: icdd.illinois.gov/announcement...
Here is a communication from the Illinois Division of Developmental Disabilities about Understanding PUNS. The updated document covers:
What is PUNS?
Who Should Enroll?
How to Enroll?
What to Expect After Enrollment?
Here is a link to the communication:
www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?it...
photo of a large group of people. Group is posing for the camera in a line up of three or four rows. There are about 30 people. The photo is taken in the rotunda of the capitol in Springfield, Illinois.
On April 15, 2026, The Arc of Illinois, Access Living, and the Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities were in Springfield, Illinois for an Advocacy Day. Teams talked about the need to protect Home and Community-Services in Illinois. @accessliving.bsky.social
The IL Council on Developmental Disabilities presents a video that highlights Home and Community-Based Services. Compared to institutional services, HCBS are cost efficient and have better outcomes. That's why we fight to protect HCBS. Here is the video: www.youtube.com/shorts/tgXeY...
April 15: TAP/IDHD/LEND Webinar Series presents Intersectionality of Culture & Autism and Neurodiversity
Autistic researcher-advocate Timotheus Gordon, Jr will highlight examples of how autism and neurodiversity intersect with cultural and racial identities. Registration: uic.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
News release announces a new site with information about changes that will come to Medicaid because of the Federal Reconciliation Bill: "Get Medicaid Facts: New Site and Toolkit Launched to Educate Public About Looming Medicaid Eligibility Changes" cookcountyhealth.org/press-releas...
April is Autism Acceptance Month. The Virginia Board for People with Disabilities will host a Statewide Continuing Education Workshop on Celebrating Autism Acceptance Month on Friday, April 17, from 12 to 2 pm Eastern. Here is a link to learn more: vbpd.virginia.gov/event/celebr...
Article from Capitol News Illinois published on 3/31: "Bill targets zoning laws that block homes for adults with disabilities." The article is about a new bill designed to protect against discriminatory local zoning rules. Here is a link: capitolnewsillinois.com/news/bill-ta... @CapitolNewsIL
image of a large brick building under a cloudly blue sky. A few trees are around the building.
The Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities was in River Forest, IL at the local library (pictured) talking about ICDD history and activities, and leading a discussion about key issues impacting the community. This was part of the library's "Coffee Monday" programming.
On the 16th Anniversary of the Affordable Care Act, the Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities hosted an event to bring attention to the Affordable Care Act, Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Coverage from Illinois Times: www.illinoistimes.com/news/social-...
image for the webinar series. The image includes logos of the three series sponsors and some text information about the webinar on April 15.
On April 15 at 12 pm, the TAP/IDHD/LEND Webinar Series presents Intersectionality of Culture & Autism and Neurodiversity. Timotheus “T.J.” Gordon, Jr will highlight examples of how autism and neurodiversity intersect with cultural and racial identities Registration link:
uic.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
Lois Curtis and Elaine Wilson made a significant impact on disability and history. The were plaintiffs in a class action lawsuit that led to the 1999 Olmstead US Supreme Court Ruling.
Here is a link with more information. archive.ada.gov/olmstead/olm... #2026WomensHistoryMonth #Olmstead
Image of text that reads "We're Here. Then, Now, Always. NACDD Logo
There are only a few days left in March, which is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. But, as the National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities reminds us, DD Awareness isn't just about March, because "We're Here. Then, Now, Always." @nacdd.bsky.social #DDAwarenessMonth
Two people inside a Walmart Store pose for a picture near the self check out lanes.
The Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities celebrates Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. We celebrate Council Member Nathan Joerndt. He has worked part-time at Walmart for 25 years. Nathan loves, “Meeting new people and helping out associates.”
#DDAwarenessMonth
#NACDD
A group of people in an office conference room holding up signs that say "Healthcare is a Human Right"
As part of the Protect Our Care Illinois Coalition, ICDD hosted an Affordable Care Act Anniversary event on March 23 to raise awareness around the urgency of protecting the ACA, Medicaid and SNAP. Citizen Action Illinois was the lead organizer of this and five other Illinois events. #ACA #Medicaid
From the Illinois Division of Developmental Disabilities:
HFS Electronic Visit Verification Townhall MEETING - IL Department of Healthcare and Family Services is hosting a virtual townhall meeting through Webex on March 26 - 9 am to 11 am CT. Register: illinois.webex.com/webappng/sit...
Three people in the foreground. Two are in the wheelchairs. The one in the middle is not in a wheelchair. He is kneeling, smiling widely at the person in the left. They are at a 5K Race and there are other participants and supporters in the background. NACDD Logo and tagline "We're Here. Then, Now, Always." In text, there is also the photo description: Joshua and his family participated in a 5K through the IMABLE Foundation's Operation: Lead from the Front. Photo Credit: We're Here All Year.
This March, we continue to celebrate and recognize Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. And, the National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities Awareness reminds us that for the DD Community, “We’re Here, Then, Now, Always.” @nacdd.bsky.social
Black and White image of a group of people crawling up the steps of the U.S. Capitol Building. The image has some text. The text reads: March 12, 1990. Disability rights activists abandoned wheelchairs and mobility aids to crawl up the capitol steps. Text also credits the photo to the Associated Press. Text also has the NACDD logo and the DD Awareness Month tagline: We're Here. Then, now, always.
Happy Capitol Crawl Anniversary. On March 12, 1990, disability advocates fought for stronger civil rights protections by dropping out of their wheelchairs and mobility devices and crawling up the US Capitol steps. Happy Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. @nacdd.bsky.social #DDAwarenessMonth
The Evolving Role of DD Councils in Employment.
March 10 at 2 p.m. CT.
Join the Disability Employment Technical Assistance Center for a webinar. NACDD will explore how DD Councils play a critical role in moving the needle on employment. Register Here: us06web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
The Going Home Coalition is hosting an Eight-Week Legislative Advocacy Series. Each week is a new topic. The Eighth Session is this Monday, March 9 at 10 a.m. This session covers “How a Bill Becomes a Law.” The session is online over zoom. Register here: www.thearcofil.org/2026-legisla...
This Sunday, March 8, 2026, is International Women's Day (IWD). From IWD Website: "Imagine . . .a world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. A world that's diverse, equitable, and inclusive . . ." internationalwomensday.com
#IWD2026
Woman, smiling, on a beach sitting in a beach wheelchair. Woman is wearing sunglasses and a blue tank top, white pants and sandals. Photo has text: We're Here, Then, Now, Always. Photo has NACDD logo. Photo Credit: NACDD/We're Here All Year
The IL Council on Developmental Disabilities is proud to celebrate Developmental Disabilities (DD) Month with the launch of We’re Here: Then, Now, Always. The campaign recognizes that people with DD have always been part of our communities. Photo Credit: NACDD/We're Here All Year @nacdd.bsky.social
On Monday, March 2, the National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities kicked off Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month with the slogan "We're Here: Then, Now, Always." nacdd.org/2026-dd-awar... @nacdd.bsky.social #DDAwarenessMonth
Happy Developmental Disabilities (DD) Awareness Month, a time to celebrate the contributions of the DD Community. The IL Division of Developmental Disabilities shared a communication celebrating DD Awareness Month. This includes a Proclamation from IL Gov. Pritzker. mailchi.mp/2ff166416080...
Story from Chicago Public Radio about an organization called Awesome Life Academy and the Academy’s partnership with the Bit Theater in Aurora, Illinois.
From WBEZ: "In the Chicago suburbs, young adults with special needs say ‘Yes, and…’ to improv"
www.wbez.org/arts-culture...
On February 18 at 12 pm IL Governor Pritzker will deliver the Illinois Budget Address. The IL Council on Developmental Disabilities will host a virtual Watch Party. To join, please send an email to gary.arnold@illinois.gov. Capitol News Illinois Story: capitolnewsillinois.com/news/pritzke...
Happy Friday from the Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities. We hope everyone has had a good week. In observance of Presidents Day, our offices will be closed on February. Story from State Journal Register about closures. www.sj-r.com/story/news/l...
Slowing revenue growth, growing spending demands, and federal Medicaid cuts are all contributing to tighter state budgets.
Here’s what it all could mean for state budget debates and Medicaid policy this year: https://on.kff.org/45rYOND
Here is a link to the website of a documentary called "Fire Through Dry Grass." The documentary follows "a group of Black and brown disabled artists fight Covid and the city to protect the lives of 500 vulnerable nursing home residents." Link to Website: www.firethroughdrygrass.com
From The Arc of Illinois: Nominate Your Hidden Hero at the 76th Annual Convention Awards Reception!
Take a few minutes to submit a nomination and join us in honoring these unsung heroes at our 76th Annual Convention.
Deadline: 2/27/2026.
Nomination Link: www.thearcofil.org/wp-content/u...