Thursday, 12 March 2009 - 5:06 PM EDT

I wanted to encouraged everyone to attend the upcoming Mental Health Rally in Springfield scheduled for Tuesday May 5, 2009. You must register to attend

Tuesday, 28 April 2009 - 7:39 PM EDT

Can’t make it to Springfield?--JOIN US IN CHICAGO

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Where?            Thompson Center, plaza in front of building

100 W. Randolph, Chicago, IL 60601

When?            NOON

 Why?  Urge Legislators to Invest in Mental Health Services because  Recovery Rocks!

 Who?  Everyone who supports adequate funding for mental health services

 Co-sponsored by:

The Mental Health Summit

NAMI of Greater Chicago – (312) 563-0445

Friday, 1 May 2009 - 7:14 PM EDT

nice website. i'll help spread the word.

Thursday, 7 May 2009 - 1:04 PM EDT

I wanted to express gratitude to everyone who attended the Springfield & downtown Chicago mental health rally - remember that you made a difference!

Friday, 22 May 2009 - 6:28 PM EDT

*SUPPORTIVE HOUSING SERVICES in Illinois** TIME RELEVENT ACTION*

I'm posting this from Supportive Housing Providers  Association (of which I am not a member):

We are encouraging advacates to telephone Speaker Madigan at  217-782-5350. 

The message to leave for him:

"Please work with your members to gain a fair tax increase and prevent cuts to vital community services for those with mental health disabilities including supportive housing services.  The "Doomsday" budget of cuts puts our State's ulnerable citizens at risk of homelessness and hospitalization. "

Thank you!

Monday, 22 June 2009 - 10:26 AM EDT

The state of Illinois is in the final stages of hammering out a budget for the upcoming year. There are 4 primary individuals in control of this budget: Speaker Michael Madigan, Representative Tom Cross, Senate President John Culluerton, and Senator Christine Radogno all of who work directly with Governor Quinn. Please contact these individuals, as well as Governor Quinn, as encourage them to pass a budget which might benefit mental health services in Illinois. Possible telephone statements you might use include: "Use your political power to pass a humane budget that will benefit the most vulnerable citizens - those with developmental disabilities and those with mental illness." "Negotiate for real - lives are at stake."

Governor Quinn (312) 814-2121

Spkr Madigan (773) 581-8000

Tuesday, 23 June 2009 - 11:00 AM EDT

Mental Health Rally in Elgin!

This is short notice but critical timing - there will be a mental health rally in the town of Elgin, Illinois on Wednesday June 24, 2009. It will be held at 1212 Larkin Ave Elgin, IL @ 3:00pm. For more info contact Dennis Graf (847) 695-5656 ext 256. If you have an interest in saving funding for mental health services in Illinois please make your best effort to attend.

Wednesday, 24 June 2009 - 9:09 AM EDT

"Save Our Services!" petition for providing services to those with mental illness during this time when the budget for services is threatened. This is part of what is being talked about at today's Elgin Rally (Illinois), Wed June 24, 2009 3:00pm. We cannot let the "Doomsday Budget" pass!

This petition is specifically relevant to those of us working in the Mental Health field in Illinois. The petition is listed at the site below. If you want to sign the petition click on the link below and sign at the website.

?€€Save Our Services!<http://www.thepetitionsite.com/tell-a-friend/4689979>

Preamble:

Illinois ranks behind all other states and the District of Columbia in funding for community residential alternatives of 6 or fewer beds, and is 47th in the nation in funding for community based waiver programs. Illinois has also failed to provide adequate funding for services that support persons with intellectual/developmental disabilities and mental illness. Thousands of individuals with developmental disabilities and mental illness are in need of services and supports, but aren't receiving them because Illinois hasn't properly funded the community system to support them. And thousands more who currently receive services wonder whether their goals of independence, self-sufficiency, or recovery will be realized.

Now, in response to a "50% budget" (SB 1197) passed by the General Assembly, Governor Quinn has directed state agencies - such as the Department of Human Services - to notify community provider organizations and families that funding for services and supports will be drastically cut in the FY10 budget. This will mean:

- 200,000 individuals with developmental disabilities and mental illness receiving services and supports in community services all over Illinois are in jeopardy of losing those services and supports beginning July 1st;

- Thousands of staff would either be permanently laid off, face workload reductions, mandatory furloughs, or reduced hours; and

- Community agencies will be at risk of closing.

The "50% budget" passed by the General Assembly and the corresponding cuts outlined by Governor Quinn cannot be allowed to stand or they will devastate the community safety net and nearly all social service providers in Illinois. Hundreds of individuals with developmental disabilities will lose their only forms of employment and job training, thousands of individuals with mental illness in residential settings will lose their homes.

As individuals with developmental disabilities and/or mental illness, family members, caregivers, friends, employees of community agencies, and concerned citizens, we respectfully ask our elected officials to work together to pass a budget and the new revenue to support it by July 1st. Furthermore, this budget must prevent draconian cuts to community services and provide the revenue necessary to sustain services.

Petition:

We, the undersigned individuals with developmental disabilities and/or mental illness, family members, caregivers, friends, employees of community agencies, and concerned citizens call upon the Governor of Illinois and the Illinois General Assembly to pass a balanced budget and the new revenue to support it by July 1st. This budget must prevent draconian cuts to community services for persons with developmental disabilities and mental illness, and provides revenue necessary to sustain community services.

?€€Save Our Services!http://www.thepetitionsite.com/tell-a-friend/4689979

?€€ThePetitionSite.com provides tools and empowers individuals to make a difference and effect positive change through online activism. Get connected with the causes you care about, take action to make the world a better place, and start your own petition at http://www.ThePetitionSite.com!

ThePetitionSite.com is powered by Care2, the largest and most trusted information and action site for people who care to make a difference in their lives and the world. www.care2.com

Thursday, 25 June 2009 - 6:23 AM EDT

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z2yOT1KEJ6U
Video of Gov. Pat Quinn speaking to the critical mass of people swarming the capital building on June 23. Thousands of protesters, concerned about cuts to social services, greeted lawmakers this week as they returned to Springfield to work on a state spending plan.

Tuesday, 7 July 2009 - 2:36 PM EDT

RE: TOWN HALL MEETINGS TO DISCUSS 2009 ILLINOIS STATE BUDGET.

SHOW YOUR DISAPPROVAL FOR THE HUGE PROPOSED CUTS TO HUMAN SERVICES.

This is an open invite to town hall meetings that IL State Senator Matt Murphy and IL State Representative Sid Mathias are co-hosting in the local area.

Please consider attending one of these meetings and make your voice heard.  If they don't hear from our clients, their families and us, they will assume cuts in services will not matter.  Our local reps need to hear from us!                        Thank you for your support!!

 ----------------------------------------------------------------------

Tuesday, July 7, 2009, 7:00-8:30 pm

Buffalo Grove Village Hall, 50 Raupp Blvd, Board Room

Thursday, July 23, 2009, 7:00-8:30 pm

Arlington Heights Village Hall, 33 S Arlington Heights Rd, Board Room 3rd Floor

Thursday, August 11, 2009, 7:00-8:30 pm

Wheeling Village Hall, 2 Community Blvd

Thursday, August 18, 2009,  7:00-8:30 pm

Prospect Heights Village Hall,  8 N Elmhurst Rd

Hope to See You There,

State Senator Matt Murphy

 Please Feel Free to Tell a Friend

Wednesday, 8 July 2009 - 4:43 PM EDT

clarification: RE: TOWN HALL MEETINGS TO DISCUSS 2009 ILLINOIS STATE BUDGET.

Correction to last posting, the dates listed were correct but for the last 2,the day of week were off. 

Here is the correct date/days per my call to the senator's office:

Thursday, July 23, 2009, 7:00-8:30 pm

Arlington Heights Village Hall, 33 S Arlington Heights Rd, Board Room 3rd Floor

and...

Wheeling Village Hall, 2 Community Blvd

and..

Prospect Heights Village Hall,  8 N Elmhurst Rd

Contact: Senator Matt Murphy 17 E. Northwest Highway, Suite 4  847-776-1490

  www.senatormattmurphy.com          senatormattmurphy@gmail.com

Monday, 13 July 2009 - 10:13 AM EDT

ALL CITIZENS OF ILLINOIS: Please join the fight to save funding for human services by emaiing below letter (cut and paste)l to Governor Quinn and his chief of staff. As you may know, the Governor's office and the legislators will resume another round of budget negotiation today (Monday 7/13/09) and Tuesday, and he needs support from us. 

governor@illinois.gov

jerry.stermer@illinois.gov

 Dear Governor Quinn and Mr. Stermer:

Thank you very much for your effort to save Illinois human services by not signing the budget with the 50% Cut.

We need to continue funding mental health, DD, and substance abuse services at FY 2009 level. Without the funding, services are being cut and there are no other providers in our community to provide such services. The role of government is to help its most vulnerable citizens. The current budgetary process is causing more pain to these already fragile citizens and their families.  This is an outrage. If this is not addressed, care will be stopped, people will deteriorate, and then it will cost more to care for them.

Please continue to make every effort to save human services in Illinois! Thank you!!!

Wednesday, 30 December 2009 - 9:43 AM EST

Hope for People with Mental Illness and Substance Use Disorders

By Linda Rosenberg  HealthNews Digest December 28, 2009

Next year, a decade after the Surgeon General's Report on mental health revealed that mental illnesses are as treatable as physical illnesses, there also appears to be hope for people with mental illnesses. The healthcare reform legislation currently being debated in Congress includes historic provisions to expand health coverage and significantly improve access to mental health and substance use disorder treatment services.

Healthcare reform in America is as much an economic issue as a moral one. The economic, social and human costs of mental health and addictions disorders in the U.S. are enormous. Mental illness drains our economy of more than $80 billion every year, accounting for 15 percent of the total economic burden of all disease. Alcohol and drug abuse contributes to the death of more than 100,000 Americans and costs upwards of half a trillion dollars a year, while a quarter of all Social Security disability payments are for individuals with mental illness.

The promise of reform is arriving at a critical time in this country-demand for mental health and substance use treatment is up just as state budgets for these types of services are being severely reduced.

Due in part to the current economic turmoil, community mental health and substance use treatment centers nationwide are experiencing a 20 percent increase in demand for services, according to a recent survey by the National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare. At the same time demand is increasing, at least 32 states are known to be enacting funding cuts - reducing services and closing programs.

One of the most crucial components of the healthcare reform legislation now being debated is the concept of parity. The bill includes the principles contained in the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act, the federal law passed last year which prohibits unequal treatment limits and financial requirements for mental health and substance use treatment. The parity provisions are essential given that mental health and substance use treatment have traditionally been subject to blatantly discriminatory limits on coverage that restrict access to effective and, at times, lifesaving therapies.

Millions of Americans have mental health and substance use disorders and many still do not have access to treatment. Unlike most physical disorders, these conditions start at an early age and often go untreated until the illness becomes debilitating. The delay in treatment often interferes with a young person's ability to succeed in school and in the workplace. As a result, many people with mental health and substance use disorders are unemployed or work in low-paying jobs without health insurance and they will greatly benefit from expanded insurance coverage.

While healthcare reform is not a panacea for people with mental illnesses and substance use disorders, it takes groundbreaking steps in the right direction and may help stem the escalating death rates of people with serious mental illnesses. People in the U.S. with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and other serious mental illnesses die years sooner than other Americans. Three out of every five people with these types of mental illnesses die from preventable, co-occurring chronic diseases such as asthma, diabetes, cancer, heart disease and cardiopulmonary conditions.

 As we enter 2010, the tragic fact remains that a majority of Americans with mental illnesses and addictions do not get treatment. Healthcare reform holds the promise of greatly increasing access to mental health and substance-use services. Reform will finally open the treatment doors for some of the most vulnerable citizens in our society, and community behavioral health centers will be ready to help them lead full and productive lives.

 Ms. Rosenberg is President and CEO of the National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare.

Thursday, 8 April 2010 - 9:12 AM EDT

Please join us for the Mental Health Rally in Springfield Illinois on Wednesday, May 5 2010 on the Capital Building grounds (at the Abraham Lincoln statue).

Thursday, 6 May 2010 - 11:30 AM EDT

We had a great turn out at the Springfield 2010 Mental Health Rally yesterday, May 5th. 

Click on this link to see a news story on it, including some of the ABMCH/Kenneth Young Center/NAMI folks that I had the privlege of riding with to/from the rally. 

http://www.wics.com/newsroom/top_stories/videos/wics_vid_2054.shtml

Especially watch for the interview (with the purple umbrella in background), and the "Penny Wise/Pound Foolish" huge Jar Of Pennies we brought with us. And of course, our wonderful signs.

Thanks to all that made the trip and spoke up for FUNDING TREATMENT AND SUPPORTIVE INITIATIVES.

http://www.wics.com/newsroom/top_stories/videos/wics_vid_2054.shtml

Friday, 7 May 2010 - 1:25 PM EDT

2010 State of Illinois Budget: ADVOCACY ACTION ALERT!!

Link at bottom of this message will take you to your legislature's phone number, pls call them or email them, we need to keep the press on!                    

As most know, the Governor's proposed FY11 budget would slash community services and supports for children and adults with developmental disabilities and mental illness by $216 million - a proposal that would lead to about 700,000 individuals losing services, further payment delays, layoffs, and closure of community agencies!   

For several weeks, IARF and our member agencies have communicated the impact of this slash and burn proposal to members of the General Assembly to show them how these cuts would compromise the safety net services community providers offer in communities all across Illinois. We've also communicated the need for increased revenue through the passage of HB 174 or a similar framework to prevent such cuts and to preserve vital publicly funded human services, education, and health care.

Our messages are being received, but some legislators are still saying they are not hearing from us!  We need to ramp up the pressure! In just 5 days, the General Assembly is scheduled to adjourn, meaning they are going to try and pass a budget by next Friday! There is a movement in the General Assembly to pass a budget that gives the Governor the authority to make nearly all spending decisions - meaning the cuts he outlined in his proposed budget could very well go into effect! Furthermore, this budget could be based on insufficient revenues, possibly making matters worse!  Democrats in the House of Representatives are being polled on various budget options - such as increasing cuts to human service programs! A prominent legislator was quoted in the State Journal Register today stating:"We're trying to mitigate some of the cuts to education&hellip; in order to do that, then you have to allow for greater cuts in other areas."

If we want a different outcome from what is being discussed, then we need to ramp up the pressure now! Starting TODAY through next week, we need to pressure lawmakers to pass a responsible budget that DOES NO HARM by:·         Preserving funding for community services and supports for persons with developmental disabilities and mental illness at FY10 levels; ·         Providing for a timely and consistent payment cycle for services provided; and·         Approving progressive tax reform and new revenue in the form of HB 174!Click the link below to TAKE ACTION!!!

Click the link below to take action on this issue:

Tuesday, 18 May 2010 - 8:02 PM EDT

HERE IS A SAMPLE LETTER TO SEND ILLINOIS STATE LEGISLATORS, please aim to have yours delivered by June 5,2010 so that they see a good follow-up to the 5/5/2010 Mental Health Rallies.

If you are near ABCMH, you can drop your letter off to "attn:Randy" on the envelope and we'll fax your signed letter multiple IL legislators.                   If you want to send letter yourself you can look up your legislators via  http://www.elections.il.gov/DistrictLocator/DistrictOfficialSearchByAddress.aspx

Or you can get entire list of general assembly members at:    senators:  http://www.ilga.gov/reports/rptMemberList.asp?gaid=10&ChamberId=S     representatives:  http://www.ilga.gov/reports/rptMemberList.asp?gaid=10&ChamberId=H

Dear Legislator,

I am writing to express my concern about the status of mental health services in the State of Illinois. This is an issue that was of primary concern to the nearly 2,000 individuals who came to the state capital and the Thompson Center in Chicago on May 5, 2010 and continues to be an area of concern to many thousands of individuals in this state. I would like to ask the Legislature and Governor Quinn to maintain and improve mental health services in the state of Illinois through improvement of the inadequate funding that has led to the current state of mental health services in our state.

 Mental Health services have long been underfunded and disorganized. Now the governor has proposed cuts that will affect 70,000 persons, including 4,200 children. Four thousand unit of housing for people with serious mental illnesses will be eliminated.

The mental health community strongly supports increased income taxes and other tax increases needed to maintain Illinois’ human services safety. Every day that we postpone the hard decisions needed to increase revenue further weakens our state and it’s most vulnerable citizens. Please do not leave town until this crisis has been solved.

Cutting community mental health services will not save the state money. When children and adults are denied timely and effective treatments and support services, it costs all of us in terms of increased institutionalization, homelessness, damaged families, and communities, and even involvement in the criminal justice system.

Cutting Mental Health Services is Penny Wise and Pound Foolish!

Thursday, 17 June 2010 - 8:55 AM EDT

TODAY, 6/17/2010--FOR ILLINOIS RESIDENTS: SPECIAL DMH CONSUMER EDUCATION CALL-IN: JUNE 17TH, 10:00AM - 11:30AM   http://www.law.uchicago.edu/clinics/mandel/mental/summit

Just got this from the MH Summit... Please  participate in this call....  become educated and empowered to have your voice heard... Do not hold back, share stories about how changes will impact your life, etc...  We are particularly concerned about their Utilization Management indication as part of the topic...that usually means an HMO type approach that highly impedes access to care & restricts wrap-around supports versus what people actually need..  pls, pls, pls help mobilize as many consumers to participate as possible... It is highly likely the changes they are going to talk about will impact your mental health care in some way, shape or form.  Thanks!!!

 --------------------

SPECIAL DMH CONSUMER EDUCATION CALL-IN: JUNE 17TH, 10:00AM - 11:30AM

There is a special consumer education call-in scheduled for Thursday, June 17th, 10:00am-11:30am. The purpose of this call is to inform consumers about anticipated changes in financial eligibility and utilization management AND to receive input/hear questions from consumers regarding the same.

DATE: June 17, 2010

TIME: 10:00am - 11:30am [Note: Please dial in no earlier than 9:45am, per audioconferencing regulations]

TOPIC: Changes in financial eligibility and utilization management

DIAL IN NUMBER: 1-800-288-8968

PASSCODE: None needed

MEETING TITLE: Consumer Education

Friday, 25 June 2010 - 3:36 PM EDT

Sample letter to send to the governor of Illinois regarding proposed Service Cuts to Consumers Without Medicaid

 Gov. Patrick Quinn

governor@illinois.gov

Office of the Governor
207 State House
Springfield, IL 62706
Phone: 217-782-0244
TTY: 888-261-3336

 Office of the Governor
James R. Thompson Center
100 W. Randolph, 16-100
Chicago, IL 60601
Phone: 312-814-2121

Dear Governor Quinn:

I am very concerned about the cuts to treatment for people with serious and persistent mental illness who don't have Medicaid.  The DHS has limited care to about a maximum of 15 hours per year, plus crisis services.  Many are people who have been waiting for over 3 years for a judicial disability hearing, have been disabled for all that time and are unable to sustain substantial gainful employment.  They are able to get food stamps, but are otherwise without income.  They already have been hospitalized a number of times.  These are people who need in excess of 15 hours per year to be stable, though still symptomatic, and they are denied Medicaid.

This is a dangerous situation.  Stroger Hospital has sent out a notice that they are closed to accepting more patients who are mentally ill in their outpatient clinic.  We are mandated to provide needed care or face charges of neglect.  Are we to provide needed care to those with a serious mental illness, but no Medicaid and no income, with no hope of reimbursement?  Or are we to be found culpable when there is a bad outcome, because the State of Illinois does not provide for that care? 

It is a terrible dilemma for us who care for these needy people.  They are human beings struggling with the terrible stresses of no income, threatened eviction, phones and electricity being cut off, and serious mental illnesses.  They need substantial assistance to cope with their illnesses and to get and adhere to their medications.  They need substantial help to cope with the frightening situations in which they live.

Please, have the courage, the heart, to use your power to continue to provide the funding needed for their care after June 30, 2010.

Sincerely,

Wednesday, 7 July 2010 - 7:23 PM EDT

PUBLIC COMMENT BEING SOLICITED ON ILLINOIS STATE FUNDING FOR MENTAL HEALTH RELATED SERVICES.  All comments are due by August 5th, 2010

Here is an excellent opportunity for consumers and providers of mental health services to share feedback with the Dept of Mental Health and Human Services (DHS) of Illinois regarding important goals for DHS to integrate into their short and long term planning.

The draft application will be available for public comment through August 5th at  http://www.dhs.state.il.us/OneNetLibrary/27897/documents/Mental%20Health/2011CommMHServicesBlockGrantApplication/ILLINOISDMHDRAFTMHBLOCKGRANTAPPLFY2011.pdf

All comments are due by 8/5/2010

Comments may be submitted to the Division of Mental Health by sending an email to the following address: DHSMH@dhs.state.il.us .  Please enter “Block Grant Comments" in the subject line. 

·    DMH is an agency which exists to assure that effective, community based care is available to all who need it,

·    Illinois is poorly funding mental health related services,

·  Illinois State Legislature has proposed new cuts (DMH got biggest cut in the whole budget this year $265 Million),

·     Illinois is the state ranked #1 in warehousing persons with mental illnesses in nursing homes in the nation

·    , etc... 

You are encouraged to forward personal comments and ideas to the state via the link contained within.

·  Consumers can also advocate for services (like PSR),  by

§ Stating what these services have meant to them,

§   How theses services have helped them to:

·  stay out of hospitals,

· get back to work,

· have friends

· feel part of the community,

· live and function more independently

Otherwise they plan to implement a managed care model which would put significant limits on:

o         who can participate in PSR and other treatments

o         how many hours consumers can attend each year,

o         how many times consumers can see the doctor,

o         which medications can be prescribed,

o         etc.

Implementing such a managed care model would create dangerous conditions for consumers and mental health care providers to collaborate under when trying to help consumers achieve the highest levels of recovery success.

Such a managed care model flies in the face of the recovery movement, client empowerment, and client choice!!! 

We need our voices heard...consumers and providers!!!

Our real-life stories and circumstances are often the only thing politicians will listen to! 

All comments are due by 8/5/2010

Comments may be submitted to the Division of Mental Health by sending an email to the following address: DHSMH@dhs.state.il.us . Please enter “Block Grant Comments" in the subject line. 

Thanks for your help!

Wednesday, 21 July 2010 - 6:49 PM EDT

Normal 0

Voice Your Support for the ADA

On July 26th, 2010 the country will celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

The Great Lakes ADA Center in conjunction with the ADA National Network has launched an initiative titled, 2010 in 2010.  This is an effort to get 2010 state and local governments, disability organizations, businesses, educational institutions, and other organizations to issue proclamations in recognition of the 20th anniversary and to re-commit to the full implementation of the ADA.

Many local and state governments, disability organizations and businesses have already acknowledged the anniversary by issuing proclamations of re-commitment to fully implement the ADA in their communities.  The 2010 initiative strives to focus on the positive

Please join the Great Lakes ADA Center in their efforts to get 2,010 communities to recommit to the ADA by contacting your local city, county and state officials requesting that they issue a proclamation.

Join us and become part of a nation-wide effort to proclaim a re-commitment to the vision and spirit of the Americans with Disabilities Act--full inclusion of people with disabilities in American life! Also, make sure the proclamation is submitted to the 2010 Anniversary site so the proclamation is recognized.

Visit http://www.2010anniversary.org/  for sample proclamations, suggested activities, and events related to the anniversary.

Wednesday, 21 July 2010 - 6:49 PM EDT

Normal 0

Voice Your Support for the ADA

On July 26th, 2010 the country will celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

The Great Lakes ADA Center in conjunction with the ADA National Network has launched an initiative titled, 2010 in 2010.  This is an effort to get 2010 state and local governments, disability organizations, businesses, educational institutions, and other organizations to issue proclamations in recognition of the 20th anniversary and to re-commit to the full implementation of the ADA.

Many local and state governments, disability organizations and businesses have already acknowledged the anniversary by issuing proclamations of re-commitment to fully implement the ADA in their communities.  The 2010 initiative strives to focus on the positive

Please join the Great Lakes ADA Center in their efforts to get 2,010 communities to recommit to the ADA by contacting your local city, county and state officials requesting that they issue a proclamation.

Join us and become part of a nation-wide effort to proclaim a re-commitment to the vision and spirit of the Americans with Disabilities Act--full inclusion of people with disabilities in American life! Also, make sure the proclamation is submitted to the 2010 Anniversary site so the proclamation is recognized.

Visit http://www.2010anniversary.org/  for sample proclamations, suggested activities, and events related to the anniversary.

Wednesday, 21 July 2010 - 6:49 PM EDT

Normal 0

Voice Your Support for the ADA

On July 26th, 2010 the country will celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

The Great Lakes ADA Center in conjunction with the ADA National Network has launched an initiative titled, 2010 in 2010.  This is an effort to get 2010 state and local governments, disability organizations, businesses, educational institutions, and other organizations to issue proclamations in recognition of the 20th anniversary and to re-commit to the full implementation of the ADA.

Many local and state governments, disability organizations and businesses have already acknowledged the anniversary by issuing proclamations of re-commitment to fully implement the ADA in their communities.  The 2010 initiative strives to focus on the positive

Please join the Great Lakes ADA Center in their efforts to get 2,010 communities to recommit to the ADA by contacting your local city, county and state officials requesting that they issue a proclamation.

Join us and become part of a nation-wide effort to proclaim a re-commitment to the vision and spirit of the Americans with Disabilities Act--full inclusion of people with disabilities in American life! Also, make sure the proclamation is submitted to the 2010 Anniversary site so the proclamation is recognized.

Visit http://www.2010anniversary.org/  for sample proclamations, suggested activities, and events related to the anniversary.

Wednesday, 21 July 2010 - 6:49 PM EDT

Normal 0

Voice Your Support for the ADA

On July 26th, 2010 the country will celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

The Great Lakes ADA Center in conjunction with the ADA National Network has launched an initiative titled, 2010 in 2010.  This is an effort to get 2010 state and local governments, disability organizations, businesses, educational institutions, and other organizations to issue proclamations in recognition of the 20th anniversary and to re-commit to the full implementation of the ADA.

Many local and state governments, disability organizations and businesses have already acknowledged the anniversary by issuing proclamations of re-commitment to fully implement the ADA in their communities.  The 2010 initiative strives to focus on the positive

Please join the Great Lakes ADA Center in their efforts to get 2,010 communities to recommit to the ADA by contacting your local city, county and state officials requesting that they issue a proclamation.

Join us and become part of a nation-wide effort to proclaim a re-commitment to the vision and spirit of the Americans with Disabilities Act--full inclusion of people with disabilities in American life! Also, make sure the proclamation is submitted to the 2010 Anniversary site so the proclamation is recognized.

Visit http://www.2010anniversary.org/  for sample proclamations, suggested activities, and events related to the anniversary.

Wednesday, 21 July 2010 - 6:49 PM EDT

Normal 0

Voice Your Support for the ADA

On July 26th, 2010 the country will celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

The Great Lakes ADA Center in conjunction with the ADA National Network has launched an initiative titled, 2010 in 2010.  This is an effort to get 2010 state and local governments, disability organizations, businesses, educational institutions, and other organizations to issue proclamations in recognition of the 20th anniversary and to re-commit to the full implementation of the ADA.

Many local and state governments, disability organizations and businesses have already acknowledged the anniversary by issuing proclamations of re-commitment to fully implement the ADA in their communities.  The 2010 initiative strives to focus on the positive

Please join the Great Lakes ADA Center in their efforts to get 2,010 communities to recommit to the ADA by contacting your local city, county and state officials requesting that they issue a proclamation.

Join us and become part of a nation-wide effort to proclaim a re-commitment to the vision and spirit of the Americans with Disabilities Act--full inclusion of people with disabilities in American life! Also, make sure the proclamation is submitted to the 2010 Anniversary site so the proclamation is recognized.

Visit http://www.2010anniversary.org/  for sample proclamations, suggested activities, and events related to the anniversary.

Wednesday, 21 July 2010 - 6:50 PM EDT

Normal 0

Voice Your Support for the ADA

On July 26th, 2010 the country will celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

The Great Lakes ADA Center in conjunction with the ADA National Network has launched an initiative titled, 2010 in 2010.  This is an effort to get 2010 state and local governments, disability organizations, businesses, educational institutions, and other organizations to issue proclamations in recognition of the 20th anniversary and to re-commit to the full implementation of the ADA.

Many local and state governments, disability organizations and businesses have already acknowledged the anniversary by issuing proclamations of re-commitment to fully implement the ADA in their communities.  The 2010 initiative strives to focus on the positive

Please join the Great Lakes ADA Center in their efforts to get 2,010 communities to recommit to the ADA by contacting your local city, county and state officials requesting that they issue a proclamation.

Join us and become part of a nation-wide effort to proclaim a re-commitment to the vision and spirit of the Americans with Disabilities Act--full inclusion of people with disabilities in American life! Also, make sure the proclamation is submitted to the 2010 Anniversary site so the proclamation is recognized.

Visit http://www.2010anniversary.org/  for sample proclamations, suggested activities, and events related to the anniversary.

Wednesday, 21 July 2010 - 6:50 PM EDT

Normal 0

Voice Your Support for the ADA

On July 26th, 2010 the country will celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

The Great Lakes ADA Center in conjunction with the ADA National Network has launched an initiative titled, 2010 in 2010.  This is an effort to get 2010 state and local governments, disability organizations, businesses, educational institutions, and other organizations to issue proclamations in recognition of the 20th anniversary and to re-commit to the full implementation of the ADA.

Many local and state governments, disability organizations and businesses have already acknowledged the anniversary by issuing proclamations of re-commitment to fully implement the ADA in their communities.  The 2010 initiative strives to focus on the positive

Please join the Great Lakes ADA Center in their efforts to get 2,010 communities to recommit to the ADA by contacting your local city, county and state officials requesting that they issue a proclamation.

Join us and become part of a nation-wide effort to proclaim a re-commitment to the vision and spirit of the Americans with Disabilities Act--full inclusion of people with disabilities in American life! Also, make sure the proclamation is submitted to the 2010 Anniversary site so the proclamation is recognized.

Visit http://www.2010anniversary.org/  for sample proclamations, suggested activities, and events related to the anniversary.

Wednesday, 21 July 2010 - 6:58 PM EDT

Voice Your Support for the ADA

On July 26th, 2010 the country will celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

The Great Lakes ADA Center in conjunction with the ADA National Network has launched an initiative titled, 2010 in 2010.  This is an effort to get 2010 state and local governments, disability organizations, businesses, educational institutions, and other organizations to issue proclamations in recognition of the 20th anniversary and to re-commit to the full implementation of the ADA.

Many local and state governments, disability organizations and businesses have already acknowledged the anniversary by issuing proclamations of re-commitment to fully implement the ADA in their communities.  The 2010 initiative strives to focus on the positive

Please join the Great Lakes ADA Center in their efforts to get 2,010 communities to recommit to the ADA by contacting your local city, county and state officials requesting that they issue a proclamation.

Join us and become part of a nation-wide effort to proclaim a re-commitment to the vision and spirit of the Americans with Disabilities Act--full inclusion of people with disabilities in American life! Also, make sure the proclamation is submitted to the 2010 Anniversary site so the proclamation is recognized.

Visit http://www.2010anniversary.org/  for sample proclamations, suggested activities, and events related to the anniversary.

Also visit http://www.adagreatlakes.org/ , to view more information about the celebration of the ADA in the Great Lakes region.

RELATED EVENTS:

Thursday, July 22, 2010 Chicago *Celebrate 20 Years of ADAction*

Sponsor: Illinois Department of Human Services, a coalition of State/local Agencies, Community Organizations and Mandated Councils Location: James R. Thompson Center, 100 W. Randolph Street, Chicago

Informational workshops on ADA issues, art exhibit, hands-on art demonstration, three-on-three wheelchair basketball exhibition, employment and resource fair, entertainment by performers with disabilities, informational exhibits, sports demonstrations. The entire event is free.

Arts and Access Exhibition begins July 19-23, 2010.  10:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Contact: Office of Accessibility and Customer Support, 312-793-0034 (V), 888-614-2385 (TTY) or DHS.ADACelebration@illinois.gov

=========================================================================

Saturday, July 24, 2010 Chicago Seventh Annual Disability Pride Parade, *Pride Revolution*

Sponsor: Disability Pride Parade Planning Committee

Parade objectives are to organize a fully inclusive, annual event that will celebrate and strengthen pride, power, and unity of people with disabilities, our families, and allies and to generate national visibility for the disability community. Register online at: www.disabilityprideparade.com.

Location: Staging area at 401 S. Plymouth Court (Plymouth Court and Van Buren Street, at the rear of the main public library).

The parade will move west on Van Buren Street to Dearborn Street and north on Dearborn Street to Washington Street and into Daley Plaza (50 W. Washington St) for the Post-parade program and celebration.

Time: 11:00 AM Step-off, Post-parade program and celebration at Daley Plaza begins at 12:30 PM

Contact: askus@disabilityprideparade.com or 866-0260-5812 (V), 312-640-2102 (TTY)

========================================================================

Monday, July 26, 2010 Glen Ellyn  *Celebrate the 20th Anniversary of ADA*

Sponsor: DuPage Center for Independent Living Location: 739 Roosevelt Road, Building 8, Suite 109, Glen Ellyn, IL

Visitors have an opportunity to meet staff and tour the Center to learn about the services provided at DCIL. Refreshments will be provided and a fifty/fifty drawing.

Time: 1 PM * 3PM                                                     Contact: Yvonne Kewley, 630-469-2300 (V/TTY)

Wednesday, July 28, 2010 Forest Park *Celebrate Anniversaries of ADA and Progress Center*

Sponsor: Progress Center for Independent Living

Location: Progress Center for Independent Living, 7521 Madison Street, Forest Park, IL

Celebrate the passage of the ADA and Progress Center*s 22nd Anniversary!

Meet staff and learn about PCIL services, tour the offices and learn about the history of the disability rights movement. Free food and refreshments will be provided.

Wednesday, 21 July 2010 - 6:58 PM EDT

Voice Your Support for the ADA

On July 26th, 2010 the country will celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

The Great Lakes ADA Center in conjunction with the ADA National Network has launched an initiative titled, 2010 in 2010.  This is an effort to get 2010 state and local governments, disability organizations, businesses, educational institutions, and other organizations to issue proclamations in recognition of the 20th anniversary and to re-commit to the full implementation of the ADA.

Many local and state governments, disability organizations and businesses have already acknowledged the anniversary by issuing proclamations of re-commitment to fully implement the ADA in their communities.  The 2010 initiative strives to focus on the positive

Please join the Great Lakes ADA Center in their efforts to get 2,010 communities to recommit to the ADA by contacting your local city, county and state officials requesting that they issue a proclamation.

Join us and become part of a nation-wide effort to proclaim a re-commitment to the vision and spirit of the Americans with Disabilities Act--full inclusion of people with disabilities in American life! Also, make sure the proclamation is submitted to the 2010 Anniversary site so the proclamation is recognized.

Visit http://www.2010anniversary.org/  for sample proclamations, suggested activities, and events related to the anniversary.

Also visit http://www.adagreatlakes.org/ , to view more information about the celebration of the ADA in the Great Lakes region.

RELATED EVENTS:

Thursday, July 22, 2010 Chicago *Celebrate 20 Years of ADAction*

Sponsor: Illinois Department of Human Services, a coalition of State/local Agencies, Community Organizations and Mandated Councils Location: James R. Thompson Center, 100 W. Randolph Street, Chicago

Informational workshops on ADA issues, art exhibit, hands-on art demonstration, three-on-three wheelchair basketball exhibition, employment and resource fair, entertainment by performers with disabilities, informational exhibits, sports demonstrations. The entire event is free.

Arts and Access Exhibition begins July 19-23, 2010.  10:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Contact: Office of Accessibility and Customer Support, 312-793-0034 (V), 888-614-2385 (TTY) or DHS.ADACelebration@illinois.gov

=========================================================================

Saturday, July 24, 2010 Chicago Seventh Annual Disability Pride Parade, *Pride Revolution*

Sponsor: Disability Pride Parade Planning Committee

Parade objectives are to organize a fully inclusive, annual event that will celebrate and strengthen pride, power, and unity of people with disabilities, our families, and allies and to generate national visibility for the disability community. Register online at: www.disabilityprideparade.com.

Location: Staging area at 401 S. Plymouth Court (Plymouth Court and Van Buren Street, at the rear of the main public library).

The parade will move west on Van Buren Street to Dearborn Street and north on Dearborn Street to Washington Street and into Daley Plaza (50 W. Washington St) for the Post-parade program and celebration.

Time: 11:00 AM Step-off, Post-parade program and celebration at Daley Plaza begins at 12:30 PM

Contact: askus@disabilityprideparade.com or 866-0260-5812 (V), 312-640-2102 (TTY)

========================================================================

Monday, July 26, 2010 Glen Ellyn  *Celebrate the 20th Anniversary of ADA*

Sponsor: DuPage Center for Independent Living Location: 739 Roosevelt Road, Building 8, Suite 109, Glen Ellyn, IL

Visitors have an opportunity to meet staff and tour the Center to learn about the services provided at DCIL. Refreshments will be provided and a fifty/fifty drawing.

Time: 1 PM * 3PM                                                     Contact: Yvonne Kewley, 630-469-2300 (V/TTY)

Wednesday, July 28, 2010 Forest Park *Celebrate Anniversaries of ADA and Progress Center*

Sponsor: Progress Center for Independent Living

Location: Progress Center for Independent Living, 7521 Madison Street, Forest Park, IL

Celebrate the passage of the ADA and Progress Center*s 22nd Anniversary!

Meet staff and learn about PCIL services, tour the offices and learn about the history of the disability rights movement. Free food and refreshments will be provided.

Wednesday, 21 July 2010 - 6:58 PM EDT

Voice Your Support for the ADA

On July 26th, 2010 the country will celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

The Great Lakes ADA Center in conjunction with the ADA National Network has launched an initiative titled, 2010 in 2010.  This is an effort to get 2010 state and local governments, disability organizations, businesses, educational institutions, and other organizations to issue proclamations in recognition of the 20th anniversary and to re-commit to the full implementation of the ADA.

Many local and state governments, disability organizations and businesses have already acknowledged the anniversary by issuing proclamations of re-commitment to fully implement the ADA in their communities.  The 2010 initiative strives to focus on the positive

Please join the Great Lakes ADA Center in their efforts to get 2,010 communities to recommit to the ADA by contacting your local city, county and state officials requesting that they issue a proclamation.

Join us and become part of a nation-wide effort to proclaim a re-commitment to the vision and spirit of the Americans with Disabilities Act--full inclusion of people with disabilities in American life! Also, make sure the proclamation is submitted to the 2010 Anniversary site so the proclamation is recognized.

Visit http://www.2010anniversary.org/  for sample proclamations, suggested activities, and events related to the anniversary.

Also visit http://www.adagreatlakes.org/ , to view more information about the celebration of the ADA in the Great Lakes region.

RELATED EVENTS:

Thursday, July 22, 2010 Chicago *Celebrate 20 Years of ADAction*

Sponsor: Illinois Department of Human Services, a coalition of State/local Agencies, Community Organizations and Mandated Councils Location: James R. Thompson Center, 100 W. Randolph Street, Chicago

Informational workshops on ADA issues, art exhibit, hands-on art demonstration, three-on-three wheelchair basketball exhibition, employment and resource fair, entertainment by performers with disabilities, informational exhibits, sports demonstrations. The entire event is free.

Arts and Access Exhibition begins July 19-23, 2010.  10:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Contact: Office of Accessibility and Customer Support, 312-793-0034 (V), 888-614-2385 (TTY) or DHS.ADACelebration@illinois.gov

=========================================================================

Saturday, July 24, 2010 Chicago Seventh Annual Disability Pride Parade, *Pride Revolution*

Sponsor: Disability Pride Parade Planning Committee

Parade objectives are to organize a fully inclusive, annual event that will celebrate and strengthen pride, power, and unity of people with disabilities, our families, and allies and to generate national visibility for the disability community. Register online at: www.disabilityprideparade.com.

Location: Staging area at 401 S. Plymouth Court (Plymouth Court and Van Buren Street, at the rear of the main public library).

The parade will move west on Van Buren Street to Dearborn Street and north on Dearborn Street to Washington Street and into Daley Plaza (50 W. Washington St) for the Post-parade program and celebration.

Time: 11:00 AM Step-off, Post-parade program and celebration at Daley Plaza begins at 12:30 PM

Contact: askus@disabilityprideparade.com or 866-0260-5812 (V), 312-640-2102 (TTY)

========================================================================

Monday, July 26, 2010 Glen Ellyn  *Celebrate the 20th Anniversary of ADA*

Sponsor: DuPage Center for Independent Living Location: 739 Roosevelt Road, Building 8, Suite 109, Glen Ellyn, IL

Visitors have an opportunity to meet staff and tour the Center to learn about the services provided at DCIL. Refreshments will be provided and a fifty/fifty drawing.

Time: 1 PM * 3PM                                                     Contact: Yvonne Kewley, 630-469-2300 (V/TTY)

Wednesday, July 28, 2010 Forest Park *Celebrate Anniversaries of ADA and Progress Center*

Sponsor: Progress Center for Independent Living

Location: Progress Center for Independent Living, 7521 Madison Street, Forest Park, IL

Celebrate the passage of the ADA and Progress Center*s 22nd Anniversary!

Meet staff and learn about PCIL services, tour the offices and learn about the history of the disability rights movement. Free food and refreshments will be provided.

Wednesday, 21 July 2010 - 6:59 PM EDT

Voice Your Support for the ADA

On July 26th, 2010 the country will celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

The Great Lakes ADA Center in conjunction with the ADA National Network has launched an initiative titled, 2010 in 2010.  This is an effort to get 2010 state and local governments, disability organizations, businesses, educational institutions, and other organizations to issue proclamations in recognition of the 20th anniversary and to re-commit to the full implementation of the ADA.

Many local and state governments, disability organizations and businesses have already acknowledged the anniversary by issuing proclamations of re-commitment to fully implement the ADA in their communities.  The 2010 initiative strives to focus on the positive

Please join the Great Lakes ADA Center in their efforts to get 2,010 communities to recommit to the ADA by contacting your local city, county and state officials requesting that they issue a proclamation.

Join us and become part of a nation-wide effort to proclaim a re-commitment to the vision and spirit of the Americans with Disabilities Act--full inclusion of people with disabilities in American life! Also, make sure the proclamation is submitted to the 2010 Anniversary site so the proclamation is recognized.

Visit http://www.2010anniversary.org/  for sample proclamations, suggested activities, and events related to the anniversary.

Also visit http://www.adagreatlakes.org/ , to view more information about the celebration of the ADA in the Great Lakes region.

RELATED EVENTS:

Thursday, July 22, 2010 Chicago *Celebrate 20 Years of ADAction*

Sponsor: Illinois Department of Human Services, a coalition of State/local Agencies, Community Organizations and Mandated Councils Location: James R. Thompson Center, 100 W. Randolph Street, Chicago

Informational workshops on ADA issues, art exhibit, hands-on art demonstration, three-on-three wheelchair basketball exhibition, employment and resource fair, entertainment by performers with disabilities, informational exhibits, sports demonstrations. The entire event is free.

Arts and Access Exhibition begins July 19-23, 2010.  10:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Contact: Office of Accessibility and Customer Support, 312-793-0034 (V), 888-614-2385 (TTY) or DHS.ADACelebration@illinois.gov

=========================================================================

Saturday, July 24, 2010 Chicago Seventh Annual Disability Pride Parade, *Pride Revolution*

Sponsor: Disability Pride Parade Planning Committee

Parade objectives are to organize a fully inclusive, annual event that will celebrate and strengthen pride, power, and unity of people with disabilities, our families, and allies and to generate national visibility for the disability community. Register online at: www.disabilityprideparade.com.

Location: Staging area at 401 S. Plymouth Court (Plymouth Court and Van Buren Street, at the rear of the main public library).

The parade will move west on Van Buren Street to Dearborn Street and north on Dearborn Street to Washington Street and into Daley Plaza (50 W. Washington St) for the Post-parade program and celebration.

Time: 11:00 AM Step-off, Post-parade program and celebration at Daley Plaza begins at 12:30 PM

Contact: askus@disabilityprideparade.com or 866-0260-5812 (V), 312-640-2102 (TTY)

========================================================================

Monday, July 26, 2010 Glen Ellyn  *Celebrate the 20th Anniversary of ADA*

Sponsor: DuPage Center for Independent Living Location: 739 Roosevelt Road, Building 8, Suite 109, Glen Ellyn, IL

Visitors have an opportunity to meet staff and tour the Center to learn about the services provided at DCIL. Refreshments will be provided and a fifty/fifty drawing.

Time: 1 PM * 3PM                                                     Contact: Yvonne Kewley, 630-469-2300 (V/TTY)

Wednesday, July 28, 2010 Forest Park *Celebrate Anniversaries of ADA and Progress Center*

Sponsor: Progress Center for Independent Living

Location: Progress Center for Independent Living, 7521 Madison Street, Forest Park, IL

Celebrate the passage of the ADA and Progress Center*s 22nd Anniversary!

Meet staff and learn about PCIL services, tour the offices and learn about the history of the disability rights movement. Free food and refreshments will be provided.

Thursday, 11 November 2010 - 11:30 AM EST

State-wide consumer call-in on November 16, 2010 from 10:00am - 11:30am. Find out about changes in financial eligibility and Medicaid / Non-Medicaid benefits.

Call (866) 256-9295, certification number is 177785

Get information directly from DMH!

Monday, 10 January 2011 - 2:00 PM EST

ACTION ALERT - Contact Elected Officials TODAY  
Take Action!       Please Tell Your Legislators Today   
   
State lawmakers are in the final stages of negotiating a fix to Illinios'  longstanding budget crisis. Support for human services is an important part of these discussions, with specific proposals to address the need to pay back-due bills to providers and allocate new revenue to human services as part of the mix.

But it isn't a done deal yet! Lawmakers need to hear from the human services community and its clients about our priorities! If you are interested in weighing in on the current budget debate, please call 1-800-664-9903 TODAY and tell your legislators that you support new revenue for human services. While Illinois Partners is not taking a position on a specific budget deal, we continue to advocate for adequate revenues for human services and provide related information and alerts about the current debate to our members.

    

Monday, 10 January 2011 - 2:00 PM EST

ACTION ALERT - Contact Elected Officials TODAY  
Take Action!       Please Tell Your Legislators Today   
   
State lawmakers are in the final stages of negotiating a fix to Illinios'  longstanding budget crisis. Support for human services is an important part of these discussions, with specific proposals to address the need to pay back-due bills to providers and allocate new revenue to human services as part of the mix.

But it isn't a done deal yet! Lawmakers need to hear from the human services community and its clients about our priorities! If you are interested in weighing in on the current budget debate, please call 1-800-664-9903 TODAY and tell your legislators that you support new revenue for human services. While Illinois Partners is not taking a position on a specific budget deal, we continue to advocate for adequate revenues for human services and provide related information and alerts about the current debate to our members.