March 2012 Update for the Alliance
Thank you for taking time to read this monthly update! We hope that it makes you more aware about what the Alliance is doing and what is going to happen in the future.
State Action Update
· Jennifer Knapp and Terah Green went to the Governors Mansion for an employment summit to help people with disabilities get jobs in the community.
· We are still working on the proposal so it can be put into the waiver rewrite as an amendment so we can get self-direction started.
· We are going to have a Alliance rally on June 19th at the Double Tree Hotel from 10-2:30. We will be discussing employment and self-direction. Space Is Limited. Each agency/self-advocacy group will be limited to a total of 10 (ten) participants (self-advocates and support staff combined) attending. We will be sending more information soon!
Terah Green
State Action Coordinator
E-mail: [email protected]
Local Group Update
· First off we’ve had a new group join us. We would like to welcome the CTF Tigers!!! They are from Home Wood Illinois.
· The advocates of Strike For a Better Change finally finished there hand books at the end of 2011 and are now working on a anti-bullying project.
· Speak Out of Rock Island is still working on getting another bus shelter put up for those who use the local public transit system.
· People First of Illinois Valley had their end of year celebration in January. At that time, the advocates also voted to do their part to get QIDP changed back to QSP.
· Friends Helping Friends are doing posters featuring local self-advocates for the Illinois Disability Vote Project. They are also seeking to grow their membership. At their last meeting, the group took some time to develop a mission statement.
· People First Action Club crafted a letter to send to the Governor expressing their concerns about the closing of their facility. The group says they will also be participating in the Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast later on in the spring.
· CAPS also took some time to come up with a mission statement, and an agenda to use for their monthly meetings. Way to go guys!!!!!!!
· Several of our groups are currently looking for some fundraising ideas. If any of you out there in advocacy land have any good fundraising ideas, please be sure to let us know.
Megan Norlin
Alliance Local Group Coordinator
E-mail: [email protected]
Other Information
· The ARC of Illinois sent out the following information about the Governor’s budget:
o No cuts to DD Waiver rates.
o Grants will have $18.2 million in reductions the current grant budget is about $42million.
o Ligas is fully funded at $38.9 million.
o 800 adults are about to move off the waiting list. Thank you Stanley Ligas.
o Payment cycle will continue to be delayed.
· Check out Apostrophe Magazine – it has a lot of good information and it is published quarterly, specifically for people with a intellectual disability. Here is the link: http://www.apostrophemagazine.com.
Recommendation from Krescene: I highly recommend that everyone join IPADD/[email protected]. You can be a part of this process and network with 900+ other families who are advocating for positive change in the lives of people with disabilities.