Hello everyone! Thank you so much for taking the time to read Alliance’s first monthly update!
State Action Update by Terah Green
The Self-Direction team has been meeting with Lilia Teninty and Reta Hoskins (who will be the interim Director when Lilia leaves) from the Division on Developmental Disabilities about including self-direction in the updated waiver. The state has to renew its adult waiver by June 2012. We are working to get a consultant who can help with writing the waiver.
We have also been talking with supporters about signing on for self-direction. So far, the Arc of Illinois, Institute on Public Policy, and Access Living have signed on! Please let me know if there are advocacy groups or providers who would be interested in learning more.
We have also been working on the June 15th rally. The rally will be in Bloomington, Illinois from 10-2:30. The morning will focus on teaching self-advocates about self-direction. We will have supporters sign on in the afternoon.
Feel free to contact me if you want more information: [email protected]
Local Group Update by Megan Norlin
We are working on a Local Groups Manual which will be full of activities for you all to use in your meetings. These activities include everything from disability awareness games to party planning and fundraising ideas. It will also include basic information about what it takes to get a group started. If you have any ideas about what should be included, please feel free to contact me at [email protected].
We are also working on the next Call to Action project which is due to come out at the end of April with the Alliance newsletter.
But I think the important question is, what have you guys been up to?
• I’ve been hearing that a few of the groups have been participating in the Local Groups Call to Action Accessibility Assessment. Can’t wait to see those reports! (If any of you would still like to participate, feel free to call or contact me for more information).
• People 1st of the Illinois Valley had its annual dinner and a state representative came.
• The self-advocates at the Ottawa Friendship House have been hard at work on their own handbook.
• Advocates for Change has doubled in size over the last couple of months!
• The Network held a fundraiser dance on the first of April.
• Speak Out of Rock Island is working hard to improve accessibility for their members and the people of their city by petitioning to get the city to replaced a bus stop that had been removed and was widely used by their members, They also fought hard when the blizzards hit to make sure the sidewalks stayed clear.
Does your self-advocacy group have news to report? Please let me know what’s going on at: [email protected].