IL Council on Developmental Disabilities

10/10/2026

Partners in Policymaking Alumni across seven different leadership classes met in Springfield this weekend for two days of networking, learning and planning. We look forward to more Alumni activities soon.

10/09/2026

On October 8, 2026, the Accessibility Committee for Employees with Disabilities hosted the 2026 Annual Award Ceremony. The theme of the event was "Access Everywhere." The event featured four award presentation, including Advocate of the Year. This year's Advocate of the Year was Donna Hardy of the Illinois Department of Human Rights. This photo features Hardy accepting the award from Jim Bennett, the Director of the Department of Human Rights, and Rahnee Patrick, the Director of the Department of Rehabilitation Services. Congratulations Donna Hardy.

10/07/2026

Join us for an Advocacy Day on November 17, 2026.

Self-Advocates, Family Members, Allies, and Professionals are invited to attend.

On November 17, we will meet in Springfield, Illinois. In Springfield, we will talk to legislators, legislative staff, providers, and others. We will talk about legislation and programs that affect the Developmental Disabilities community in Illinois.

There will be a series of trainings before the Advocacy Day. These trainings will start later in October.

Please use this link for more information and to register: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/g/FgM3jnGaRC

If you would like to register by phone, please call: 217-782-9696

10/06/2026

Congratulations to former Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities Council Member Vincent Smith.

Vincent currently serves as the co-President of The Arc of Illinois.

Recently, Vincent recently received recognition from US Congressman Jonathan Jackson of Illinois’ 1st District.

Way to go Vincent!

Below is a message and a photograph that was shared by The Arc of Illinois.

From The Arc of Illinois

Congratulations to our Co-President, Vincent Smith, on receiving congressional recognition from Congressman Jonathan Jackson of Illinois’ 1st District!

“Vincent has been an incredible advocate in his community and throughout the state of Illinois, and seeing him recognized for his courage, leadership, and unwavering commitment to helping others is truly something to celebrate.”

“Vincent doesn’t just talk about inclusion. He lives it. He has advocated for accessible housing, greater inclusion, and meaningful opportunities for people with disabilities at both the state and federal levels. Last spring, Vincent took his advocacy to Capitol Hill, speaking at the Disability Policy Seminar and making sure the voices of people with disabilities were heard where decisions are being made.”

“Today was another powerful reminder of why that advocacy matters. We had the opportunity to come together, talk about how federal changes are impacting families across Illinois, and celebrate the support and leadership that make progress possible.”

“Vincent, we are so incredibly proud of you. Thank you for your courage, your leadership, and your willingness to always step up for others.”

“We are grateful for all you do for Illinois and beyond. Congratulations, Vincent! This recognition is so well deserved.”

Photo from The Arc of Illinois: Pictured Left to Right: Victoria Smith, Rio Goodwin Perez, Shirley Perez, Becca Schroeder, Congressman Jonathan Jackson, Vincent Smith, Samantha Alloway, and Veronica Salazar

10/05/2026

Story from National Public Radio

"Trump administration reverses stance on integration of people with disabilities"

Here is a story that ran on National Public Radio on October 1.

The story covers recent action by the Federal administration and what the action means for people with disabilities.

Here is a link to the story:

Disability rights advocates are angered by the latest reversal but are rallying behind proposed legislation and working with states to strengthen protections for community integration.

10/01/2026

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month.

Here is a post from the Illinois Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD):

NATIONAL DISABILITY EMPLOYMENT AWARENESS MONTH

National Disability Employment Awareness Month provides an opportunity to highlight the value of inclusive employment practices and the significant contributions of people with disabilities throughout Illinois. The proclamation for 2026 reinforces the importance of competitive, integrated employment and recognizes the ongoing work of programs such as Dignity in Pay that support individuals in achieving meaningful careers.

Below is a link to the DDD post. The post includes text from a Proclamation celebrating National Disability Employment Awareness Month.

DDD Post:

National Disability Employment Awareness Month provides an opportunity to highlight the value of inclusive employment practices and the significant contributions of people with disabilities throughout Illinois. The proclamation for 2026 reinforces the importance of competitive, integrated employment...

09/29/2026

Today, September 29, 2026, the Illinois Division of Developmental Disabilities published a communication that recognizes October as Disability History Month.

Below is a message from the Illinois Division of Developmental Disabilities. Also below is the text of the proclamation issued by Illinois Governor JB Pritzker.

Here is a link to the communication from the Illinois Division of Developmental Disabilities: https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=180747

The picture attached is an image of the proclamation.

𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗛𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵

Beginning in October 2026, the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) will officially observe Disability History Month.

This annual recognition highlights the history, advocacy, experiences, and contributions of people with disabilities. It offers a dedicated time to reflect on how people with disabilities have fought for their and other people's rights and led historic movements impacting history and access to services for many . . .

In support of this new annual recognition, Governor JB Pritzker has issued a proclamation formally declaring October as Disability History Month in Illinois. September 28, 2026

𝗚𝘂𝗯𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗰𝗹𝗮𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗙𝘂𝗹𝗹 𝗧𝗲𝘅𝘁:

WHEREAS, Disability History Month provides an opportunity to honor the history, achievements, and contributions of people with disabilities and to reflect on the progress made in expanding awareness, understanding, and recognition of disability throughout our nation's history; and,

WHEREAS, foundational milestones such as the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and the principles affirmed in Olmstead v. L. C. represent historic advancements that continue to shape disability policy and practice; and,

WHEREAS, the State of Illinois affirms its commitment to high-quality, person-centered supports for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, as reflected in the Disabilities Services Act (20 ILCS 1705), the Department of Human Services Act (20 ILCS 1305), and the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Code (405 ILCS 5); and,

WHEREAS, the values of Respect, Equity, Inclusion, Collaboration, Accountability, Transparency, and Person-Centeredness guide Illinois in strengthening service delivery systems and expanding meaningful opportunities for individuals with disabilities; and,

WHEREAS, recognizing Disability History Month underscores Illinois' dedication to a coordinated and responsive system that honors the dignity, preferences, and goals of individuals with disabilities across the state,

THEREFORE, I, JB Pritzker, Governor of the State of Illinois, do hereby proclaim October 2026 as Disability History Month in Illinois and encourage all residents to observe this month in recognition of the history that informs our shared efforts to support inclusive and person-centered services.

In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of Illinois to be affixed. Done at the Capitol in the City of Springfield, in this TWENTY-EIGHTH day of SEPTEMBER, in the Year of Our Lord, two thousand and TWENTY-SIX, and of the State of Illinois, two hundred and SEVENTH.

09/28/2026

Dear ICDD Community,

The Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities (ICDD) is building a K–12 Disability History Task Force, and we want YOU to be part of it!

We’re looking for educators, self-advocates with disabilities, board of education representatives, artists, and anyone with a strong interest in advocating for disability history education in Illinois schools.

Our taskforce will help advocate for, design, and promote disability history curriculum and awareness initiatives across Illinois. There are lots of ways to get involved, including:

🎨 Creating art and other materials for awareness campaigns

📚 Identifying lesson plans, teaching tools, and other resources for an online resource hub

📣 Helping decide where campaign materials should be shared or presented

🤝 Supporting outreach to educators, schools, organizations, and communities

💡 Sharing your ideas, expertise, lived experience, and connections to help shape this work

…and much more!

Whether you’re an experienced educator, a disability advocate, a creative, a school board member, or simply someone who believes disability history belongs in our schools, we want to hear from you.

🚀 Our first kick-off meeting will be in October!

Complete the interest form to learn more and let us know how you’d like to contribute. We’d love to have you on the team!

Interest Form: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=nwgia7qOPEaE9TFxIQ-QBTJuBozGXMNFg5I02i9LfNFUM0ZNOU9TWjc0VEU4WUw1NkxJQzRSQ0YzNi4u

09/25/2026

Here is a message from the Going Home Coalition and RevUP Illinois

Building the Power of the Disability Vote
Voter Registration Event

Tuesday, September 29, 2026
10:30 AM – 2:30 PM
UCP Seguin
3100 S. Central Avenue, Cicero

OPEN DOOR EVENT — DROP IN ANYTIME!

Last week, we joined advocates across the country in recognizing National Disability Voting Rights Week and this year’s theme, “Be an Accessible Democracy Defender.”

But the work continues!

Join us on September 29 for a Voter Registration Event at UCP Seguin. We’ll be helping people with disabilities register to vote, learn about their voting rights, and get the information they need to make their voices heard.

No appointment is needed. Stop by anytime between 10:30 AM and 2:30 PM!

People with disabilities continue to face barriers to voting, including inaccessible polling locations, transportation challenges, and a lack of accessible voter education. We are working together to break down those barriers and build the power of the disability vote.

09/24/2026

Check Out this new video from 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗚𝗼𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗛𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻:

𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗟𝗶𝗳𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 takes you inside the everyday experiences of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities as they build connections, explore opportunities and participate in the communities they call home.

From work and recreation to friendships, outings and new experiences, this video celebrates choice, independence and belonging while showing the impact of having the right supports in place.

Watch and see how meaningful community participation can help people with IDD live full, connected lives.

Self-advocates from the Going Home Coalition share about their live...