With fiscal cliff approaching, RTA reduces rideshare program for paratransit riders, increases fare Budget challenges for regional transportation in the area are ongoing, and some riders with special needs are already feeling the pinch.

ABC Channel 7: "With fiscal cliff approaching, RTA reduces rideshare program for paratransit riders, increases fare." Story features ICDD Council Member Curtis Harris. Story looks at budget on transit programs for people with disabilities. @ABC7
#RTA abc7chicago.com/post/pace-ho...

Image of two people, standing side by side in the kitchen of a bakery, smiling for camera.

It's 10/1! Welcome to Disability Employment Awareness Month. Here is a message from the Illinois Division of Developmental Disabilities: dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?it...

This photo was shared with ICDD by the Happy Apple, a bakery in Oak Park, IL. #TheHappyApple
@ilhumanservices.bsky.social

Here is a recent announcement from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Newsroom: Medicare Advantage and Medicare Prescription Drug Programs Expected to Remain Stable in 2026 cms.gov/about-cms/co... #CentersForMedicareAndMedicaidServices #CMS #Medicare

Here is a Communication from the Illinois Division of Developmental Disabilities. This bulletin covers The Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Upcoming SODC Transition Fairs, Deaf Awareness Month and more. Published September 24, 2025 Here is the link: www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?it... #IDHS #DDD

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) recently released new fall respiratory virus vaccine guidance and issued a statewide standing order to ensure access to COVID-19 vaccines. Here is a link to the flyer in English: dph.illinois.gov/content/dam/...

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Self Advocates Becoming Empowered and Self Advocacy Resource and Technical Assistance Center are hosting a Listening Session and a Home and Community Based Services and the Medicaid waiver Overview.
9/24/2025 12 PM Central Time
Join: us02web.zoom.us/j/87279495105
Zoom ID: 872 7949 5105

From the website of the Illinois Division of Developmental Disabilities, here is a listing of upcoming Transition Fairs at Illinois State Operated Developmental Centers. www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?it...

Join IL Senator Lewis, Representative Grant and Representative Sanalitro for a Disabilities Resource and Job Placement Expo on Thursday, September 18 in Carol Stream, IL. More than 50 non profits, providers and agencies will participate. More info here: www.politico.com/f/?id=000001...

Group photo with about 40 sitting and standing against the wall in a large meeting room.

September 5 and 6, 2025 was the weekend of the first Illinois Partners in Policymaking Alumni Event. Graduates from classes 1-6 gathered in Bloomington, Normal, IL to bond, share updates, and collaborate. This is a group photo with all attendees.

Attacks on Vote-By-Mail, Voting Machines Threaten Disabled Voters - AAPD For Immediate Release: August 22, 2025 Contact: Jess Davidson, jdavidson@aapd.com; 202-465-5528 Washington, D.C. –  Earlier this week, President Trump announced he hopes to end vote-by-mail and limit…

Trump said that he hopes to end vote-by-mail and voting machines. This would harm disabled voters. Check out AAPD’s press release that explains how this would harm our community. www.aapd.com/attacks-on-v...

From the Illinois Department of Human Services: ILLINOIS AGING DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES SURVEY ABOUT IMPROVING SUPPORTS FOR AGING ADULTS WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES AND FAMILY CAREGIVERS IN ILLINOIS.

Here is link to the survey: forms.office.com/Pages/Respon...

The Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities is hiring for two positions. The two positions are Compliance Program Specialist and Finance and Operations Manager. Here is a link with more information: icdd.illinois.gov/about/jobs.h...

Earlier this week, The Arc of Illinois issued a statement celebrating the week of September 8 as "Disability Voting Rights Week" and recognizing IL Governor Pritzker for a proclamation in support of Disability Voting Rights Week. www.thearcofil.org/wp-content/u... #DisabilityVotingRightsWeek #RevUp

Several people gathered around a large round table. The table is inside a large meeting room. Other people, not at the table, can be seen in the background.

September 5 and 6, 2025 was the weekend of the first Illinois Partners in Policymaking Alumni Weekend. Graduates from classes one through six gathered to touch base, bond, share updates, and prepare for the future. This photo includes some of attendees from Class One of Partners in Policymaking.

Alt Text: image of someone who may be a direct support professional or a care giver of some type. This person is providing support to someone who may be a person with a disability. There is text on the image that reads: We Deserve Fair Wages. Act Now – protect home care workers.

National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities: US Dept. of Labor is considering a rule change that would take away federal minimum wage and overtime protections from millions of home care workers. Learn more and to take action here:
nacdd.quorum.us/campaign/137...

About 200 students with disabilities still need a classroom in Chicago Some Chicago families still don’t know what classroom their student will be in as the city heads into the second week of school.

From CHALKBEAT Chicago: "About 200 students with disabilities in Chicago don’t have classroom placements as second week of school begins" www.chalkbeat.org/chicago/2025... #CHALKBEATCHICAGO

The next meeting of the Going Home Coalition is 8/27/2025 from 6 pm to 7 pm. The meeting kicks off with self-advocate and podcaster Daniel Smrokowski, who will share about the Speak Up and Speak Out Summit and his work with The Special Chronicles. Register here: us02web.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
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Registration for Work Incentive Seminar Events (WISE) Attend a free Work Incentive Seminar Event (WISE) online webinar to learn about the Ticket to Work program or Work Incentives.

Are you interested in learning about how work will affect your Social Security Benefits? If you are interested in learning about the Ticket to Work program or Work Incentives, attend a free Work Incentive Seminar Event (WISE) webinar. More info. here: choosework.ssa.gov/wise/ #TicketToWork #WISE

Disability Programs In Limbo As Congress Weighs Funding A key U.S. Senate panel rejected a Trump administration push to make major changes to IDEA and defund some disability programs, but significant uncertainty remains, advocates say.

Here is a story about education published earlier in August by Disability Scoop: Disability Programs In Limbo As Congress Weighs Funding. Link to story: www.disabilityscoop.com/2025/08/11/d... #DisabilityScoop #Education

The National Disability Institute will offer two opportunities to become a Financial Wellness Trainer.
Both trainings are free. The first is October 21 - October 23 in Carlinville, IL. The second is October 28 - October 30 in Chicago, IL. Apply here: ndiinc.formstack.com/forms/fall20...

The National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities launched the DD Awareness Month Photo Gallery. NACDD collected hundreds of photos and stories that capture people with disabilities active in their communities. #WereHereAllYear #NACDD nacdd.org/2025-dd-awar...

2025 Beyond the Waters Beach Party Get ready for the ultimate inclusive beach party experience in 2025 - we're taking the fun beyond the waters!

The Annual Beyond the Waters Beach Party is this SUNDAY AUGUST 10, 2025 from 12PM to 5PM at Osterman Beach in Chicago. The event features loads of fun activities, including kayaking and hand cycling. To register and for more information, visit this link: www.eventbrite.com/e/2025-beyon...

The next Knowledge is Power Session is Wednesday, August 6 at 2:30 pm. Led by Access Living and the IL Council on Developmental Disabilities, sessions cover federal policy issues and the impact on Illinois. Meetings are hosted over zoom. Register here:
us02web.zoom.us/meeting/regi...

a group of about 20 people on a stage at an outdoor plaza. The group is posing for a photograph. The members of the group are smiling.

A photo of the 2025 Chicago Disability Pride Parade Planning Committee. Photo was taken on the stage at Daley Plaza on the day of the parade, July 26, 2025. Thank you to everyone who volunteered their time to help organize and plan the event. #ChicagoDisabilityPrideParade #DisabilityPrideParade

On July 24, Trump signed an executive order that calls for expanding the use of civil commitment, making it easier to institutionalize people with disabilities. ASAN condemns this order and remains committed to protecting our right to live in the community. autisticadvocacy.org/2025/07/asan...

Night time on a plaza in Washington DC. In the background is the Federal Capitol Building. In the middle ground is a stage with a group of people before it. In the foreground ground are hundreds of brown paper bags illuminated by an internal light.

Thank you to participants and supporters of the 60-Hour Medicaid Vigil last week. From Protect Medicaid Vigil Website: “We shared our stories and took action to hold our elected leaders accountable for their decision to cut our care.” Photo: Caring Across Generations Facebook Page #ProtectMedicaid

Graphic with two people, one speaking into microphone. The other person holding the microphone and supporting the speaker. There is also information about an event in text and two logos.

Registration NOW OPEN for 2025 Speak Up and Speak Out! Summit. Sept. 1-3, 2025. In-Person and Virtual Options. Join self-advocates, families, and supporters from across Illinois for an event where voices are heard and change begins. More Information here: www.thearcofil.org/wp-content/u...

Protect Medicaid Vigil Join the Protect Medicaid Vigil to stand up for essential healthcare services. Learn more about our events, partners, and how you can take action.

Protect Medicaid Vigil – “This month marks 60 years of Medicaid. But instead of celebrating, we’re grieving. We’re showing up in grief, in rage, and in resistance. Join us.” @NPWF protectmedicaidvigil.com?utm_source=t... #ProtectMedicaid

DISABILITY PRIDE PARADE PARADE 35 Years of ADA: Still Rising, Still Thriving!

The 22nd Chicago Disability Pride Parade is just a few days from now. The parade steps off at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 26, the 35th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Thank you to all the volunteers and participants. disabilityprideparade.org #DisabilityPride

row of people in folding chairs in a capitol rotunda. A few people are smiling and clapping.

20 Years of Speaking Up and Speaking Out. Registration open for the 2025 Speak and Speak Out Summit, September 1-3 in Bloomington, IL. Sessions cover history and the future. Check out Registration Pages for more info. thearcofil.org/wp-content/u... #SpeakUpAndSpeakOut #TheArcOfIL