Social Security & Medicaid Stories– The ARC

By on November 29, 2012 in Government, Health, Housing, Lifestyle, Other

With all the talk in Washington about cutting the budget, The ARC anticipates that SSI, Medicaid and Social Security will be put on the chopping block.   They are rapidly working to put together a” human face” for those legislators working on these budget numbers.

The ARC is collecting stories as part of a survey among those who receive and need to continue receiving  these services.  While the impact of this funding is clear to us, it is not necessarily clear to legislators who are under pressure to cut costs.  If The ARC can  share our stories with supporters, they will be able to help them defend us against potentially devastating cuts.

Respondents can tell The ARC how  Medicaid and Social Security affects their lives.   Self-advocates, parents, friends and service providers may wish to participate.  This brief survey is versatile, providing  an option for anonymity as well as an opportunity to provide a photograph and contact information.   Respondents have a great deal of control over the information that is submitted.

These initiatives are taking place on the national level.  For more information contact  The Arc 1825 K Street NW, Suite 1200, Washington, DC 20006,  800.433.5255

 

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377 Board Placed on Ballot in McHenry

By on November 27, 2012 in Background, Government

The McHenry County Board approved placement of the 377 Board referendum on the ballot April 9, 2013.    Twenty of the 23 board members in attendance voted in favor of placement.  About 40 people attended the November 20 meeting, and about half of those spoke.  The Northwest Herald published this article on the meeting.

Organizers are preparing to present their case to the voters of McHenry County.   The next meeting of the DD Task Force will be on Wednesday December 19. at 6:30 pm at the Shah Center in McHenry.

For more information contact:  Cindy Sullivan, Executive Director, Options and Advocacy for McHenry County, cindy.sullivan@opad.org, (815) 477-4720

 

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SEDOL Grant-A-Rama on November 28

By on November 27, 2012 in Education, Special Event

SEDOL’s annual Grant-A-Rama will take place on Wednesday, November 28, immediately preceding the SEDOL Governing Board meeting.  The Grant-A-Rama is a project fair that  highlights many of the innovative programs and accomplishments that have been made possible through grant funding.   SEDOL  actively seeks grant funding and community partnerships to provide programs in member districts.

The Grant-A-Rama is principally for representatives of member districts and interested parents.  Some students participate in the booths.  It is co-sponsored by  SEDOL and the SEDOL Foundation.   It will take place at Gages Lake School at 6pm.  The Governing Board meeting follows at 7pm.

Last year’s Grant-A-Rama is described here.

For more information contact Carole Brooks, 847-986-2434 and cbrooks@sedol.us

 

 

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LCCIL Annual Meeting November 29

By on November 26, 2012 in Recreation, Social Life, Special Event

The Lake County Center for Independent Living will hold its Annual Meeting and Holiday Party on Thursday, November 29, 2012 from 5:30pm – 7pm.  It will be held at the United Methodist Church of Libertyville, 429 Brainerd Avenue, Libertyville.  Light refreshments will be served.

At the meeting, staff and members will share their successes plans with those in attendance.  The LCCIL is a resource for individuals with disabilities in Lake County.   The following is from their website – Strategic Plan 2009-2014.

LCCIL’s mission is to empower people with disabilities to lead self-directed lives as valued members of the community.

We accomplish this through Advocacy, skills training, Peer Mentoring and Information and Referral throughout Lake County.

A review of last year’s meeting is here.

For information contact Kaja at 847-949-4440, x 217, kaja@lccil.org

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Legislative Internships at LCCIL

By on November 21, 2012 in Education, Government

Applications for (unpaid) Legislative Interns are being accepted by the Lake County Center for Independent Living (LCCIL) until January 2, 2013.  The Internship lasts 12 weeks and includes weekly training sessions, and some travel to Springfield while the legislature is in session.  This involves a significant time commitment.  There is no charge for participants who are accepted into the program.

“The internship provides people with disabilities the opportunity to advocate with their peers and for themselves on all levels of government.”

The training includes community organizing, elements of advocacy, systems change, communicating with legislators, structure and function of government, the legislative process and skill building for effective advocacy.

For more information or an application, contact Allison at 847-949-4440, allison@lccil.org

 

 

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377 Board To Go Before County Board

By on November 20, 2012 in Government, Special Event

McHenry County Public Health & Human Services Committee approved the resolution to form a 377 Board in McHenry County.   The County Board will review the recommendation and act on placing the referendum on the ballot at their next meeting.  This will take place on Tuesday, November 20 at 7:00 p.m. at the McHenry County Administration Building, at 667 Ware Rd (at Seminary Avenue) in Woodstock.  The meeting is in the second floor conference room.

McHenry residents with developmental disabilities, their families and friends are encouraged to attend this meeting to communicate the need for this board.  Organizers are hoping for a full room.  They remind potential attendees that their attendance is critical, and that they will not be required to speak, although they may do so if they wish.

If the County Board approves inclusion of the resolution on the ballot, voters will decide whether to establish a 377 Board for persons who have developmental disabilities at the spring election on April 9, 2013.   Approval would result in creation of a fund of approximately $10M under local control.   The Northwest Herald has come out in favor of including the item on the ballot.

You can view the most recent Northwest Herald article on the Options & Advocacy website.  www.optionsandadvocacy.org


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Legislative Breakfast, December 3

By on November 19, 2012 in Background, Government, Health, Housing, Lifestyle, Special Event, State Agency

“Make Us a Priority” is the theme of the 6th Biennial Legislative Breakfast sponsored by The North/Northwest Cook County and Lake County Work Group (http://www.iacdd.org) .  The work group  is comprised of parents, consumers, providers, legislators, government agencies and schools addressing the needs of  individuals with developmental disabilities.  The meet monthly to share information addressing common concerns.

The breakfast will take place on Monday December 3, 2012 at the Chevy Chase Country Club – Devonshire Room in Wheeling.  It goes from  8:30am-10:00am.

State legislators and their aides are invited to attend as well as consumers with developmental disabilities and their families.   Service providers and advocates are also invited to attend.   The event will feature a brief presentation on the  facts, figures and other information  of concern to families and professionals.  Legislators will play a key role in establishing State policy addressing these needs.

Editorial change:  11:15am 11/19/2012:  Legislators who will attend are asked to RSVP by November 30 to Elizabeth Ramos, Community Alternatives United (CAU), 773-867-4159, eramossosa@cau.org.  Consumers and families need not RSVP.

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PUNS Selection — IAMC Followup Call

By on November 16, 2012 in Education, Housing, Lifestyle

Last week 25 people attended the conference call sponsored by the Illinois Association of Microboards and Cooperatives (IAMC).  The call concerned the next steps for those who received notification that they now qualified for services from the State of Illinois following the recent PUNS List selection. According to Community Alternatives Unlimited (CAU), 330 people from their service area had their names drawn.  This includes Lake County. Note:  The CAU  website is currently under construction and an indirect reference has been used above.

IAMC has scheduled a  follow-up conference call  for MONDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2012 from 11:30am – 12:30pm.  The number for the call is (218) 237-3840, passcode 366307#.  This call is a direct follow-on to the previous call.

This call will feature the Ligas Court Monitor, Mr. Tony Records as a principal facilitator.  As the Court Monitor, he is leading efforts to address the unmet needs of the developmentally delayed population in Illinois.  There are few, if any, people better qualified to answer questions regarding these PUNS list selections.  Nemo strongly urges those who had their names selected to attend this conference call.

IAMC organizers have requested that attendees submit questions in advance if possible so that Tony can be prepared, and time be effectively used.

For more information contact Vicki Niswander, Executive Director, IAMC, 217-586-4552.  vniswander@gmail.com

Readers are referred to last week’s article:  http://wp.me/p2idVm-so

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PUNS Selection — IAMC Members Discuss

By on November 7, 2012 in Education, Government, Health, Housing, Post Transition, State Agency

Recently another 1500 names were selected by lottery from the PUNS list (Prioritization of Urgency of Need for Services).  This is a list of children, teens, and adults with developmental disabilities who need services or supports from the State of Illinois.  The list is used for planning, budgeting and delivering services to those in need.  The current waiting list for services tops 20,000 individuals.

Accordingly, getting a PUNS services notification letter is a big deal for families in need that have waited a long time.  Nemo is aware of several families who were recently selected and now wonder what it means to them.

There will be a telephone conference TONIGHT (Wednesday, November 7, 2012) at 7pm (CST) for those whose name was selected and wish to discuss options going forward.  The discussion will be facilitated by staff from the Illinois Association of Microboards and Cooperatives (IAMC)  http://www.iambc.org .   While the IAMC is not a PUNS agency, they are usually very well-informed.  Nemo would attend if not for a previous engagement.

For more information contact Vicki Niswander, Executive Director, IAMC, 217-586-4552.  vniswander@gmail.com  Those who wish to attend can call in at  605-477-3000, passcode 501904.  The web link is https://www.fuzemeeting.com/fuze/84a0e766/17767787

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College of Lake County Open House November 8

By on November 6, 2012 in Education, Post Transition, Special Event

November 8, 2012 - 6-8pmThe College of Lake County is holding an open house   (http://www.clcillinois.edu/openhouse/index.asp)  for current and prospective students on November 8, 2012 from 6pm – 8pm.  Parking will be available in lots 7 and 7A, and visitors should enter at the C Wing. Check-in begins at 5:30 p.m.

The open house features a series of ½ hour sessions that address student concerns such as financial aid, academic advising, and student support services. Students with special needs will find the services from the Office for Students with Disabilities of particular interest.  In addition,  those attending will be able to talk to students, faculty and others regarding opportunities at CLC.

Each of the five departments at CLC  (1-Biological and Health Sciences,  2-Business,  3-Communication Arts, Humanities and Fine Arts,  4-Engineering, Math and Physical Science and  5-Social Sciences) offers two distinct programs. The first aims at those students planning to transfer to a 4 year college.  Often these students obtain transferable credits at a lower cost than they would incur at a traditional college.  Information about transferring will be available at the event.

The second kind of program at CLC is a Certificate Program. These students complete a program at CLC and receive a credential that qualifies them for work. Certificate programs include Massage Therapy, Administrative Office Systems, Library Technical Assistant.

For more information about the CLC open house contact Diane Rarick,  (847) 543-2581• Email:  drarick@clcillinois.edu

 

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