On May 20, the IDD System Redesign Coalition convened self-advocates, families, providers, researchers, and policymakers from across Illinois for a statewide summit focused on the future of Illinois’ intellectual and developmental disabilities system. The Coalition is made up of the Arc of Illinois, Center for Developmental Disabilities Advocacy and Community Supports, Illinois Association of Rehabilitation Facilities, Institute on Public Policy for People with Disabilities, and the UIC Institute on Disability and Human Development.
The Summit marked the culmination of the Coalition’s first year of work under a Coleman Foundation grant and highlighted findings gathered through statewide listening sessions, surveys, and stakeholder outreach. A video covering the statewide listening tour is available here: LINK
Several key themes emerged throughout the Coalition’s Year One work, including
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Challenges navigating services and supports
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Transition gaps between youth and adult systems
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Workforce shortages and provider strain
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Geographic disparities in access
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The need for more self-advocate and family-centered and community-based supports
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Strong demand for clearer communication and accountability
The Coalition also outlined Year Two priorities focused on legislative education, workforce development, data transparency, family engagement, and systems reform. We’d be happy to coordinate interviews with Coalition leaders, self-advocates, or family participants.