DREAMS DO COME TRUE!!!
During the 2006-2007 grant year, Illinois Voices learned about 597 self-advocates who identified a dream that they wanted to make come true. Out of those 597, 475, or a whopping 80%, reached their goals and “tipped the scale” of achievers over the “1,000 people mark!” We’re proud of all the people who dared to dream and the agencies and support staff who worked with them to try and make their desires a reality. What dreams came true this year?
V. didn’t want to have to wear glasses anymore, and so she got LASIK eye surgery!
P.O. wanted to contact President Bush, and he got a letter and photo when he did!
G.S. and a group of clients wanted to visit Millennium Park, and they did in March!
K.W. wanted to have a “Wear a Tie to Work Day” at his agency, and it happened!
L.S. wanted to move out of Kiley Developmental Center, and he did in December!
Hopefully during the next year, Illinois Voices will have at least 400 more brave self-advocates who “reached for the stars” and managed to grab one—their greatest dream!
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LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES FOR SELF-ADVOCATES
AmeriCorps
“One year to make a difference, one chance to make your mark, one experience that will change your life.”
Each year, more than 600 members of AmeriCorps Members of all abilities serve Illinois by improving the quality of life in communities. Teaching children to read, making neighborhoods safer, building affordable homes, working on disaster preparedness, and partnering with the Red Cross are just some of the amazing ways that you can put idealism into action and your abilities to work.
AmeriCorps Service is for Everyone
A strong commitment has been made to encourage people with disabilities to serve in AmeriCorps. AmeriCorps provides reasonable
accommodations, as well as training and technical assistance.
AmeriCorps Members with disabilities are an important resource for “getting things
Benefits
Full-time AmeriCorps Members:
• serve 1700 hours over 10-12 months
• receive a living allowance of $11,100
• receive health coverage
• child care coverage
• training and student loan deferment
Part-time AmeriCorps Members:
• serve 300-900 hours over 10-12 months
• may receive a proportional living allowance
Upon successful completion of their service, members may receive an AmeriCorps Education Award of up to $4,725 to pay for
college or to pay back qualified student loans.
AmeriCorps Members of all abilities get things done for America by performing service activities to support and strengthen their local communities.
www.americorps.gov
NATIONAL YOUTH LEADERSHIP NETWORK
The National Youth Leadership Network (NYLN) is looking for new leaders! And we want you to apply to serve on our Governing Board! NYLN is a non-profit organization run by young people with disabilities. We empower all young people to reach their maximum potential.
Applicants to the Governing Board must:
o Be between 15 and 28 years old;
o Have a disability;
o Have leadership and advocacy skills.
“We are excited to open the door to new leaders,” said Betsy Valnes, NYLN executive director. “Young people have a lot to offer. We look forward to setting goals that make them fully empowered.”
The Governing Board Application is below. It can also be found at http://www.nyln.org/.
Send completed applications to:
National Youth Leadership Network Attn: Betsy Valnes 221 S. Central Ave. Pierre, SD 57501
For more information, call 1-866-480-6565 or e-mail bvalnes@tie.net.
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What’s the Deal?
A Game about the DD Service System in Illinois
by Amy Walker, Illinois Voices Systems Change Activist
1. Which Illinois institution was de-certified this year for not meeting State Standards of quality service?
A. Choate Developmental Center
B. Howe Developmental Center
C. Kiley Developmental Center
2. What term to describe DD support staff are people with disabilities STILL fighting to get rid of in Illinois?
A. DSP (Direct Support Professional)
B. QSP (Qualified Service Provider)
C. QMRP (Qualified Mental Retardation Professional)
3. Illinois ranks what number out of 50 when it comes to the amount of money it gives to people with DD?
A. 47th
B. 25th
C. 10th
4. According to the Arc, what did the State say was illegal to use in order to help people manage their behavior? This case was only decided in March 2007!
A. Manual restraint (person holding a person back)
B. Electric shocks from a cattle prod
C. Mechanical restraints (leather straps, etc.)
5. How many people in Illinois are on a waiting list for DD services, but have not gotten them yet?
A. Over 13,000
B. Over 10,000
C. Over 15,000
6. The State of Illinois is thinking about making parental fees a rule so that parents will have to co-pay for their child with DD services. How much money would a family of four make to START co-paying?
A. $100,000
B. $50,000
C. $37,000
7. What are so many people with DD afraid of losing if the marry? This prevents some from doing so…
A. Their Medicaid and Social Security benefits because of their two incomes
B. Their fun, free-wheeling single lives
C. Their minds, fighting over the remote
8. What are considered “problem behaviors”, according to the ICAP test to see if you qualify for DD services?
A. “Pouting”, “appearing sad or worried”
B. “Passing gas”, “laughing without reason”
C. All of the above are “problem behaviors”
9. Governor Blagojevich’s proposed budget talks about:
A. Tax cuts, welfare reform, and road-building
B. Tax fairness, education, and healthcare
C. More money for direct support wages, accessible housing, and transportation for people with DD
10. Who can REALLY make a difference in the service system for people with DD in the state of Illinois?
A. Politicians and government officials
B. YOU, your friends, support staff, and family…
C. All of the above. Working together as a team will make good changes HAPPEN!
Answers: 1. B; 2. C; 3. A; 4. B; 5. A; 6. C; 7. A; 8. C; 9. B; 10. C.
