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FREEDOM QUEST '09 LaSalle-Peru-May 20th (the Times) LaSalle-Peru- May 20th |
Freedom Quest ’09 was about change…change that will allow people with disabilities in Illinois to get the services they need and live free, independent and inclusive lifestyles. Thousands of people with disabilities and their supporters gathered at rallies across the state, calling on the Illinois government to create a service system that meets people's needs. Freedom Quest '09 included 12 stops around the state, and a closing rally in Springfield. A huge thank you to all who helped make Freedom Quest a success!!! Northeast Route:
The Northeast Riders began on the morning of May 19th at the Waukegan City Hall to "Pause for the Cause." The organizers, from Northpointe Services, planned a 2 minute pause of silence for Lake County to recognize people with disabilities in Illinois. From here riders went to Northpointe Services in Zion for a rally! The afternoon was spent driving to Joliet for the next event being hosted by Cornerstone Services. The caravan stopped for dinner at White Fence Farms for famous fried chicken and then attended the event at the Joliet airport. Self-advocates spoke and signed a quilt to bring to the Capitol. May 20th began with the caravan loading up all 9 vehicles and driving to Pontiac for an event hosted by Mosaic of Pontiac and other community partners! Mosaic had a rally with a quiz show, speakers, and opportunities for self-advocates to speak up! Riders ended their day at a rally in Central Park in Decatur. Macon Resources organized the event which brought hundreds of self-advocates together to talk about their lives, goals, and dreams! Northwest Route:
The Northwest Route began in Moline on the morning of May 19th. Riders met at the I-Wireless Center for a rally planned by self-advocates from the ARC of Rock Island. The Mayor of Rock Island spoke as well as self-advocates. From here, the caravan headed to LaSalle-Peru for the event hosted by Horizon House of Peru and a team of community orangizations. This event included skits about the difference between community living and institutions and music from the Friendship Choir. The riders left the event and headed to Peoria. Illinois Mentor hosted a celebration for people with disabilities at the AmericInn in Peoria on the Morning of May 20th. Life boards were shared by self-advocates and candles were blown out as a symbol of making wishes for freedom and choice. At the conclusion of the event balloons were let go into the sky. The caravan of 8 vehicles drove from Peoria to Bloomington. MarcFirst hosted a rally in Bloomington where riders could participate in games and various activities. The event was very much like a block party for riders, self-advocates, and their supporters! South Route:
The South Route Riders began in Murphysboro on the morning of May 19th at a rally hosted by S.T.A.R.T. Self-advocates and their supporters brought signs and listened to speeches on the importance of a better system. From there, the eight vehicles in the caravan headed to Mt. Vernon, where Opportunities for Access Center for Indpendent Living had planned the next event. Mt. Vernon depicted the difference between institutional restrictions and freedom of choice at lunch. Some people were given choices and an abundance of food, while others were not. At the end of the event, the caravan headed for Mattoon to spend the night. On the morning of May 20th, the caravan headed to the city of Charleston for an event hosted by Charleston Transitional Facility, at the steps of the Charleston Court House. The event started with a proclamation for Freedom Quest from the city. Then there was music, a visit from Abraham Lincoln, and a large rally. After lunch, the riders jumped in the cars and drove to Alton. IMPACT Center for Independent Living hosted the event in Alton. Speakers talked about the importance of choice and freedom and the new Mayor of Alton stopped in to speak!
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© 2008 Campaign For Real Choice In Illinois, All Rights Reserved. |
