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Updated: 12/22/11

Advocates rally to Save the Safety Net at Capitol
Posted June 22, 2011

Governor Quinn announces closure of Howe
Posted September 1, 2009

Sun Times editorial calls for more community supports
Posted February 9, 2009

ADVOCATES RALLY TO SAVE THE SAFETY NET AT CAPITOL

On May 16, 2011, the Campaign for Real Choice and Community for All Coalition held a rally at the Capitol Building in Springfield calling on Governor Quinn and the legislature to ensure the State Budget funds programs that support people with disabilities living at home, or in small community-based settings, rather than institutions. The rally was unique in that it fought to “Save the Safety Net” for all people with disabilities, including seniors, people with physical and developmental disabilities, and people with mental illnesses.

The day began with a press conference in the Capitol Blue Room with Rep. Esther Golar, chair of the House Disability Services Committee, as well as speakers from the Coalition and organizations representing each disability population. More than 100 advocates and consumers had the opportunity to meet with their legislators prior to the rally in the Capitol Rotunda.

Save the Safety Net rally Speaker With the media watching and legislators forced to pass through the Rotunda on their way to their offices or chambers, speakers, advocates, and consumers from across the state and across disability populations demanded respect and freedom from institutions. The day ended with a public demonstration in front of the Lincoln Statue in which advocates came together to Save the Safety Net.

Save the Safety Net rally audience Save the Safety Net rally outside

Read coverage from the Illinois Radio Network.

Governor quinn announces closure of howe

After months of delay, Governor Quinn announced that he will close Howe Developmental Center. "It is with the utmost consideration for the well-being of the residents and staff at Howe Developmental Center that I make this decision," Quinn said in a news release. Click here to read coverage from the Chicago Tribune and Southtown Star.

Sun Times editorial calls for more community supports

From the Chicago Sun Times, "In 1999, the U.S. Supreme Court, in the Olmstead decision, told the State of Georgia that it could not force people with disabilities to live in institutions, but rather had to respect their wishes if they would prefer to remain in their communities.

The last decade has seen progress in fulfilling that "integration mandate" in most of the nation, but not in Illinois, which remains dead last -- 50 out of 50 states -- when it comes to supporting small community homes for people with disabilities." More...