Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities Newsletter

              /NEWSLETTER/ / SPRING-SUMMER 2005 /
LETTER FROM THE DIRECTOR
Dear Friends,
It is hard to believe we’re halfway through 2005! Just as your lives are undoubtedly busy with your own goals and plans, the Illinois Council on
Developmental Disabilities is also looking forward to continuing to make headway this year.
In this issue of our newsletter, you’ll read about the Council’s goals from our chairperson, Lester Pritchard, a statewide expert on the challenges facing
people with developmental disabilities. Lester’s resolve and determination will inspire you to make a difference in the lives of people with developmental
disabilities throughout Illinois.
Also, the Council will continue our efforts to provide a person-centered approach for people with developmental disabilities to live on their own with the
supports they need. You’ll read about our commitment to continue the push to ensure the best opportunities are available throughout the state.
You’ll read about promising progress on this front in Indiana, where a state panel has recommended a restructuring of its long-term service system so
more people can move out of nursing homes and other institutions and into the community.
And, we’ll introduce you to a new investment which brings the expertise of researchers from the University of Minnesota to address the issue of
recruitment and retention of direct support professionals.
As I look ahead at the next few months, I see great opportunities for people across the state to dramatically impact the lives of people with developmental
disabilities. The potential to create change is surpassed only by the energy and dedication of so many people to make that change become reality.
On behalf of the entire Council, thank you for taking the time to read about our latest news and activities.We look forward to continuing to make headway
and achieve our goals together!
Sincerely,
Sheila Romano
Sheila Romano
Director, Illinois Council on
Developmental Disabilities UPDATE ON ILLINOIS INSTITUTIONS
An important principle for people with developmental disabilities is finding housing opportunities that allow them to live in an independent setting and
make their own lifestyle choices.
Unfortunately many people with developmental disabilities in Illinois still live in large congregate settings and, sadly, the future of this issue is troubling.
The recently-restructured Illinois Health Facilities Planning Board decided to open a facility for people with developmental disabilities in the city of Lincoln.
Unfortunately, the new center, called “Lincoln Estates,” is not the best option for people living with disabilities. It is costly to taxpayers and unnecessary.
The new facility will replace the Lincoln Developmental Center, which was closed in 2002 after claims of abuse and neglect.
The new facility will feature four ten-bed “homes.” Unfortunately, the structure still will not follow the Council’s suggestion of a person-centered approach
which allows people with developmental disabilities to live normal, independent lives with one or two other people in a home. We need to learn from
neighboring states, such as Michigan, who have made solid progress in this area. Michigan has less than 150 people living in institutional settings. The
rest are living successful, happy, independent lives. On the other hand, Illinois has almost 3,000 people with developmental disabilities in institutions.
Another recent decision by the Health Facilities Planning Board continues to undermine the benefits of independent living. A request from Marklund
Children’s Home was approved for the construction of two 16-bed buildings that will house people with developmental disabilities in Geneva, Ill.
The Planning Board approved the $2.8 million construction project, scheduled for completion in December 2006, even though the Board’s staff found
that the application does not conform with two requirements of the state approval process, including a documented need for the facility and the fact that
the project is not consistent with the long-range plans of the Illinois Department of Human Services.
The Council continues to push for a person-centered approach to housing options despite these setbacks.
Printed by the authority of the State of Illinois, August 2005, 2500 copies, printed wih soy ink on recycled paper.