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News & Events

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Young man with disability able to continue receiving support services in his own homeThe federal court in Chicago recently ruled in favor of Eric Radaszewski in a lawsuit against the Department of Healthcare and Family Services director for failure to provide in-home, round-the-clock nursing care (Radaszewski v. Maram, No. 01-C-9551 (N.D. Ill.). April 1, 2008
Chicago Foundation for Women recognizes youth leader with Founders AwardAmber Smock, Access Living’s Youth Leadership Coordinator, will be awarded the Founders Award from the Chicago Foundation for Women in June 2008. The Award recognizes Amber’s commitment ‘to changing systems, laws and attitudes that prevent people with disabilities from achieving their full potential and rightful place in society.’ April 29, 2008
New transit makes public transportation more affordable for people with disabilitiesn early June, the Illinois House and Senate both passed transit bill SB 1920 last week and has 30 days to present it to the Governor for his signature. The Governor is said to favor the bill. Once signed, transit providers have 60 days to implement the components; providers have not yet worked out specifics. June, 2008
Gala 2008 -Embedded Image Access Living honors Ambassador Luis Gallegos & Anne RooseveltAccess Living GalaOn June 12, at the Access Living Gala, Access Living presented Ambassador Luis Gallegos of Ecuador and Anne Roosevelt, the granddaughter of Franklin Deleno Roosevelt, with "Lead On" Awards for their leadership within the disability community. June 12, 2008
The Empowered Fe Fes Rock DetroitIn late June, six members of the Empowered Fe Fes, a group of young women with disabilities who share experiences and collaborate on projects designed to raise awareness, took their message of empowerment outside of Chicago. July, 2008
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Story on Illinois budget from Medill ReportsEarlier this week, journalism students with Medill Reports interviewed a few Access Living Staff about the impact of the Illinois budget on the independence of people with disabilities. The story ran on Wednesday evening on the Northwestern News Report, an Evanston cable access station. July 24, 2010
Public News Service story about Illinois Budget CutsOn Saturday, at the 7th Annual Disbility Pride Parade, Public News Service reporter Mary Anne Meyers interviewed Gary Arnold and Rahnee Patrick of Access Living about impact of recent budget cuts on the independence of people with disabilities in Illinois. July 27, 2010
Beto and Jim at the White House ADA 20th Anniversary Celebration at the White HouseMore than ten Access Living staff and board members, as well as hundreds of others from the disability community around the country, attended the event. Access Living’s President and CEO, Marca Bristo, delivered remarks prior to the President’s address. July 29, 2010
Remarks from Marca Bristo at the White House Celebration commemorating the 20th Anniversary of the ADAWhite House 20th AnniversaryMore than 20 years ago the then little known National Council on Disability — led by Sandra Parrino, Justin Dart, and Lex Frieden — launched the most comprehensive civil rights law since the Civil Rights Act of 1964. At first it was met with hesitancy but then a rag-tag army of people who couldn’t hear, couldn’t walk, couldn’t talk, couldn’t see and couldn’t speak did what everybody said couldn’t be done. August 2, 2010
Richard Jesnowski at Rally Rally to oppose managed care pilot in IllinoisDisability advocates unite to oppose Medicaid Managed Care program and preserve consumer controlRichard Jesonowski speaking at the managed care rally
“I was shocked to learn that I would be forced into managed care,” said Richard Jesonowski, an advocate with Will-Grundy Center for Independent Living who is one of thousands of people with disabilities who will soon be placed into a new Illinois Medicaid Managed Care Pilot Program. “I am angry and concerned about what this will mean for myself and others who need specialists or specialized treatments.”
August 13, 2010
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Committee for the Integration of Latinos with Disabilities - Embedded 6th Annual Building Bridges to Independence Conference:Press ReleaseChicago, IL - On September 27, 2008, the Committee for the Integration of Latinos with Disabilities (CILD), DePaul University College of Law’s Special Education Advocacy Clinic and Town of Cicero President Larry Dominick will present the 6th Annual Building Bridges to Independence Conference: Empowering Communities, Individuals with Disabilities, and Their Families. Sep 25th, 2008
A Huge Step Forward for People with Mental IllnessHistoric agreement reached to transition Illinois residents unnecessarily housed in large, impersonal nursing homesLast week was a good week for people with mental illness in Illinois. On Thursday, a federal judge granted preliminary approval for an historic agreement between the State of Illinois and thousands of people with psychiatric disabilities represented by a number of advocacy groups, including Access Living, and a private law firm - led, in this case, by the ACLU of Illinois - that will give thousands of people with mental illness an opportunity, if they choose, to move out of large, private nursing homes and into community-based settings. This agreement marks a sea change in Illinois state policy - which for far too long has relied on troubled, sometimes dangerous nursing homes to serve people with mental illness. June 14, 2010
Access Living analysis of FY 2013 CPS Budget critical of disability cuts Report calls for restoration of funds and move toward Universal Design Prior to each school year, Access Living publishes a review of CPS funding priorities and initiatives related to special education and students with disabilities. Access Living’s FY 2013 analysis examines the impact of CPS Budget decisions on students with disabilities. August 15, 2012
Access Living applauds Governor Quinn’s closure announcement Urges shift from institutional to community support for people with disabilitiesAccess Living statement responds to January 19, 2012 announcement from Governor Quinn on closure of Tinley Park Mental Health Center and Jacksonville Developmental Center. January 20, 2012
Access Living applauds institution closure, commitment to community

Urges support for services that promote independence for people with disabilitiesAccess Living responds to Illinois Governor Quinn’s February 22 Budget Address.
February 23, 2012
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