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News

Title	Date
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
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

Lead On: The Access Living Blog

Disability Rights & Empowerment

Access Living is committed to the advancement and empowerment of people with disabilities in Chicago and nationwide. Our programs and services represent a multifaceted approach in attaining this goal.

Title	Date
Action Need to stop expansion of Illinois nursing facilities for people with mental illness Contact the Illinois’ House Human Services Committee. Ask them to not let nursing homes continue to warehouse people with mental illness	May 20, 2013
Employment Victory for People with Disabilities in Illinois On Wednesday, May 16, Employment First Legislation passed the Illinois General Assembly	May 16, 2013
Support is needed to pass an amendment to the Cook Country Human Rights OrdinanceTomorrow, the Cook County Board will vote on an amendment to the Cook County Human Rights Ordinance. This amendment will extend protections to people who hold housing vouchers. Your support is needed to ensure the amendment passes.	May 7, 2013
Oppose HR 273. Close Murray Developmental Center Advocates are rallying to oppose HR 273, a House Resolution drafted to stop the closure of a state institution. Everyone is urged to oppose 273 and support the independence and empowerment of people with disabilities	April 26, 2013
The Springfield Connection-- Take Action On April 17, Access Living returned to Springfield. This time, 22 advocates traveled to the State Capitol to meet with legislators to advocate for legislation and programs that support people with disabilities and seniors living in their own homes in the community.	April 17, 2013

Events Calendar

Title	Date
Cross Disability Support Group3rd Tuesday of each month from 1:00 - 2:30 p.m.For people of all ages, genders and disabilities. This support group is a chance for people with all types of disabilities to share concerns and ask questions, and engage with others.	3rd Tuesday of each month
The Disability Rights Action Coalition for Housing, (DRACH)HousingA twice monthly meeting of housing advocates who work to enforce and implement the housing rights of people with disabilities. The group meets the second Tuesday and fourth Thursday of each month.	4th Thursday of every Month and 2nd Tuesday of every month.
Men with a Purpose: Men with disabilities support group2nd and 4th Friday of each month Men With a Purpose. A cross&ndash;disability support group for men. The group addresses many issues, including health and wellness, relationships, networking, and empowerment.	2nd and 4th Friday of each month
Deinstitutionalization Support GroupPersonal Assistant Health CareMonthly group for nursing home residents with disabilities who would like to learn about opportunities to live in their own homes and communities. For information,	3rd Thursday of every Month
Task Force on Attendant ServicesThe Task Force on Attendant Services organizes consumers to expand and defend home and community services for people with disabilities of all ages.	Group meets the first Wednesday of each month

Press Releases

Title	Date
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

The Bullhorn - The Newsletter of Access Living

Access Living’s bimonthly newsletter

The Bullhorn, the newsletter of Access Living, is published bimonthly.

Title	Date
The Bullhorn - Volume 76The Newsletter of Access Living Volume 76 of the Bullhorn, the Newsletter of Access Living, published in June of 2012.	January 9, 2013
The Bullhorn Volume 73The Newsletter of Access Living Volume 73 of the Bullhorn, the Newsletter of Access Living, published in January 2012	January 2012
The Bullhorn Volume 74Volume 74 of The Bullhorn, The Newsletter of Access Living	March 2012
The Bullhorn Volume 75Volume 75 of the Bullhorn, the Newsletter of Access Living, published in April 2012	April 2012
The Bullhorn Volume 77The Bullhorn Volume 77 August 2012	January 10, 2013