Join Today, or Sign-In if you're already a member.

Access Living

Access Living

Text: Small | LargeLayout: Wide | Narrow

About UsNews & EventsResourcesUniversal & Green DesignEmploymentContact UsDonate & Act Now

News & Events

News and Events

Print This Page Email Friend

News

Title	Date
Colbert v. Quinn, Notice of Fairness Hearing Colbert v. Quinn is a class action case filed on behalf of people with disabilities who receive Medicaid and live in nursing homes in Cook County, Illinois. The case was originally filed in August of 2007. A settlement agreement was announced on August 30, 2011. If approved by the court, the settlement will offer people with disabilities in Cook County nursing homes the choice to transition from the nursing home, and live in apartments or homes of their choice in the community. A Fairness Hearing is scheduled for December 20, 2011.	December 20, 2011
Communities commemorate Medicaid 47th AnniversaryGroups rally and march in support community based servicesOn Monday afternoon, July 30, more than 20 disability, senior and community advocate groups commemorated the 47th Anniversary of Medicaid with a rally at Daley Plaza.	July 31, 2012
Communities urge elected officials to support economic, health, and retirement programs On Tuesday, October 30, nearly 300 grassroots community, labor, senior and disability leaders rallied for economic and retirement security. Meeting at the Chicago Temple at 77 West Washington with members of the Chicago Legislative Delegation, the crowd called on U.S. Political Leaders from the Chicago area to support programs and initiatives that promote economic, health, and retirement security.	October 31, 2012
DePaul University study of costs and benefits of employing people with disabilities finds few risks to employersA study released on January 28, 2008 conducted by a team of researchers at DePaul University found that employees with disabilities from the healthcare, retail and hospitality sectors in the region were just as dependable and productive as employees without disabilities.	February 5, 2008
Disability advocates deliver Valentines to Governor Quinn Disability advocates deliver Valentine to Governor Quinn	February 14, 2012

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
Access Living praises healthcare reform that gives people with disabilities option to stay in smaller communities Access Living of Metropolitan Chicago today praised Senator Baucus of Montana for including the Community First Choice Option in Healthcare Reform legislation.	September 24, 2009
Disability community fights cuts to vital servicesProposed cuts to home services threaten independence of people with disabilities	August 28, 2009
Access Living salutes Governor Quinn for decision to close Howe Developmental Center Access Living of Metropolitan Chicago salutes Governor Patrick Quinn for his decision to close the Howe Developmental Center in Tinley Park, Illinois. The decision to close the institution was announced today by the Office of the Governor.	August 28, 2009
Statement from Access Living after the passing of Senator Edward M. Kennedy	August 27, 2009
US signs UN Convention on the rights of people with disabilities	July 31, 2009

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 78Volume 78 of the Bullhorn, the Newsletter of Access Living, from October 2012.	January 10, 2013
The Bullhorn Volume 77The Bullhorn Volume 77 August 2012	January 10, 2013
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 75Volume 75 of the Bullhorn, the Newsletter of Access Living, published in April 2012	April 2012
The Bullhorn Volume 74Volume 74 of The Bullhorn, The Newsletter of Access Living	March 2012