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News & Events

News and Events

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News

Title	Date
Power to the People Coalition opens up accessible spots on Amtrak train to Springfield Disability advocates have been working to increase the number of accessible spots on the Amtrak train between Chicago and Springfield	April 2, 2013
Women’s day event raises awareness on contributions and concerns of women with disabilities On March 8, academics, caregivers and advocates gathered at Access Living to recognize International Women’s Day and address issues that women within the disability community confront. The celebration drew close to 100 women and men, both with and without disabilities.	April 1, 2013
From RTA -- what Ventra system means for people with disabilities Information about how RTA’s new Ventra system will impact riders with disabilities and seniors	March 20, 2013
Disabled Americans Want Work Now Applauds Introduction of Fair Wages Legalization Urges Passage of Fair Wages for Workers Disabilities ActDisabled Americans Want Work Now (DAWWN) applauds the introduction of Fair Wages for Workers with Disabilities Act – H.R. 831.	March 4, 2013
Expand Your World with Empower Access Fellows! WorldChicago seeks homestay hosts for five emerging disability rights and advocacy leaders from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, and Tajikistan coming to Chicago on a month-long U.S. Department of State fellowship program.	February 27, 2013

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
How did the Access Living Blog Get It’s Name?Lead On Honors Justin Dart, Jr.	Mar 7th, 2010
Welcome to the blog chronicling the work of Access Living of Metropolitan ChicagoAccess 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.	March 9, 2010
Seeking IndependenceThousands of people with disabilities are currently living in nursing homes despite the fact that almost all, if not all, of them could live independently in their communities. An overwhelming majority of people with disabilities who live in nursing homes would rather receive assistance and support in their own homes but, by default, many of these people are not given a choice and are forced to live in large institutions.	April 9, 2010
“Lead On”The name of this blog is an acknowledgement of and salute to Justin Dart, Jr. A key architect of the Americans with Disabilities Act and recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, Justin Dart was a pioneer of the Disability Rights Movement.	April 22, 2010
Why I Oppose Managed CareAs an organizer supporting home and community services and high quality affordable health care with equal access for all at Access Living for many years, I have seen advances and setbacks for people with disabilities in Illinois based on state policy decisions related to Medicaid.	May 12, 2010

Events Calendar

Title	Date
Deaf and Hard of Hearing Support GroupPeer Support A monthly peer group for people who are Deaf and hard or hearing.	3rd Wednesday of each month
Personal Assistant Informational SeminarJoin our pool of highly sought PA’s	March 14, 2012
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
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
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

Press Releases

Title	Date
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
Disability coalition testifies in Springfield on behalf of community-based services On April 22, Access Living, as part of the Community for All Coalition, testified in Springfield in support of community based services in the Illinois Budget.	April 22, 2010
Olmstead Settlement may transition thousands of people with disabilities into community-based settings A landmark agreement between the State of Illinois and thousands of persons with mental illnesses will result in significant reforms of Illinois’ outmoded, overcrowded and scandalized nursing home system.	March 15, 2010
Access Living Statement in Response to March 10 Budget Address Access Living statement in response to Governor Quinn’s Budget address	March 11, 2010
The Bullhorn - The Newsletter of Access Living Access Living’s bimonthly newsletter The Bullhorn, the newsletter of Access Living, is published bimonthly.	Jan 19th, 2010

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