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News & Events

Title Date
Advocates Give Governor an F, call for closure of Howe Developmental CenterOn May 30, a coalition called “Community for All” held a news conference in Tinley Park to raise awareness around conditions at Howe Development Center, which after years of pressure, investigations and initiatives, continue to be deplorable. May 30, 2008
New legislation calls for free rides for low income persons with disabilitiesRepresentatives from Access Living and other disability rights organizations worked with Illinois legislators and transit providers on new legislation to benefit fixed route transit rides. The legislation has been approved by both the Illinois Senate and House, and is now awaiting Governor Blagojevich’s signature. He is favorable to the bill. August 4, 2008
Advocates celebrate the announced closure of the Howe Developmental CenterFor years, a coalition of disability advocates have fought for the closure of Howe Developmental Center, an institution in Tinley Park where more than 20 residents have died since 2005. On September 5, the Illinois Department of Human Services will host a news conference to announce the closure of the institution. October 10, 2008
Landmark victory for people with disabilitiesOn November 13, the disability community scored a huge victory when a class of people with developmental disabilities entered into a settlement agreement with the State of Illinois that will open up community services for thousands of individuals who have been trapped in institutions. November 13, 2008
Citizens With Disabilities Vote Candidates forum on disability issuesMeet The Candidates On: Monday, February 16;
Access Living, 115 W. Chicago Avenue
February 2, 2009
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Title Date
FeFes Trip To Washington Disability Culture: Fe Fes travel to west coast for awareness eventOn April 13, I traveled with the Empowered Fe Fes to the State of Washington to speak at Eastern Washington University for a Disability Awareness Week conference. I am the Women & Girls Organizer for the Empowered Fe Fes, which is a group of young women with various disabilities who have worked for over 15 years together to explore the issues and struggles unique to young women with disabilities while spreading awareness about disability rights. June 5, 2010
On the 20th Anniversary of ADA: Remarks by Assistant Attorney General Thomas E. Perez at the National Disability Rights Network Annual Conference in Los AngelesMost people in our nation, when they think of “Civil Rights,” they think of Dr. King on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, of hundreds of protestors on the Edmund Pettus Bridge, of students at lunch counters and university doors. June 11, 2010
20th Anniversary ADA Events in Chicagoland and beyondNearly 20 years ago, President George H.W. Bush signed into law the Americans with Disabilities Act, proclaiming, “let the shameful wall of exclusion finally come tumbling down.” June 26, 2010
Illinois budget cuts threaten independence of people with disabilities
A few weeks ago, Illinois announced millions of dollars in cuts to programs that support people with disabilities living independently in their own homes and communities. Statewide, the community is organizing to stop the cuts. Community based programs support the independence of people with disabilities and make fiscal sense — community services cost less than institutional services.
July 14, 2010
Budget Cuts Rally July 19, 2010 - Illinois Disability Community rallies to protect independenceDisability community rallies to protect independence
Calls for state leadership to preserve cost efficient programs and raise revenue
Facing budget cuts that could force people into costly institutions, disability advocates and organizations representing thousands of people with developmental, psychiatric and physical disabilities rallied outside the State of Illinois Building today. While Illinois faces a massive financial crisis, more than 20% of the service cuts announced last month impact people with disabilities.
July 20, 2010
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Title Date
Access Living applauds Supreme Court decision
in support of Affordable Care Act
Access Living of Metropolitan Chicago applauds the Supreme Court ruling to uphold the Affordable Care Act.
June 28, 2012
Access Living celebrates full closure of Jacksonville Developmental CenterGovernor Quinn of Illinois announces that all residents of the Jacksonville Developmental Center have moved out of the institution and into the community. November 30, 2012
Access Living headquarters earns Gold LEED CertificationPress ReleaseIn late July, the U.S. Green Building Council awarded Access Living’s building at 115 West Chicago Avenue Gold LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Certification. Gold LEED is a landmark sustainability award; the second highest rating a green building can receive. August 4, 2008
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
2011-HomeServices-LocalRally Access Living rallies for jobs and Medicaid funding for people with disabilitiesAdvocates join National Day of Action to support independence for disabled On Thursday, November 17 at 3:30 p.m., people with disabilities from Access Living will join thousands of other advocates at the Jobs Not Cuts rally at the Thompson Center in downtown Chicago as part of the National Day of Action. Access Living will call for investment in resources that employ people with disabilities, support people with disabilities while on the job, and eliminate physical, programmatic and social barriers that prevent people with disabilities from entering the workforce. November 17, 2011
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