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News and Events

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News

Title	Date
New legislation protects people with disabilities in hospitalsThe new legislation, which goes into effect January 1, 2012, represents the first effort in Illinois to assure that people with disabilities who need to be physically moved by hospital staff are protected with respect to their physical safety, dignity, and choice.	August 9, 2011
Access Living honors Roger Ebert with “Lead On!” Award On Thursday, June 9, Access Living honored Roger Ebert at the 2011 Access Living Gala.	July 12, 2011
Ligas v. Hamos: Court Approves Landmark Agreement Expanding Community Living Opportunities for People with Developmental Disabilities in IllinoisA groundbreaking Consent Decree in Ligas v. Hamos, finalized on June 15, 2011 in the federal district court in Chicago, will dramatically expand community living options for people with developmental disabilities, while assuring that those who choose to live in larger facilities may continue to do so.	June 16, 2011
Disability advocates organize to restore budget cuts Cuts threaten independence of disabled and would cost State more money Throughout April and May, Access Living staff and consumers will meet with state legislators and senators, both at their home offices in Chicago and in Springfield. Disability advocates hope to get their support for services that help people with disabilities live in the community.	April 22, 2011
Efforts to support people with disabilities in Japan impacted by earthquake Access Living is working with other disability groups to solicit donations for the United States International Council on Disability, which is raising funds for people with disabilities in Japan impacted by the earthquake.	April 14, 2011

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
New Safe Lifting legislation protects nursing home residents On July 30, Governor Quinn signed Public Act 097-0866 into law. The law sets forth policy to protect nursing home staff and residents from injury.	August 17, 2012
Access Living marches in Bud Billiken ParadeOn August 11, for the first time ever, Access Living participated in Chicago’s Annual Bud Billiken Parade. Around 30 Access Living staff and supports marched or rode the float.	August 15, 2012
Youth advocates ready to roll in 2012 Bud Billiken ParadeAccess Living Youth are thrilled to participate in this year’s iconic Bud Billiken Parade	August 2, 2012
Communities around the country commemorate Medicaid Anniversary Monday, July 30 was the 47th Anniversary of Medicaid. Communities around the country marked the occasion by highlighting the importance of Medicaid services for seniors and people with disabilities	July 31, 2012
Happy Disability Pride WeekendThis weekend people with disabilities and their friends, families and supporters around the country will celebrate disability pride with parades, celebrations and commemorations.	July 20, 2012

Events Calendar

Title	Date
Stepping Stones A peer support group for people with disabilities who have just moved out of institutions and into their own homes through the Access Living Community Reintegration program.	Tuesdays in the Spring 2013
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

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
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
Access Living Statement in Response to March 10 Budget Address Access Living statement in response to Governor Quinn’s Budget address	March 11, 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
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

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 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 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 78Volume 78 of the Bullhorn, the Newsletter of Access Living, from October 2012.	January 10, 2013