SCIL Serves 5 counties in Illinois: Menard, Logan, Sangamon, Christian and Montgomery.
SCIL's Mission:
To increase opportunities for equality, integration and independence for all persons with disabilities through advocacy, services, and public education.
SCIL promotes the Independent Living Philosophy:
Independent living is the belief that all persons, regardless of disability, have the right and responsibility to control and direct their own lives and to fully participate as equal members of society.
News and Updates
ACTION ALERT
Why we need a tax increase is said best in a letter that Ann Ford, the Executive Director of INCIL, sent to several members of the legislature and Governor Quinn. Please read.
On behalf of the 23 centers for independent living in Illinois, I write to express our profound disappointment and grave concern in the wake of the actions of the General Assembly over the week end. A 50% budget cut will decimate the entire human services network in Illinois,. Some people will die when their services are taken away. Others will wind up in institutions, at three times the cost of their current services, further bloating the state deficit.
The 23 centers I represent are located throughout the state. They do not operate residential facilities, and they do not have rates for their services. They recieve contracts from DHS, and they serve all who come to them at no cost to the consumer. Their services help individuals establish and reach their goals for independence and self-sufficiency. Combined they serve almost 9,000 people a year. They provide services mandated by both state and federal law, and they meet strict accountability requirements. They pay meager salaries, including to their executive directors, and few even offer retirement benefits. If their contracts are cut in half, some of those centers would have to close their doors, and others would have to impose such drastic reductions in staff that they could no longer respond to the needs of their consumers. This scenario would mean that several hundred people would lose their jobs, and a number of centers would close their doors completely. Countless thousands of consumers would have no where to go for services. Centers for independent living are the very smallest group of providers. The impact of this budget on the larger providers would be hundreds of times greater. The devastation of human life can hardly be calculated.
In the House commitee hearing on HB174 I heard Mr. Whitley from the Chamber testify about the impact of a tax increase on employers. He talked about the strugle of business to meet payroll and maintain their operations. It occurred to me that what is never mentioned in these discussions is that those of us in non-profit sector are operating a small businesses in your communities as well. We have to meet payroll and pay payroll tax just as every other employer does. And we have to look at our hard working staff and explain why there is a salary freeze and once again they will not recieve the increase they so deserve. For centers for independent living this has gone on for over five years. Now we may have to give them pink slips that might destroy their lives. These employees pay taxes and contribute to the economy of their commuities just as the employees of of other business do. The loss of their jobs would add greatly to the recession in our state.
At the same hearing I heard Representative Bassi talk about a number of ways the budget could be cut without making the state's most disadvantaged citizens bear the burden. I sincerely hope these will be examined as decisions are made about a final budget.
I do believe that there are cuts that can be made in the overall budget that do not harm human beings, and I strongly urge a thorough review of any and all such possible cuts. And in the strongest terms possible, I urge you to make absolutely sure that the human service providers in our state receive the funding to meet the needs of those in the margins whose voices are never heard. To do less would be unconscionable.This letter says it all and I invite you to write your congressmen, Governor Pat Quinn, Senate President John Cullerton, Senate Republican Leader Christine Radogno, Speaker Michael Madigan, and House Republican Leader Tom Cross.
You can go to www.ccdionline.org and click on "Action Now" for further information. Please write, call, or email!
It is vital that everyone contact our elected officials and ask them to support an income tax increase and preserve the critical human services to people with disabilities in Illinois. With 50% budget cuts to human services people will suffer and some will die.
Governor Pat Quinn
207 Statehouse
Springfield, IL 62706
782-6830
carolyn.brownhodge@illinois.gov
Honorable Larry Bomke
413 Capitol Building
Springfield IL 62706
senatorbomke@yahoo.com
782-0228
Honorable Deanna Demuzio
323 Statehouse
Springfield IL 62706
854-4441
demuzio@senatedem.state.il.us
Honorable Raymond Poe
E-1 Stratton
Springfield, IL 62706
782-0044
poer@housegopmail.state.il.us
Honorable Rich Brauer
1128-E Stratton
Springfield, IL 62701
782-0053
brauerr@housegopmail.state.il.us
Honorable Betsy Hannig
300 Capitol Bldg
Springfield, IL 62706
782-8071
betsyh@ilga.gov
Honorable Bill Mitchell
632 Statehouse
Springfield, IL 62706
782-8163
repmitchell@earthlink.net
Honorable Christine Radogno
309 A Capitol Bldg
Springfield, IL 62706
782-9407
cradogna@sbcglobal
Honorable Tom Cross
316 Capitol Bldg.
Springfield, IL 62706
782-1331
tom@tomcross
Honorable John J. Cullerton
Capitol Building, Room 327
Springfield, IL 62706
fax: 782-3242
john@senatorcullerton.com
New hours at SCIL
As of 7/1/09, we are open 4 days a week. Help us resume our regular schedule by writing or calling your Illinois legislators and telling them to find other revenue other than that which supports many Illinois tax payers with disabilities. (Some of our staff members have had their hours cut in half.)
SUPPORT HB 174 - PERMANENT TAX INCREASE
The budget battle continues. Proposed budget cuts would drastically impact services that many Illinois citizens with disabilities could not continue to live independently without. We need a PERMANENT tax increase to fund these vital services for people with disabilities.
The bill that was voted down in the House last Sunday night with only 42 "yes" votes was a for a 2 year temporary tax increase. A temporary tax increase is not a permanent solution. We need sustainable and adequate revenues to meet the human service needs of Illinois' most vulnerable citizens, including persons with disabilities.
HB 174, as amended, which passed the Senate last week with 31 votes is a PERMANENT tax increase. This is what we want the House to pass.
Take Action Contact your congressman and all the above listed people
Please call and ask them to vote yes on HB 174 for a PERMANENT tax increase.
HURTING OUR MOST VULNERABLE
On May 31 the General Assembly passed a partial budget that has a devastating effect on the people of Illinois. Here are some of the possible consequences:
- 65,000 people with alcohol and substance addictions would lose treatment.
- 80,000 low-income working mothers would lose childcare services that allow them to keep their jobs.
- Over 20,000 senior would lose the services they need to stay in their homes
- 15,000 kids' foster parents would see their support cut in half.
- 23,000 adoption subsidies would be cut.
- 175,000 people would lose community mental health services, dramatically increasing homelessness, institutionalization and incarceration rates.
- All rehabilitation programs for poeple with disabilities would be eliminated.
- 56,000 victims of domestic violence and sexual assault would lose wervices.
- 5,500 people with disabilities would lose their community-based services.
- 463,000 children and teens would lose critical services in arease such as substance abuse, teen pregnancy, violance and delinquency.
- 190,000 students would lose college schoarships.
- You can help them apply online at www.socialsecurity.gov
- Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) to help them apply over the phone or to request an application; or
- Help them apply at their local Social Security Office.
Extra Help with Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Costs
Now, you can help someone care about apply for Extra Help with their Medicare prescription drug plan costs.
Anyone who has Medicare can get Medicare prescription drug coverage. Some people with limited income and resources also are eligible for Extra Help to pay for the costs--monthly premiums, annual deductibles, and prescription co-payments--related to a Medicare prescription durg plan.
For more information and to apply:
2009 Summer Internships for Students with Disabilities in Washington, D.C.!
The American Association of People with Disabilities is looking for college students with disabilities to apply for the: 2009 Summer Internships for Students with Disabilities in Washington, D.C. For more information and to apply, visit www.aapd.com/internships.html
Access to Recreation Endowment Fund
The Sangamon County Community Foundation (SCCF) is building a new, permanent funding resource for accessible recreation projects in our community.
Through a challenge grant, community members like you can help SCCF DOUBLE our money...up to $135.000! The W.K. Kellogg Foundation will match each donation received into this fund. The Access to Recreation Endowment Fund will enhance, expand and create new accessible recreational opportunties for people with disabilities. By contributing to the Access to Recreation Endowment Fund, your donation will help SCCF take full advantage of this challenge and build the Endowment to a minimum level of $270,000! The funds will be invested for accessible recreation projects forever and you will be supporting a great cause right here in Sangamon County.If you support accessible recreation projects in Sangamon County and would like your tax-deductible gift to be DOUBLED! Make checks payable to SCCF-A2R or contribute online at www.sccf.us Checks can be mailed to Sangamon County Community Foundation, One West Old State Capital Plaza, Suite 816, Springfield, IL 62701. Phone number: 217-789-4431.
SCIL in partnership with the Computer Banc
We have a fantastic partnership with the Computer Banc. If you know someone with a disability who is seeking a low-cost computer, we can send a referral letter on their behalf to the Computer Banc. A single person with a disability and no children will be required to pay a $100 refurbishment charge. This only covers the cost of new parts to bring the systems up to its original specifications. If it is a family with children with disabilities, the refurb fee is based on the household income,but will not exceed $100.00. Their hours of operation are Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.
---------------ITAC Platinum Sponsor for SCIL's 2008 Annual Meeting-------------
CURRENT ADVOCACY ISSUES
The Olmstead Implementation Act
Health Care Justice Campaign
click here to read more
A New Guidebook Filled with Wheel-Chair Accessible Vacation Ideas
101 Accessible Vacations
101 Accessible vacations is published by Demos Publishing and is the first book of its kind. It is a must have resource for wheelchair- or scooter-users, slow walkers, and travel agents. It's a guide to barrier-free travel.
101 Accessible Vacations is available at bookstores, through the publisher (800-532-8663) or on-line at www.101AccessibleVacations.com. Visit the web site to read a sample chapter, and see the table of contents for more information.
Information via email from author, Candy Harrington.
Health Benefits for Workers with Disabilities
Now, you don't have to choose between your work and your health care coverage. Click on http://www.hbsdillinois for more information.
Free Fishing License for People with Disabilities
Do you know anyone who has a disability and loves to fish? The fee for a fishing license is no longer a problem for some individuals who have disabilities! Thanks to Christina Bormida, Reintegration Specialist at Springfield Center for Independent Living for passing along this important information!
On the Department of Natural Resources website http://dnr.state.il.us/lands/Landmgt/programs/camping/discounts.htm there is information about how to get a free fishing license for people with disabilities. Illinois residents with a class 2 or class 2A disability are not required to purchase a resident sport fishing license. Your doctor will need to fill out an application called “Application for Illinois Disabled Person Identification Card” and bring this application to your nearest Driver Services Facility.
There is no fee for the ID card. You can print out the application from the following address: http://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/departments/drivers/idcards.html and click on Application for Disabled Person Identification Card. The application has definitions of a class 2 or 2A disability for the doctor to refer to. When you receive your ID, you carry this with you to replace your fishing license.
Please contact Karen DeLay @ 523-2587 v/tty or 1-800-447-4221 if you would like additional information about this article or have questions about SCIL.
Work From Home?
Do you need funds to work from home? Or do you need money to begin, maintain, or upgrade your home-based business? If you answered yes to either question, the Telework Loan Program offered by the Illinois Assistive Technology Program (IATP) may be your answer. The Telework Loan Program offers cash loans to qualified Illinois residents with disabilities who are 18 years or older. You can use that money to purchase equipment or home modification for your home-based business. If you qualify, you can borrow as little as $500 or as much as $40,000. Your interest rate will be 5.5%, which is lower than banks, and you could choose an extended term of up to 15 years depending on the purchase. Longer terms mean lower monthly payments.
Let me tell you about one of our success stories. Have you had a great pizza, lately? IATP is proud to announce the recent opening of a pizzeria called Angel’s Place of Cicero, located in the western suburb of Chicago at 2521 South Central Avenue (708/329-1976). Angel’s Place of Cicero is owned and operated by John Garcia, an entrepreneur with a disability, an entrepreneur with commitment, perseverance, talent, and ability to pull together community resources. John is one to take notice.
Next Supreme Court Justice
We want President Obama to select a justice who will interpret the ADA and other disability rights laws as broadly as Congress intended, so that all people with disabilities are fully protected from disability discrimination and have an equal opportunity to succeed in school and at work and to lead independent lives in their communities.
Ask President Obama to:
Choose a justice who will interpret disability rights laws broadly, as Congress intended.
Choose a justice who understands the effect of Supreme Court decisions on people with disabilities.
Choose a justice who respects the role of Congress in protecting disability rights.
The White House needs to hear from advocates for people with disabilites. Please contact the President and let him know why he should name someone who will uphold the rights of people with disabilites. You can contact the White House at (202) 456-1111 (phone), (202) 456-6213 (TTY), or at www.whitehouse.gov/contact
See SCIL's Calendar of Events
What is going on at SCIL? See Calendar of Events for information.
Sangamon County Emergency Telephone System
Senior Safe Program
The Sangamon County Emergency Telephone System Department would like to inform you of a special program for Sangamon County seniors and citizens that are disabled. The Senior Safe program is offered by your local 9-1-1 center to have some helpful information on an individual prior to the arrival of medical or police personnel. Go to http://sangamoncounty911.org/about_sccds.htm for further information and to enroll.
