Ligas Family Advocate Program

06/20/2026

Hello Fellow Advocates,
In case you are not aware, I want to bring to your attention a recent development that could impact many individuals with disabilities and their families.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has issued a legal opinion that challenges long-standing protections supporting the right of people with disabilities to live in their homes and communities rather than in institutions. This directly conflicts with established legal precedent, including the Supreme Court’s support for community-based living.

Civil rights experts warn that this opinion could weaken requirements for states to provide home and community-based services. If allowed to stand, it may lead to increased institutionalization of people with mental, physical, and intellectual disabilities.

This should concern all of us—especially families who rely on waivers, are on waitlists, or currently receive home and community-based services.

Now is not the time to “wait and see.”
Take action today:
Contact your state and federal legislators
Ask them to speak out and protect community-based care
Share this information to raise awareness - I just did!

Our voices matter. Advocacy is critical to ensure that individuals with disabilities continue to have the right to live with dignity, independence, and inclusion in their communities.

Learn more here:
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/doj-disability-opinion-community-care/
Thank you for standing up and speaking out.

The Office of Legal Counsel opinion released Thursday said states aren't required by law to integrate mentally disabled patients with their peers by providing community or home-based care.

05/14/2026

The Arc remains committed to sharing resources and information across the state, ensuring that individuals and families have the tools they need to build strong, successful futures.

On this beautiful evening, our dedicated Bilingual Family Advocate, Veronica Salazar, is on-site connecting with over 150 families at the Waukegan High School Special Education Cookout and Resource Fair. She will be available until 6:00 PM at the Jane Adams Center in Waukegan, Illinois, providing valuable information and support.

We are truly grateful for the opportunity to serve, connect, and empower our community

05/09/2026

"The Arc committed to sharing resources across Illinois!"

Wow, Central and Southern Illinois Arc of Illinois Family Advocate, Jerin Olson, traveled to Centralia on Friday to participate in the Transition Services and Job Fair hosted by the Kaskaskia Regional Transition Planning Committee.

We are incredibly grateful for opportunities like these that bring students, families, schools, and community agencies together in one place. Events such as this create meaningful spaces for students to build connections, explore future possibilities, and develop essential skills that support a successful transition into adulthood—well beyond the classroom.

The Arc remains deeply appreciative of every opportunity to connect with families across Southern Illinois and to stand alongside the many dedicated organizations committed to empowering transition-aged youth as they pursue and build their futures. So proud of you Jerin...

05/05/2026

Please share this reel!

04/25/2026

"The Arc is committed to getting information to families early!"

The Arc is distributing information to families with young children. This morning, Bilingual Family Advocate, Veronica Salazar is in China town. The Arc of Illinois is pleased to team up with Star-Net for the inaugural Chinatown Early Childhood Play date: Date: Saturday, April 25, 2026 Time: 10:00 am to 12:00 noon. Interpretation is being offered in both Chinese and Spanish! It is amazing...

04/22/2026

“It’s Happening at Harper College in Palatine, Illinois."
Tuesday, April 21, 2026

Sharing The Arc of Illinois mission! The Arc of Illinois Bilingual Family Advocate, Veronica Salazar, is proudly sharing valuable information at THE FUTURE BEGINS TODAY, a transition resource fair hosted by Township High School District 211, Township High School District 214, Barrington 220 School District, and NSSEO.

This exciting evening is a wonderful opportunity for you and fellow exhibitors to connect with families and share important resources for individuals with a wide range of developmental disabilities and mental health needs.

Be sure to stop by The Arc’s table as you plan for the future—we look forward to seeing you !

04/18/2026

The Arc is making a difference this morning! Shakari Asbury, Family Support Network and Family Advocate with her little helper are up and out this Saturday morning supporting The Answer Inc. 18th walkathon, showcasing our dedication to meeting families and self advocates in all areas of the State. Please stop by this event and gather information to help shape a better tomorrow. We are in Hillside, Illinois at Proviso West High School!

04/17/2026

"We Are The Arc baby!"
Let me tell you something—Annie Bruno is a force. She doesn’t just show up; she stands firmly in her purpose and leads with unwavering commitment to her calling.

In her role as Central & Southern Family Advocate with The Arc of Illinois, Annie Bruno proudly co-chairs her local Transition Planning Committee (TPC), where her leadership continues to create meaningful impact. This year’s bi-annual half-day retreat for high school juniors and seniors with disabilities was nothing short of extraordinary.

More than 100 students from 10 area high schools—including Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley, Paxton, Fisher, Champaign, Heritage, St. Joe, Rantoul, Urbana, and Unity—came together for a day designed to inspire, educate, and empower. Students from two alternative schools, The Pavilion Foundation School and Ge**er Education Program, were also welcomed, making the gathering even more inclusive and impactful.

The day was powerfully launched by keynote speaker Taylor Sweeting, whose presentation, “Adapting Your Disability into Your Identity,” moved and motivated everyone in the room. Students also benefited from engaging and informative sessions led by the University of Illinois, the local Mass Transit District, and several dedicated disability service providers.

And the highlight? A vibrant showcase of exhibitors from near and far, all eager to connect with students and share the incredible resources and opportunities available to them.

This event was truly a smashing success—an inspiring reminder of what’s possible when passion, purpose, and community come together. Deep appreciation to the TPC members, volunteers, presenters, vendors, teachers, and especially the students who made this day unforgettable.

04/17/2026

"Annie is about the business of sharing Information - Go Annie!"

Hello Everyone,
When I say that The Arc of Illinois Family Advocate Team is committed to sharing information across the state, I truly mean it. Just last evening, while our bilingual family advocate was attending a resource fair in northern Illinois, our Central/Southern Family Advocate, Annie Bruno, was delivering a presentation in another part of the state—spreading knowledge far and wide.

Annie recently presented to educators and staff from EIASE (Eastern Illinois Area Special Education), the largest special education cooperative in Illinois. Attendees represented several regional school districts, including Mattoon, Effingham, Cowden-Herrick, Hume, Central A&M (Assumption & Moweaqua), Sullivan, Shelbyville, and Paris. We also welcomed a professor from Eastern Illinois University who prepares future educators.

During the presentation, attendees learned about the PUNS waitlist, The Arc of Illinois, and the valuable resources available to support the families they serve.

Fun Fact: The Arc of Illinois has engaged with all 102 counties in Illinois. When we say we are statewide—we truly mean it!

04/17/2026

THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 2026 – Options Fair 2026
Veronica Salazar, Bilingual Family Advocate at The Arc of Illinois, attended Options Fair 2026 at Lake Zurich High School in Lake Zurich, Illinois. She is pictured with Suzanne Aaron, Senior Information & Outreach Specialist at Illinois Life Span.
The Arc remains committed to sharing information statewide, and this event provided a valuable opportunity to connect individuals with disabilities and their families to essential resources for future planning. The featured guest speaker was the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA).
Hosting districts and organizations included:
Lake County Center for Independent Living – Kris Murray
Lake Zurich High School Community School District 95 – Brittany --Doles
Lake Forest Community High School District 115 – Diana Beckman
Mundelein Consolidated High School District 120 – Michelle Bank
Grant Community High School District 124 – Lynda Gunther
Community High School District 128 – Christi Steiner