Disability Resource Expo: Reaching Out for Answers

10/29/2026

The Arc of Illinois and Aspiritech to Carry Forward IDD Navigator, a Free Directory of Disability Services in Illinois

✨ 𝐀𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐀𝐫𝐜 𝐨𝐟 𝐈𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐨𝐢𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐀𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐡 𝐭𝐨 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐲 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐈𝐃𝐃 𝐍𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐠𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫, 𝐚 𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐃𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐈𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐨𝐢𝐬

📰 Read the Press Release: qr.link/83TX4k

The Arc of Illinois and Aspiritech have jointly announced today they will take on stewardship of IDD Navigator. Little City developed the directory with design and development partner Magnetize and funding from a grant from The Coleman Foundation.

📣 Help shape what comes next! Take our 5-minute community survey: qr.link/S6DFJV

For questions or help completing the survey, please email [email protected].
For more information about IDD Navigator, please visit https://iddnavigator.org/.

10/28/2026

“The Arc of Illinois, along with Family Matters Parent Training and Information Center, is hosting a virtual series on Mondays in November which is FREE to attend. Attendees will learn more about PUNS and DHS-DDD waiver services, as well as transition planning and Charting the LifeCourse tools.

If you are a special education staff or working with youth heading towards adult disability services or are parenting a young adult - this is the training series for you.

This series brings together the resources and information you’ll need to navigate both in-school support, and subsequent out-of-school support.”

Link to register: http://qr.link/8iOqbI

10/20/2026

Individuals supported by DSC had the opportunity to present to the Champaign County Developmental Disabilities Board and Mental Health Board during a recent Study Session.

This year, advocates were invited to provide feedback on how the Board can turn its disability inclusion resolution into meaningful action. These advocates shared ideas, experiences, and recommendations for building a more inclusive community for people with disabilities.

Way to go advocates in using your voices to educate, inspire, and influence local leaders!

10/01/2026

Do you offer services to community members with disabilities? Join our new CU Special Recreation Community Resource Network!

We are building a one-stop directory of organizations that our community can use to find resources like physical/behavioral health, transition services, job support, legal counseling, and more!

Fill out the form at the bottom of the page to apply to join!

🔗 Community Resource Network | https://cuspecialrecreation.com/support/community-resource-network/

09/21/2026

♥️☎️🍿

In 2 and a half weeks, Champaign County Air will be sponsoring a $1 screening of Joybubbles: a documentary film at the IMAX in Savoy, IL!

We hope you will join us for this SXSW festival favorite documentary at 3:30pm on Saturday, October 10th.

“In the 1950s, a boy discovers he can control the global telephone system by whistling a magic tone. Born blind and hungry for connection, his obsession with the telephone sparks a subculture that shapes the future of hacking in the 20th century.” ☎️🫂🤔

79 minute film, $1 tickets 🍿 matinee timing….. tell your friends!

09/19/2026

Hello!! Do you know about the Black Mental Health and Wellness Conference happening at Parkland College next Saturday, 9/26, from 8am - 4pm?

“The conference aims at addressing the challenges of mental health in the black community and assisting those affected and their families on a path to wellness. Sessions included in-depth conversations surrounding: Rooting in Community – Mapping Wraparound Support for Black Mental Health and Healing, Mental Health and the Black Church, Grieving as an Act of Liberation, Breaking Cycles: Environment and Toxic Masculinity – The Story we Tell Ourselves, Black Women: Health and Wellness, Self-Care and Care Givers, Impact of Domestic Violence, and Promoting Wellness for Veterans.”

Hope to see you there! Tell your friends!

Register for this conference at:
https://champaigncommunitycoalition.org/event/4th-annual-black-mental-health-and-wellness-conference/

09/17/2026

09/17/2026

💙 DSP Spotlight: Terry

For 36 years, Terry has been making a difference at DSC, spending the last 19 years supporting individuals in Community Day Services.

Known for his thoughtful and caring nature, Terry is always encouraging others, recognizing the people around him, and going the extra mile to help individuals participate in their communities and achieve their goals.

One of Terry's proudest accomplishments has been teaching an individual to play chess. Years later, they still play together regularly, a testament to the meaningful relationships he builds through his work.

Terry says he loves helping individuals explore opportunities both in the community and at CDS, especially during holidays and special events. He is grateful for the many compassionate coworkers he has worked alongside and for Annette Becherer, who first hired him in 1990.

Thank you, Terry, for 36 years of dedication and impact. We are grateful for all you do! 💙

09/17/2026

💙 DSP Spotlight: Bill Turner

For nearly 2½ years, Bill has been supporting housemates at not just one group home, but lending a hand at other homes as needed.

As a Lead CILA DSP, Bill believes the key to providing great support is taking the time to listen and learn what is meaningful to each person. By helping individuals pursue their interests at home and in the community, he creates opportunities for growth, connection, and plenty of fun along the way.

Bill says that the people he supports have taught him just as much, if not more, than he could ever teach them, which is one of the reasons he finds his work so fulfilling.

His manager describes him as someone who is always willing to help, pick up shifts, learn, grow, and step up when needed. Simply put: he shines.

Thank you, Bill, for your dedication, flexibility, and the positive impact you make every day! 💙

09/17/2026

💙 DSP Spotlight: Angie

For nearly 19 years, Angie has been making a difference at DSC. Currently in Community Living, she supports 10 individuals on her caseload while also helping wherever she's needed.

Angie believes that successful DSPs need strong multitasking skills, patience, kindness, and good time management. Her days are filled with helping individuals build independence through everyday activities like cooking, shopping, attending medical appointments, maintaining their homes, paying bills, and managing budgets.

One way Angie helps individuals stay on track is by teaching practical budgeting skills. During shopping trips, she scans items as they go so people can see their total in real time and make informed decisions before checkout.

She especially enjoys helping individuals transition into their own homes, teaching the skills needed to maintain a comfortable, welcoming living space and succeed independently.

For Angie, the most rewarding part of her job is watching people grow. She says the individuals she supports brighten her day, and she loves that every day brings something new. Some of her favorite memories include DSC Christmas parties filled with dancing and music, as well as memorable road trips with the people she supports.

Thank you, Angie, for your dedication, compassion, and almost 19 years of helping individuals enjoy their lives in all different ways! 💙