IL Council on Developmental Disabilities

02/25/2026

The Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities is proud to celebrate 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗹 𝗛𝗮𝗺𝗲𝗿-𝗦𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗹𝗮𝗶𝗿’𝘀 selection to the 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝗚𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗼𝗿’𝘀 𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗔𝗰𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗺𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 (𝗚.𝗢.𝗔.𝗟.) cohort.

G.O.A.L. is a highly selective program through the Illinois Department of Central Management Services. The program reflects Illinois’ investment in developing leaders who strengthen government operations and advance key initiatives statewide. G.O.A.L. is designed to invest in the future of public service by strengthening collaboration and innovation.

Mariel was selected as one of 34 participants from 23 Illinois agencies in the 2026 cohort, chosen from a competitive pool of more than 300 applicants. The diverse group of leaders in the 2026 cohort represents a commitment to public service and operational excellence across state government.

Congratulations to Mariel and to all members of the 2026 cohort. 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗽 𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗸: https://cms.illinois.gov/agency/ooe/goal/2026-goal-cohort.html

𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗹: Mariel Hamer-Sinclair is a senior policy leader and advocate serving as Associate Director of Program & Policy at the Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities (ICDD). She leads the Program and Policy Unit, overseeing statewide grantmaking, cross-systems initiatives, and policy strategy spanning education, employment, health, housing, and systems change affecting people with developmental disabilities across Illinois. Mariel is recognized for her expertise in state and federal disability policy, legislative analysis, and implementation oversight. She regularly advises on legislation, supports statutory compliance, and testifies before the Illinois General Assembly and Chicago City Council. She also led the development and implementation of ICDD’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion strategic plan. She has been appointed by the Governor as a Commissioner of the Guardianship and Advocacy Commission and serves on the Community & Residential Services Authority Board and the Employment and Economic Opportunity for Persons with Disabilities Task Force. Mariel holds a Master’s degree in Human Service Administration from the University of Illinois at Springfield.

02/24/2026

𝗦𝘂𝗯𝗺𝗶𝘁 𝗮 𝗪𝗶𝘁𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗦𝗹𝗶𝗽 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗦𝗕 𝟯𝟯𝟰𝟬 – 𝗞𝗶𝗸𝗶’𝘀 𝗟𝗮𝘄

The Protective Medical Equipment Freedom Act (Kiki's Law) honors the legacy of Colette “Kiki” Walkington, and the advocacy of her father, Greg Walkington, Director of the Family Transition Project at The Arc of Illinois.

Kiki had extremely complex medical needs and fragile health. After receiving a kidney transplant from her father, Kiki was at serious risk from any severe respiratory infection.

She was full of joy and brought light to everyone who knew her. Mask-wearing by her family and others provided a layer of protection without isolation and allowed her to live a fuller, happier life.

Kiki’s Law guarantees the right for individuals to wear protective medical equipment in public accommodations without having to disclose personal health information. It prohibits discrimination, harassment, denial of service, eviction, retaliation, or employer penalties related to wearing protective medical equipment, with limited exceptions for security and operational safety, and would take effect immediately.

𝗔𝗖𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗔𝗟𝗘𝗥𝗧:The first hearing for the Protective Medical Equipment Freedom Act is this Thursday, February 26, 2026, at 9 AM. This is where your advocacy can help change systems. Submit a witness slip now!

𝗦𝘂𝗯𝗺𝗶𝘁 𝗮 𝗪𝗶𝘁𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗦𝗹𝗶𝗽 | 𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗸 𝗨𝗽 & 𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗸 𝗢𝘂𝘁

Your voice matters. Submitting a witness slip is like raising your hand in a large room to show your interest or support. It helps legislators see how many people care about issues and want to stay informed. See details about the bill and hearing below.

𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝘀𝗼 𝗳𝗮𝗿 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗜𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗼𝗶𝘀 𝗟𝗲𝗴𝗶𝘀𝗹𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲:

Feb. 4, 2026: (Senate) Filed with Secretary by Sen. Graciela Guzmán.
February 4, 2026: (Senate) First Reading
February 4, 2026: (Senate) Referred to Assignments
February 17, 2026: (Senate) Assigned to Human Rights

𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗗𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘀:

Pursuant to Senate Rule 3-1(f), this hearing may include remote participation by witnesses. Individuals wishing to testify remotely must submit a request under the remote hearing process outlined on the General Assembly website. Witnesses who have been approved to provide remote testimony will participate via Zoom.

Chair: Rachel Ventura
Vice-Chair: Lakesia Collins
Minority Spokesperson: Sue Rezin
Date: February 26, 2026, 9:00 AM
Location: 409 Capitol Springfield, Illinois
Posting Date: February 20, 2026 10:24 AM

𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝗦𝘂𝗯𝗺𝗶𝘁 𝗮 𝗪𝗶𝘁𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗦𝗹𝗶𝗽

If you want your position to be recorded for SB 3340, you can complete a witness slip on the Illinois General Assembly website. This tells legislators where you stand and helps them understand how many people care about this issue.

Once you fill out your name and contact information, complete the following sections:

• 𝗥𝗲𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: List your organization’s name, or write “self” if you’re representing yourself.

• 𝗣𝗼𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Choose Proponent if you support the resolution or hearing topic and want to protect services. Choose Opponent if you disagree with the proposal or believe it would negatively impact people with developmental disabilities, their families, or community services. Choose No Position on Merits if you are sharing information, raising implementation considerations, or providing technical assistance without taking a stance for or against the proposal. Please note that 𝗜𝗖𝗗𝗗 𝗰𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝘁𝗲𝗹𝗹 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘄𝗵𝗶𝗰𝗵 𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁. The decision is yours based on your role, perspective, and assessment of the issue.

• 𝗦𝘂𝗯𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗼𝗿 𝗕𝗶𝗹𝗹:If you’re using the link provided, it will automatically connect to the correct hearing. Select Original Bill.

• 𝗧𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗼𝗻𝘆 𝗧𝘆𝗽𝗲: Select Record of Appearance if you want your name and position noted. You can also choose to upload a written statement if you’d like to share more.

• 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗽: Check the box agreeing to the terms, then click Submit.

Submit a Witness Slip using this link: https://www.ilga.gov/senate/hearings/details/3109/22501/CreateWitnessSlip/?legislationId=166209&GaId=18&View=Create

For assistance with a Witness Slip, contact gary.arnold@illinois.gov

More Information about Kiki’s Law: https://pmefa.org/

02/23/2026

Story from Chicago Public Radio about an organization in Naperville, Illinois called Awesome Life Academy, which is geared toward people in the Developmental Disabilities Community, and the Academy’s partnership with the Bit Theater in Aurora, Illinois.

From Public Radio: "In the Chicago suburbs, young adults with special needs say ‘Yes, and…’ to improv"

https://www.wbez.org/arts-culture/2026/02/19/awesome-life-academy-bit-theater-improv?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBEyd3BiVGZ0YXJrY20weVVqR3NydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR6NgqgH7EShEtv_a0LHB1OWXv0Fn-_YXzOYS2n1ObzBAPnGnMHzcNtS3B7eeQ_aem_t3-cxDOy78SnhmGDa8m1JQ

A partnership between a theater in Aurora and the Awesome Life Academy in Naperville put on an improv show for young adults with special needs.

02/20/2026

𝗜𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗼𝗶𝘀 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗹 𝗼𝗻 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗪𝗲𝗹𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘀
𝗧𝘆𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝗕𝗲𝗱𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗱 𝗮𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻

The Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities (ICDD) is proud to announce that Tyson Bedford will serve as our next Chairperson. A self-advocate who lives in Geneseo, Illinois, Bedford has served on ICDD since 2022. ICDD’s mission is to help lead change so that all people with developmental disabilities (DD) exercise their right to equal opportunity and freedom. At least 60% of ICDD membership is required to be people with DD and family members of people with DD who are appointed by the Illinois Governor.

Representatives from a variety of State of Illinois Agencies also serve on the ICDD Council.

As a Council Member, and as an Illinois resident, Tyson is a strong advocate who consistently educates and leads on policy issues that impact the Illinois DD community. In January of 2025, Illinois Governor Pritzker signed into law the Dignity in Pay Act, which will phase out subminimum wage in Illinois for people with disabilities by 2029.

In early 2025, in response to threats to people with disabilities around the country posed by HR 1, the Federal Reconciliation Bill, Tyson actively advocated in support of Medicaid supports and services. Tyson wrote letters and testified at legislative meetings, speaking about how Medicaid is a vital resource for inclusion, independence and well-being for himself and for thousands of others in Illinois.

In support of Medicaid on a national level, Tyson traveled to Washington, DC in 2024, where he represented ICDD in legislative meetings about the role of Home and Community-Based Services.

Working with the National Disability Institute (NDI), Tyson completed NDI’s Train the Trainer Financial Wellness Program and was featured in NDI’s “Faces of Financial Wellness” Video Series.

Tyson is an Illinois Partners in Policymaking 2019 Graduate and is an inductee into his High School Hall of Fame for his role as the Assistant Manager to the High School Football Team that made the State Finals.

A resident of Geneseo, Illinois, Tyson enjoys going to the local community center and the local library and is a member of the local all-inclusive choir. A choir that spans all generations performs through the summer, sings for communion around Thanksgiving Time, and sings Christmas carols in December. Tyson also creates, produces, records and publishes his own original songs and music, including an EP called “What, Music?” that is available on various streaming services.

𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗧𝘆𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗻𝗲𝘄 𝗿𝗼𝗹𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗜𝗖𝗗𝗗. We look forward to working with Tyson to use his expertise to continue to create systems change that leads to equal opportunity and freedom for all Illinoisans with developmental disabilities.

02/19/2026

𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗴𝗻𝗶𝘇𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗱𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗕𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗛𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵, 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗜𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗼𝗶𝘀 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗹 𝗼𝗻 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 (𝗜𝗖𝗗𝗗) 𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗯𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗹 𝗠𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝗖𝘂𝗿𝘁𝗶𝘀 𝗛𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗶𝘀. This week, Curtis was in Springfield, Illinois with an advocacy group called the Alliance for Community Services. Curtis serves as a Steering Committee Member for the Alliance. In this photo, Curtis is with ICDD Director Kimberly Mercer-Schleider at the Springfield Capitol.

A person with Autism, Curtis is a self-advocate and champion for advancing issues that impact the disability community. At the age of four, Curtis was diagnosed with Autism. He was the first student with Autism to enroll in the Chicago Public Schools (CPS) system in January of 1984, just after CPS created the Autistic program for students with Autism. After graduating from Chicago Public Schools system, Curtis went on to college.

In addition to his role with ICDD as a Council Member, Curtis is also a member of Access Living's Racial Justice Advance Your Leadership Power (AYLP) and other advocacy organizations at Access Living that focus on Housing and Home Services. Curtis is a board member of the Chicagoland Autism Connection (CAC) and Vice President of a self-advocacy organization called CAC Trailblazers. He is a 2020 graduate of the Illinois Partners in Policymaking Training.

In December 2025, 𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗶𝘀𝗺 𝗔𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗲𝘀 presented Curtis with their annual 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝗦𝗲𝗹𝗳-𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗰𝘆 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱.

Congratulations to Curtis on all of your accomplishments and thank you for your service! 𝗛𝗮𝗽𝗽𝘆 𝗕𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗛𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵.

02/18/2026

Today, February 18, 2026 at 12 p.m. Illinois Governor Pritzker will deliver the Illinois Budget Address. The Budget Address sets a tone for the near future and gives community members an idea of what to expect. The Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities is hosting a virtual Watch Party. We will follow the address and will host a short discussion afterwards. If you would like to join, please send an email to gary.arnold@illinois.gov Story from Capitol News Illinois:

Pritzker unveils his eighth Illinois budget as federal funding uncertainty, tariffs and deficits reshape the state’s outlook.

02/13/2026

Shared from the page of the Delaware Developmental Disabilities Council. Advocates of the Roundtable Black History Month Event: February 26

✨ Advocates of the Roundtable – We Are Black History ✨

Join us for a powerful virtual conversation celebrating Black History Month and disability — centering the voices, leadership, and lived experiences of Black people with disabilities and community leaders.

🖤 Theme: We Are Black History
📅 Date: February 26
⏰ Time: 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM (ET)
💻 Location: Virtual (Zoom)

This event will be co-facilitated by Golda Duncan and Richard Potter and will feature meaningful discussion and storytelling from leaders in our community.

🎨 Phoenix will share how she uses her artwork to express all of her identities.

Because our stories, leadership, and lived experiences matter — we are Black history, past, present, and future.

👉 Register here:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/GlXfUMsaTwa8q24Kxu0DHg #/registration

02/13/2026

Happy Friday from the Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities. We hope everyone has had a good week and will have a good weekend. In observance of Presidents Day, the ICDD offices will be closed this coming Monday, February 16. The offices will reopen on Tuesday, February 17. Story from the State Journal Register about closures on February 16.

Take a look at what is open and what's closed around Springfield on Lincoln's Birthday and Presidents Day.

02/11/2026

In recognition of Black History Month, here a post shared from the page of the Virginia Board for People with Disabilities (VBPD). This post shares information of the work of leader Brad Lomax.

Brad Lomax was a powerful force for both disability rights and racial justice. His advocacy helped lay the foundation for the Americans with Disabilities Act.

He founded one of the first independent living centers in the country and helped organize the 1977 Section 504 Sit-in, pushing for the enforcement of civil rights protections for people with disabilities.

Watch a short documentary on the 1977 sit-in: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SyWcCuVta7M

02/10/2026

Here is a link to the website of a Documentary called "Fire Through Dry Grass." This documentary follows "a group of Black and brown disabled artists fight Covid and the city to protect the lives of 500 vulnerable nursing home residents." Link to Fire Through Dry Grass Website:

  On a tiny island in NYC, a group of Black and brown disabled artists fight Covid and the city to protect the lives of 500 vulnerable nursing home residents.          STREAMING NOW   "An intimate and raw film… a powerful reminder of how defining and devastating the pandemic was, and give...

02/09/2026

From The Arc of Illinois:

Nominate Your Hidden Hero at the 76th Annual Convention Awards Reception!

Do you know someone who quietly (or loudly!) makes a real difference serving our community?

Whether it's an individual, organization, or program that consistently goes above and beyond to support The Arc of Illinois’ mission and enhance the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, now is the time to shine a spotlight on them!

Take a few minutes to submit a nomination and join us in honoring these unsung heroes at our 76th Annual Convention Awards Reception.

Nominations must be submitted by February 27, 2026.

Nomination Link:

02/06/2026

From The Arc of Illinois: Lunchtime Webinar

Preparing for ILGA 2026: Legislative Advocacy 101

Date & Time: Feb 10, 2026 12:00 PM

Description:

The second session in a mini-series on the 2026 election year will focus on how to "Speak Up and Speak Out" by submitting witness slips and communicating with your legislators.

Presented by Rio Goodwin Perez, Director of the Going Home Coalition, and Jennifer Sands, Senior Community Mobilization Manager of the Going Home Coalition.

Register at this link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_9hPIQzJCRF2_k_k2z5J2rw #/registration