Illinois Association of Rehabilitation Facilities

02/16/2026

02/16/2026

02/15/2026

State Senator Seth Lewis, a Republican budget point person, said he hopes to see no new programs and a focus on core services, including support for residents with developmental

The governor also faces intensifying pressure from his party’s left flank on the budget portion of his speech, as progressives are pushing for the wealthy to pay more.

02/14/2026

Congratulations Opportunity House!

02/14/2026

Supporting Our DD Community: SB 3427

Senator Dave Koehler has introduced SB 3427, a comprehensive bill that would transform funding for Illinois' developmental disabilities system.
This legislation implements the Guidehouse Rate Study to ensure adequate, sustainable funding across the DD system. Key provisions include:
✓ Raising wages to 150% of minimum wage for direct support professionals
✓ Establishing benchmark rates for therapy, counseling, and supported employment
✓ Creating tiered rates for community day services based on individual needs
✓ Improving CILA transportation funding
✓ Implementing the Zero Hour Staffing Model

SB 3427 represents a critical investment in quality care and fair compensation for the dedicated professionals who serve individuals with developmental disabilities.

Learn more about SB 3427: https://www.ilga.gov/Legislation/BillStatus?DocTypeID=SB&DocNum=3427&GAID=18&SessionID=114&LegID=166368

02/13/2026

Caritas Family Solutions has announced the opening of its Community Youth Shelter, providing short-term stabil...

02/12/2026

Transparency in CILA Licensing: SB3714

Senator Adriane Johnson has introduced SB3714, legislation that promotes transparency and accountability in the licensing process for community-integrated living arrangement (CILA) homes.

This straightforward bill requires the Department of Human Services' Bureau of Accreditation, Licensure, and Certification (BALC) to publish annually the assessment instruments used to survey and license CILA providers for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities.
Why This Matters:
✓ Increases transparency in the licensing process
✓ Helps providers better understand compliance standards
✓ Promotes consistency and fairness in assessments
✓ Supports quality improvement efforts across the CILA system

By making assessment tools publicly available starting January 1, 2027, this bill empowers providers to better prepare for surveys and maintain high-quality services.

Learn more about SB3714: https://www.ilga.gov/Legislation/BillStatus?GAID=18&DocNum=3714&DocTypeID=SB&LegId=166961&SessionID=114
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02/12/2026

The City of Des Plaines supports residents by providing Social Service Funding to local nonprofit organizations that serve our community. 2026 applications are now open! Interested agencies should review the application requirements at desplainesil.gov/ssfunding and submit by February 28.

02/12/2026

Career Pathways for Direct Support Professionals : SB 3255 has been introduced by State Senator Laura Murphy

SB 3255 adjusts the timeline for implementing Illinois' Direct Support Professional Credential Pilot Program to State Fiscal Year 2028, thus ensuring adequate time for thoughtful preparation and successful launch.

About the DSP Credential Pilot Program:
The program aims to professionalize the direct support workforce through a state-administered credentialing system that:
✓ Attracts new workers and promotes recruitment and retention
✓ Advances direct support as a career pathway
✓ Enhances competencies and professional standards
✓ Ensures health, safety, and quality services for individuals with developmental disabilities
✓ Creates career ladders and skill development opportunities

The 3-year pilot will assess how credentialing impacts workforce quality, retention, and service outcomes in the DD field.

Learn more about SB 3255: https://www.ilga.gov/Legislation/BillStatus?DocNum=3255&GAID=18&DocTypeID=SB&LegId=166025&SessionID=114

02/11/2026

A payment delay, plus the ICE surge and the closure of UCare, are squeezing providers as the state tries to rein in a massive welfare scandal.

02/10/2026

“Black residents make up the majority of Chicago’s disability population at about 32%, followed by Latinos at 27%. Asian and white residents each make up about 20%, the report found.”

The first-of-its-kind report uncovers key information about the city’s population of those with disabilities and inequities in their neighborhoods and seeks input on how to improve conditions in their neighborhoods.

02/10/2026

Improving Access to Community Day Services: SB 3727

State Senator Mike Halpin has introduced SB 3727, legislation focused on strengthening community day services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

This bill addresses two critical operational challenges:
✓ Transportation Funding Survey – Reissues the cost and wage survey from the Guidehouse Rate Study to inform rate increases for transportation funding in community day services
✓ Billing Flexibility – Removes the 5-hour-per-day billing maximum for community day services, while maintaining monthly and yearly caps to ensure program integrity

These changes will give providers the flexibility and resources needed to better serve individuals with I/DD through improved transportation access and more realistic billing structures that reflect how individuals choose to utilize Community Day Services.

Learn more about SB 3727: https://www.ilga.gov/Legislation/BillStatus?DocNum=3727&GAID=18&DocTypeID=SB&LegId=166997&SessionID=114