Center for Independent Living Satellite Development, Formula Funding & COLAs
Support for Services for Persons Adversely Affected by Tobacco
(Adopted: January 2, 2001)
Whereas, the Statewide Independent Living Council of Illinois (SILC) is a planning body mandated by the federal Rehabilitation Act as Amended, and is co-signer of the State Plan for Independent Living with the Department of Human Services; and
Whereas, a primary function of SILC is the development and expansion of Centers for Independent Living and independent living services; and
Whereas, SILC considers the needs of persons with disabilities in Illinois from both an individual and systemic perspective;
Therefore, we do hereby adopt the following statement of policy initiatives for the 2001 legislative session:
Centers for Independent Living (CILs) are non-residential, community-based advocacy organizations run by individuals with disabilities. SILC supports a concept of formula funding as proposed by the Illinois Network of Centers for Independent Living that has both a geographic and population component for present and future Centers for Independent Living.
SILC supports expansion of services in the state's 18 unserved counties through the development of new satellite offices of existing CILs, or through new grassroots CIL development.
Additionally, SILC believes that all existing CILs should receive an annual COLA that is at least consistent with any increases in the Consumer Price Index.
SILC supports programs and services which allow Illinoisans with disabilities to live and work in their communities. The US Supreme Court decision on Olmstead v. LC stressed that under the Americans with Disabilities Act, the unjustified institutionalized isolation of an individual with a disability is unlawful discrimination. The decision also mandated that states have a "comprehensive, effectively working plan and a waiting list that moves at a reasonable pace."
To this end, we support increased funding for programs such as the DHS' Home Services Program, Community Integrated Living Arrangements, family and home-based supports, supported employment, and other such programs that allow a person with a disability to live and work in the "most integrated setting" appropriate as ruled by the Supreme Court.
In addition, we believe that funding used to support residential institutions, sheltered workshops and day training programs should be redirected to support community based services to allow persons with disabilities to receive services in their community.
SILC supports initiatives using "Illinois First" funds which increase the availability of accessible and affordable housing. Specifically, we support "Visitability" legislation which mandates that new single family spec homes include certain modest accessibility features, including: (a) one accessible entrance, (b) 32" doorways, (c) reinforced bathroom walls, and (d) lowered utility receptacles. Such features, when built into the original design of the home, add less than 1% to the overall cost of the structure.
SILC also endorses the inclusion of $5 million in GRF to provide home and apartment modification grants for individuals with disabilities and their families who require such modifications to live independently.
Increased Pay for Home Service Program Personal Assistants
Personal Assistants (PAs) provide support in activities of daily living for Illinoisans with significant disabilities enrolled in the DHS' Home Services Program (HSP). PAs continue to be underpaid at $7.00 per hour; therefore, we support an increase to at least $8.50 per hour in 2001.
Personal Assistants save Illinois millions of dollars in institutional costs, yet can often make more money in the service industry, severely compromises the quality of life of people with disabilities enrolled in the HSP. These low wages continually deplete the pool of qualified and dedicated workers, and discourages others from working as Personal Assistants.
SILC applauds lawmakers for allocating $10 million for the development of a buy-in program for the state which will allow persons with disabilities who are working-- or want to work-- to pay a premium to keep their Medicaid coverage as permitted by the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 and the Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999. Additionally, the buy-in program should be tracked to show how persons with disabilities are increasing their hours worked and reducing their dependence on other forms of public assistance.
Too often, Illinoisans with disabilities have to decide between work or adequate health care. A recent study noted that seven out of ten working age persons with disabilities who are unemployed would prefer to work, but many cannot risk losing needed health care benefits. In Illinois, currently over 488,000 working age persons with disabilities are unemployed.
Illinois' Comprehensive Health Insurance Program
SILC supports expansion of the I-CHIP program which has not seen an increase in its appropriation since 1991. Beginning in 2000, the enrollment for this program has ceased and individuals who have applied for this program have been placed on a waiting list.
This program is designed to protect persons with disabilities who are often denied coverage by private insurers, HMOs or employer-sponsored group health plan because of a pre-existing medical condition. Often these individuals have to go without critical medical services or impoverish themselves to qualify for Medicaid or other public assistance.
SILC strongly supports re-opening enrollment and maintaining fiscal responsible to the I-CHIP program by appropriating $43 million in the fiscal year 2002 budget.
SILC supports the increased awareness of transition services for students with disabilities after they leave the educational setting. It is necessary that the state ensures successful transitioning to the workplace, additional schooling, or to other supportive environments.
SILC urges state policymakers to create a special bond fund to help school districts come in to compliance with Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Many districts have never developed or complied with the ADA Self-Evaluation and Transition Plans. The $100 million initiative appropriated for state facilities in 1992-93 might be used as a model for such a program.
SILC supports the re-creation of the Department of Rehabilitation Services (DORS), comprised of Home Services, Independent Living, Blind Services, and Vocational Rehabilitation. As a cabinet level agency, DORS would increase the visibility of disability issues and policies, enhancing the quality of life of Illinoisans with disabilities. SILC urges the Ryan administration and the General Assembly to return "ORS to DORS."
SILC supports the inclusion of significant GRF and "Illinois First" funds to increase accessible and affordable transportation options for individuals with disabilities and their families in urban, suburban, and rural areas.
In addition, we request that GRF be allocated to conduct a comprehensive statewide needs assessment of transportation issues that directly affect individuals with disabilities and their ability to live independently. This needs assessment must include persons with disabilities in the planning, implementation and recommendation processes and should be completed by the end of 2001.
SILC supported legislation aimed at addressing the abuse and neglect of Illinoisans with disabilities. We believe an appropriation within the Department of Human Services is necessary to successfully staff and operate such a critical program, and that the successful development of this new program must by recognized by the Inspector General as a priority.
Additionally, SILC supports a tracking system that identifies trends and that education opportunities on the abuse and neglect of people with disabilities be provided to law enforcement officials in cooperation with the Office of Inspector General.
Support for Services for Persons Adversely Affected by Tobacco
It is estimated that Illinois will receive $9 billion over the next 25 years as the result of the Tobacco Settlement. SILC urges state policymakers to allocate a significant share of these funds to create and support services which promote independent living services to people with disabilities who represent approximately 20% of the population. More specifically, SILC supports the creation and continuing funding of intensive services for people with disabilities and seniors who have been adversely affected by the use of tobacco and exposure to second hand smoke.
SILC believes that Centers for Independent Living are uniquely positioned throughout Illinois communities, and are well qualified to provide these services with adequate funding from the Tobacco Settlement.