Statewide Independent Living
Council of Illinois

2000 Statement of Policy Initiatives

(Adopted: November 5, 1999)

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 2000 legislative session:

Center for Independent Living Grassroots Development & Base Funding:

Centers for Independent Living (CILs) are non-residential, community-based advocacy organizations run by individuals with disabilities. SILC supports a minimum base funding level of $250,000 for an existing CIL to be effective, and that one new CIL should be started with GRF of $250,000 in presently unserved counties beginning in FY 2001. Finally, SILC supports a concept for 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.

Reorganization of the Department of Human Services:

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.@"

Abuse of Adults with Disabilities:

SILC supports legislation aimed at addressing the abuse and neglect of Illinoisans with disabilities. Currently, adults with disabilities are the only adult population in Illinois at risk of abuse or neglect without a protective services system, and one of only eight (8) states nationally that does not have such a program. SILC believes an appropriation within the Department of Human Services is necessary to fund such a critical program.

Cost of Living Adjustments for Centers for Independent Living:

Centers for Independent Living (CILs) have had only three cost of living adjustments (COLAs) since 1989, the last being 1.6% for FY 2000. SILC believes that all existing CILs should receive an annual COLA that is at least consistent with any increases in the Consumer Price Index.

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.

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 $6.00 per hour; therefore, we support an increase to at least $7.50 per hour in 2000 which is consistent with the rate the Department on Aging reimburses similar workers in its Community Care Program. The fact that these workers 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 citizens with disabilities enrolled in the HSP. These low wages continually deplete the pool of qualified and dedicated workers, and discourages others from working as PAs.

Community-Based Alternatives/Deinstitutionalization:

SILC supports programs and services which allow Illinoisans with disabilities to live and work in their communities. The recent US Supreme Court decision on Olmstead v. LC & EW 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."

Therefore, SILC supports 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.

Medicaid Buy-In for Illinois:

SILC believes that lawmakers should change Illinois' Medicaid program to 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. 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. Similar Medicaid Buy-In programs are underway in several Midwestern states, and a national Work Incentives Improvement Act (S 331/HR1180) is currently before Congress.

Accessible & Affordable Housing:

SILC supports initiatives using "Illinois First" funds which increase the availability of accessible and affordable housing. Specifically, we support the "Visitability" Bill 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 modification grants for individuals with disabilities and their families who require such modifications to live independently.

Accessible & Affordable Transportation:

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 2000.

Education of Students with Disabilities & IDEA:

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.