Monthly Archives: December 2018

December 17, 2018

Dear Friends of Progress Center,

In 2018, Progress Center celebrated 30 years of service in Suburban Cook County.  Since 1988, we have been providing people with disabilities with information, resources, and support that equip people with disabilities with the tools to be independent in their own homes and communities.  Like many years throughout our history, 2018 was a strong year for Progress Center.  In the past 12 months, Progress Center:

• Launched a new transition program designed to give young people with disabilities skills and resources to succeed after high school
• Produced weekly episodes of Radio Independiente, which airs on Univision Radio AM 1200 and four internet stations, reaching 2,000 listeners per week with information about inclusion, independence and empowerment
• Referred 211 people with disabilities to qualified employees within our personal assistant pool
• Hosted eight “SHOP-INS,” sending a message to local businesses about disability awareness and physical accessibility
• Distributed 240 amplified phones to people in need of assistive technology
• Provided Benefits Counseling Services to 183 people
• Secured Legislative Sponsorship of the Disability Integration Act from five US Representatives
• Hosted a Managed Care Town Hall Meeting, allowing people with disabilities to bring their healthcare concerns directly to managed care representatives

In addition to referring more than 200 people to qualified personal assistants, Progress Center also trained 133 people to enter our Personal Assistant Registry.  Personal Assistants perform day-to-day tasks such as dressing, bathing, cooking, feeding and cleaning. Progress Center permanently employs two personal assistants, allowing people with significant disabilities to work at Progress Center. Without personal assistants, thousands of people with disabilities would not have the support they need to work, and thousands of people would end up in nursing homes because they would not have the support they need to live at home.  Personal Assistants are a key link to independence.  In many ways, as a Center for Independent Living, Progress Center is also a key link to independence.  For people with disabilities throughout Suburban Cook County, we fill in the gaps separating people with disabilities from inclusion, equality, and independence.  As the year 2018 draws to a close, we invite you to make a year-end contribution to Progress Center. With your support, Progress Center will continue to be a key link to independence for people with disabilities in 2019, and for years to come.

To donate today, please visit this Web Page.  On behalf of Progress Center, we wish you a very joyous and safe Holiday Season. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or would like more information.

Sincerely,

Horacio Esparza (hesparza@progresscil.org)

Executive Director

Proposed Public Charge a threat to immigrants with disabilities

Progress Center for Independent Living opposes the new “Public Charge” rule proposed by the US Department of Homeland Security.  The rule change, if enacted, would be devastating to immigrants, including immigrants with disabilities.

The new rule would discourage and prevent many disabled immigrants from entering the United States, cutting them off from opportunity, from healthcare resources, and in some cases cutting them off from life-saving health and safety.   Under the new rule, immigrants could be denied entry into the United States if they use, or if they are considered to be “likely” users, of public benefits.

The proposed rule would impact immigrants seeking opportunity, safe haven, and reunification with their families.  Specifically for those with disabilities, the proposed rule cuts off the possibility of seeking medical treatment not available to them otherwise, and makes unavailable Medicaid services that allow people with disabilities to live in their own homes and be active participants in their communities.

“The proposed rule would have a terrible impact on people who want to enter the United States and who are disabled,” said Horacio Esparza, Executive Director of Progress Center for Independent Living.  “The proposed rule discriminates against people with disabilities, and is another example of actions taken by the current White House administration that threatens the civil rights, inclusion, and well-being of people with disabilities and other marginalized populations.”

The proposed rule is opposed by disability groups nationwide.

The Arc of the United States wrote, “The proposed rule would exclude people from this country simply because they have a disability and may need supports.”

 The National Council on Independent Living wrote, “The changes proposed would be devastating to immigrant families by making it harder for immigrants, and especially disabled and poor immigrants, to enter the US or become legal permanent residents. NCIL strongly opposes this proposal.”

The Autistic Self Advocacy Network wrote, “The Autistic Self Advocacy Network strongly condemns the Administration’s proposed “Public Charge” regulation, which discriminates against disabled and low-income immigrants and makes pathways to American citizenship contingent upon wealth and the absence of disability.”

“We applaud the leadership and advocacy of disability groups far and wide to oppose the Public Charge Proposal,” Esparza said.  “Progress Center will work with the community to ensure that immigrants with disabilities, and all immigrants, have access to opportunity and to services that support inclusion, independence, and equality.”

Progress Center urges The Trump Administration should immediately withdraw its proposal and instead advance policies that support—rather than undermine—the health of families and communities.

As a Center for Independent Living, Progress Center provides services and conducts advocacy that supports the independence of people with disabilities.  Progress Center serves Suburban Cook County. Progress Center is one of 22 Centers for Independent Living in Illinois.  For more information, contact 708-209-1500, or lbiondi@progresscil.org