Image of Advocate and Former Progress Center Board Member Speaking at Paratransit Town Hall Meeting

Covid-19- Advocacy Efforts

April 9, 2020By
Across the country, there are efforts happening on the local, state, and Federal level to protect people with disabilities amidst the Covid-19 Health Pandemic and to secure resources for people with disabilities.
Some groups are organizing under the #Weareessential hashtag.

Weeks of Action:

This was developed by the American Association of People with Disabilities —

Congress is on recess until April 20, and when they return they will be working on drafting the next COVID-19 relief package. The number of ways that COVID 19 impacts our lives is overwhelming. To help focus our advocacy, consider focusing your social media outreach around 4 priority areas that desperately need to be addressed in the next bill.

04/13: Paid leave for caregivers. As more people with disabilities lose their usual sources of care, family caregivers are scrambling and need access to paid leave and sick days to help their loved ones. Congress should include all family caregivers in the emergency paid leave provisions.

04/20: Making Sure people on Supplemental Security Income (SSI) to access Recovery Rebates. People with disabilities on SSI are being asked to file needless paperwork in order to access economic stimulus payments. Congress should tell Federal agencies to use their existing authority to share data and file for people on SSI

04/27: Access to personal medications and supplies and personal protective equipment (PPE) for direct support professionals and for people with disabilities.These are critical needs to keep people with disabilities safe and healthy, and protect the health and safety of this workforce.

Resources:
Below is a list of advocacy resources that has been developed by the American Association of People with Disabilities.
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image of woman standing behind Progress Center resource table. Table has red covering and information packets are laid out across the table

Emergency Home Services Support in April and beyond

April 5, 2020By

Emergency Home Services Support in April and beyond

Stay at Home Ordinance in Illinois:  Illinois Governor Pritzker issued a Stay at Home Ordinance that applies to the entire State of Illinois.  This is a link to that Executive Order .  The ordinance is effective through April.  The order requires all Illinois residents to stay at home or where they reside in order to contain the spread of Covid-19.  The order does include exceptions. Those exceptions include personal assistant services.

Personal Assistant Services:  This order includes an exception for personal assistant services.  However, it is very possible that some people with disabilities may experience a need for services during this health crisis.  If you are in Suburban Cook County, and you are in need of services, contact a member of Progress Center’s Personal Assistant Department —

  • Home Services Manager:  708-209-1500 ext 21; ajohnson@progresscil.org
  • Personal Assistant Advocate:  Rbarnes@progresscil.org; 708-689-1381– Videophone
  • Personal Assistant Advocate: jtopp@progresscil.org

Emergency Home Services:  If you are a member of the Home Services Program in Illinois, and if your Personal Assistant is unable to work because of the Covid-19 Crisis, there is a new program set up to help fill the immediate void in services. The Emergency Back Up Program allows you to hire a provider through an expedited process.  Contact Progress Center if you need emergency services because your regular personal assistant is unable to work because of Covid-19, (708-209-1500 ext 14).

Also, the Illinois Network of Centers for Independent Living has set up a hotline. Home Services can call this line and request emergency services. Here is the number:  1-800-587-1287

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image of progress center website

Stay at Home, Covid-19 Resource Page — October 2020

March 21, 2020By

Stay at Home, Covid-19 Resource Page — October 2020

This page will include a list of resources that may be relevant to Progress Center Consumers, members of the Progress Center Community, and to members of the disability community in the midst of the Covid-19 Health Crisis.

October 2020: Progress Center’s office remains closed to the public in Forest Park and in Blue Island.  The only exception is for people who are applying for an amplified phone.  By appointment only, Progress Center is meeting with people who have a voucher to secure an amplified phone.  To set up an appointment, call 708-209-1500.

PPE — Also, Progress Center has Personal Protective Equipment on hand at the Forest Park Office.  If you are in need of PPE, or if you have a personal assistant or family member in need of PPE, please contact the Progress Center office at 708-209-1500.

Update, August 2020: Progress Center’s office remain closed in August.  Staff are working remotely. There is someone taking calls at the Forest Park Office.  If you have questions or need services, please contact the main Forest Park Number — 708-209-1500. The person taking calls will make sure your message is delivered to the correct person.

Protective Equipment:  Progress Center has masks and protective equipment available for people with disabilities in the community.  For information, contact garnold@progresscil.org

Or, fill out this survey about your protective equipment needs: Protective Equipment Survey

Progress Center is also seeking volunteers to help with the distribution of protective equipment. To volunteer your time, please complete this survey:  Volunteer Survey

Also, for people with disabilities in the Illinois Home Services Program, your local DRS Office will provide protective equipment upon request.

The Center for Disease Control recommends that all people wear a mask who go outside and come into contact with other people.  Statistics show that about 25 percent of people who are carrying Covid-19 may not show signs of the illness and may feel healthy. Because of this, people who feel healthy and go outside risk spreading the illness to other people.  That is why the CDC recommends that everyone wear a mask.  Because resources are scarce, it can be difficult to secure a mask.  Some people have decided to make their own mask.  On April 5, the Chicago Tribune published a piece about how to build a mask for yourself at home.  The link to the story is here.  2020-Covid -19-How-to-sew-a-face-mask with instructions about how to build a mask.

In Oak Park, Illinois, free masks are available at the local police statio

Currently, the region served by Progress Center is in Stage Three of Covid-19 Recovery. Here is a link to NBC Channel 5 with information about what is allowed and what businesses can operate under Stage Three (Update: Illinois is now in Stage Four.  Here is a new link to an NBC Channel 5 resource with information about Stage Four)

Testing for Covid-19:  This information is taken from the Oak Park Village:  The state has opened its community-based COVID-19 testing sites to everyone regardless of symptoms or other criteria. No appointment, doctor referral or insurance is needed, and testing is free. Public health officials say testing is crucial to identifying new cases and taking immediate action to prevent additional spread. The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) also is recommending that anyone who has been part of a mass gathering, including rallies and protests over the past week, get tested for COVID-19. A list of testing sites is posted at www.dph.illinois.gov/testing. The list of free, community-based testing sites is posted at www.oak-park.us/statetestingsites.

Covid-19 Relief/Stimulus Checks:  According to news that Progress Center received from a Chicago Foundation, Byline Bank will cash stimulus checks for those individuals and families who may not bank.  Byline Bank will not charge fees.  Here is a listing of Byline Banks that are operating during the Stay at Home Order in Illinois.

 

Personal Assistant Services:  Though this order includes an exception for personal assistant services, it is very possible that some people with disabilities may experience a need for services during this health crisis.  If you are in suburban Cook County, and you are in need of services, contact a member of Progress Center’s Personal Assistant Department —

  • Home Services Manager:  708-209-1500 ext 21; ajohnson@progresscil.org
  • Personal Assistant Advocate:  Rbarnes@progresscil.org; 708-689-1381– Videophone
  • Personal Assistant Advocate: jtopp@progresscil.org

Emergency Home Services (this program expired July 31, 2020. If you need emergency services, please contact Progress Center. We will attempt to place you with a personal assistant as soon as possible):  If you are a member of the Home Services Program in Illinois, and if your Personal Assistant is unable to work because of the Covid-19 Crisis, there is a new program set up to help fill the immediate void in services. The Emergency Back Up Programs allows you to hire a provider through an expedited process.  Contact Progress Center if you need emergency services because your regular personal assistant is unable to work because of Covid-19, (708-209-1500 ext 14).

Also, the Illinois Network of Centers for Independent Living has set up a hotline. Home Services can call this line and request emergency services. Here is the number:  1-800-587-1287

Benefits Counseling: Telehealth services in Illinois are expanding in the midst of the healthcare crisis. Here is a link to a page on the Illinois Health and Family Services website that explains more: Telehealth Services  If you have questions about current services or other benefits, Progress Center has benefits counselors on staff who can assist. Benefits Staff:

  • Benefits Advocate:  Agunter@progresscil.org; 708-209-1500 ext 22
  • Benefits Advocate:  kliddell@progresscil.org

If you disagree with a decision made by the State of Illinois about your benefits and wish to file an appeal or check the status of an existing appeal, visit this link:  Appeals

Food Services:

From the Beyond Hunger Website:

Oak Park River Forest Food Pantry has a bold new look and a mission-driven name!

Our new name, Beyond Hunger, reflects the steadfast dedication and collaborative spirit of Oak Park River Forest Food Pantry, while allowing us to more accurately express our mission to end hunger in all the communities we serve.

Beyond Hunger is who we are and where we are going. It is now more inclusive of the 13 zip codes we serve, with all of our programs and services:  Click here for Information

State of Illinois:

State of Illinois Covid-19 Response Page:  Link to Page Here

Support for people who are experiencing social isolation, (New August 2020):   The Illinois Department on Aging (IDoA) and the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) received $1.7 million through the CARES Act from the Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Community Living to provide services to older adults and persons with disabilities who are socially isolated as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Illinois Care Connections will provide technology devices such as iPads or Tablets to participants to help facilitate social connections with family and friends on a first come first serve basis.

Participants receiving services through IDoA, IDHS-DD and IDHS-DRS providers and programs are eligible if they have been socially isolated as a result of the Coronavirus and are experiencing loneliness and a lack of connectedness.  Contact Progress Center for help with the application.

 

New Toll-Free Number:  The Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) is proud to announce the launch of a new toll-free number for all DRS customers to use during the current global pandemic.  Existing or prospective customers can call 1-877-581-3690 to receive assistance regarding DRS programs and services that are designed to allow those with disabilities throughout the state to live, learn, and work independently.  These services include in-home services, assistive technology, vocational and occupational rehabilitation, educational services for individuals with all types of disabilities, including Deaf or hard-of-hearing Illinoisans, Blind people, and people with low vision, along with other supports.

State of Illinois Home Services Program Page:  The Home Services Program funds personal assistants for thousands of people with disabilities in Illinois.  This page has been updated frequently amidst the Covid-19 Health Crisis. Link to Page Here.  Now also, there is an emergency back up program for people whose personal assistant may be unable to work because of Covid-19.  If you need emergency back up services, contact Progress Center at 708-209-1500 ext 14.

Emotional and Mental Health Support Line:   The Illinois Department of Human Services’ Mental Health Division has launched a free-of-charge emotional support text line, Call4Calm, for Illinois residents experiencing stress and mental health issues related to COVID-19.Individuals who would like to speak with a mental health professional can text “TALK” to 5-5-2-0-2-0, or for Spanish, “HABLAR” to the same number: 5-5-2-0-2-0. Call4Calm is free to use, and individuals will remain anonymous.Once a resident sends a text to the hotline, within 24 hours they will receive a call from a counselor employed by a local community mental health center to provide support.  Individuals can also text 5-5-2-0-2-0, with key words such as “unemployment” or “food” or “shelter” and will receive information on how navigate and access supports and services.  Here is link to news release with more information.

Family Community Resource Centers:  This map has a list of Resource Centers that remain open

Benefits Appeals:   If you disagree with a decision made by the State of Illinois about your benefits and wish to file an appeal or check the status of an existing appeal, visit this link:  Appeals

Employment and Financial:

This information taken from the Oak Park Village Website:  A state-sponsored web portal connects workers affected by the COVID-19 pandemic with available job and career training opportunities. Called Get Hired Illinois, the website provides a one-stop-shop for job seekers and employers, and includes information on job opportunities and unemployment resources. Officials say the online portal is designed to be user-friendly for job seekers of all levels and backgrounds and allows employers to upload jobs, virtual career fairs and training opportunities. More information is available at www.illinois.gov/gethired.

Page with information about Covid-19 Unemployment Benefits and about Federal Stimulus and Unemployment.

Promoting Financial Health and Resiliency for People with Disabilities and Their Families During the COVID-19 Pandemic — Visit this Link Here

Paycheck Protection Program: Frequently Asked Questions:  The Paycheck Protection Program are grants awarded to small businesses for payroll. This link on the State of Illinois Website has a set of FAQs — Visit this link

Information about SNAP Benefits during the Covid-19 Pandemic:  Illinois SNAP recipients will begin receiving maximum benefit amounts this week

Employment and Employer Services: Employment & Employer Services (E&ES) partners with local businesses in high-demand, growing industries throughout the Chicagoland region and connects local job seekers with these high demand career opportunities and quality jobs​.  Calendar of Events at this Link

Village of Forest Park:

Progress Center’s main office is in Forest Park. Here is a link to the Village of Forest Park Covid-19 Update Page

Village of Blue Island:

The Progress Center satellite office is in Blue Island. Here is a link to the Village of Blue Island webpage, which also has information relevant to local residents, regarding Covid-19.

Village of Oak Park:

The Village of Oak Park neighbors Forest Park.  Before Illinois issued the Stay at Home Executive Order, Oak Park issued a Shelter in Place order. The Oak Park site has a lot of Covid-19 resources.

On April 16, the Village of Oak Park posted this message about a support line that people can contact if they are feeling stressed or anxious:  If you or a loved one is feeling overwhelmed, get support 24/7 by calling 1.800.985.5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746.

The Community Mental Health Board of Oak Park (CMHB) has a Resource Guide that will be updated weekly at this link: https://tinyurl.com/oprfguide.

Oak Park Homelessness Coalition, Link to Page Here:  From the home page of the site — “Because the COVID-19 outbreak is a public health and economic crisis, the Flexible Rental Assistance Program (FRAP) is available to those who require financial support to maintain or secure stable housing.   This program, which is conducted through Housing Forward, provides individuals and families who are at risk or experiencing homelessness with emergency financial assistance that is aimed towards preventing homelessness or aiding those that are in between stable housing. To stay up to date on news, go to www.housingforward.org/covid-19-updates”

Oak Park Township:

With partner agency, Oak Park Township is delivering these services —

  • Delivering meals and groceries to home-bound, qualifying older adult and disabled adult residents. Over 100 volunteer applications have been received.
  • “Take-out” meals are available to older adults for a minimal suggested donation due to partial funding from AgeOptions. We’ve seen an increase in requests of over 30% since mid-March.
  • Transporting older adults to dialysis and medical appointments.
  • Continuing case management counseling to youth and older adults via tele-conferences and phone calls. Referrals are higher by 20% with reported increases in anxiety and depression among students.
  • Assisting homeowners, landlords and commercial property owners with tax appeals during this reassessment year via phone appointment. To date, over 1500 appeals applications have been completed.
  • Providing referrals for financial assistance, housing, food to unemployed residents. We’ve received over 45 calls from residents needing help.

Other Resources:

Information in Chinese on Covid-19: The World Health Organization China Office published this guide in Chinese with visuals for people with disabilities. https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/o1oEzIWdW6oM842SyE6Qzg

The National Council on Disability is the national group that represents all centers for independent like Progress Center.  The National Council is working hard to keep the community informed and engaged during this period. Here is the National Council on Disability page about Covid-19.

Access Living:  Access Living is the center for independent living that serves Chicago. They also have worked diligently to keep the community informed. Here is the Access Living page on Covid-19.

Age Options:  Progress Center partners with Age Options through the Make Medicare Work Coalition and through our work with Healthcare Benefits Counseling. Throughout the Covid-19 Crisis, Age Options has been collecting valuable resources and linking its partners with important information. Here is a link to an Age Options Resource Page:  Resource Page

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:  Here is a Covid-19 page from the CDC

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:  Information for Older Adults  

Illinois Deaf and Hard of Hearing Commission:  A resource page on Covid-19 from the Illinois Deaf and Hard of Hearing Commission.

Behavioral Health:  In the event of an infectious disease outbreak, like COVID 19, local officals may require the public to take measures to limit and control the spread of the disease. This tip sheet provides information about social distancing, quarantine, and isolation. This tip sheet describes feelings and thoughts you may have during and after social distancing, quarantine, and isolation. It also suggests ways to care for your behavioral health during these experiences and provides resources for more help. Please share freely, this may be useful for a number of people including staff.  STRATEGIES TO COPE WITH FEELINGS FROM SOCIAL DISTANCING, QUARANTINE AND ISOLATION

ILRU:  ILRU is a training and resource outlet for the national independent living network.  ILRU has a thorough listing of covid-19 resources at this link.

River Edge Hospital:  For anyone who may be experiencing a mental health crisis, River Edge Hospital is available for screening, intake, and referral during the Covid-19 Crisis. This is the phone number to call: 708-209-4181, riveredgehospital.com

For questions, contact garnold@progresscil.org

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A group of Progress Center Community Members on Madison in Forest Park, outside the Progress Center Office

Progress Center Office Closed to the Public– Update March 19, 2020: Contact Information

March 19, 2020By

Staff Contact Information

Like many other organizations across Chicagoland and Illinois, Progress Center is closed to the public for at least the next few weeks. During this time, staff will continue to work. Staff will work remotely with consumers and members of the community. If you need to reach someone, please email or call them. Someone will follow up soon.

Here is a list of contact information:

Executive Director:  708-209-1500 ext 11; hesparza@progresscil.org

Finance Director: 708-209-1500 ext 13; dalbrecht@progresscil.org

Program Director: 708-209-1500 ext 14; garnold@progresscil.org

Home Services Manager:  708-209-1500 ext 21; ajohnson@progresscil.org

Advocacy Manager:  larsiu@sbcglobal.net;

Community Reintegration Advocates:

708-209-1500, ext 12; Esanders@progresscil.org

Kmeskin@progresscil.org; 708-209-1500 ext 16

Housing:

MCovington@progresscil.org; 708-209-1500 ext 20

Personal Assistant Advocates:

Rbarnes@progresscil.org; 708-689-1381– Videophone

jtopp@progresscil.org; 708-209-1500 ext 18

Benefits Advocates:

Agunter@progresscil.org; 708-209-1500 ext 22

kliddell@progresscil.org; 708-388-5011

Deaf Services Advocate:

cnemecek@progresscil.org; 708-689-1378 — Video Phone

Community Organizers:

Mgonzalez@progresscil.org; 708-388-5011

ccraig@progresscil.org; 708-209-1500 ext 34

Youth Transition Advocates:

Charfmann@progresscil.org; 708-209-1500 ext 26

Kliddell@progresscil.org; 708-388-5011

 

 

 

 

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Progress Center Office will be closed starting on March 16, 2020

March 13, 2020By

Progress Center Office will be closed starting on March 16, 2020

Starting on March 16, the Progress Center office will be closed to the public. This closure is in response to the Corona Virus concerns and recommendations coming from health agencies.  This decision was made in an attempt to keep Progress Center staff and members of the Progress Center community safe and healthy.

Earlier today, on March 13, the National Council on Independent Living (the umbrella group for all Centers for Independent Living like Progress Center) sent out an alert about the Corona Virus.  The alert included a link to this page, with information and resources about Covid 19.

Up to date information can also be found at this site:  https://www.cdc.gov/

Though the office is closed, Program Staff will continue to be working and serving people with disabilities. Staff will be checking their voicemail and email.  If something comes up over the next few weeks and Progress Center services are needed, please call the office.  Someone will respond to your inquiry within an appropriate period of time.  Specifically, Progress Center will still be making personal assistant referrals at this time.  If you need a personal assistant, please call the office at 708-209-1500 or send an email to ajohnson@progresscil.org

 

 

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JPEG Image of Flyer for March 12, with Logistic Information and information about the panelists

Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities Advocacy Town Hall

February 24, 2020By
JPEG Image of Flyer for March 12, with Logistic Information and information about the panelists
JPEG Image of Flyer for March 12, with Logistic Information and information about the panelists

In Honor of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, please join the Community Mental Health Board of Oak Park Township and the Oak Park and River Forest Developmental Disabilities Consortium for an Advocacy Town Hall Meeting on Thursday, March 12 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Doors open at 6 p.m.

The event is geared toward parents, guardians, families, caregivers, self-advocates, and all people with intellectual/developmental disabilities.

The Town Hall will cover: Lifelong Transitions – Vocational Opportunities – State Funding

The event will take place at Riveredge Hospital, 8311 West Roosevelt Road, Forest Park, Illinois  60130

For more Information, to register, and to request accommodations, visit this link: https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?oeidk=a07egvo2x8e9e2ad026&oseq=&c=&ch=

 

Panelists include:

Ann Clark, BCBA Parent Advocate

Georgia Hunter Self-Advocate

Zoe Phillpotts Self-Advocate

Rocio Perez, The Arc of Illinois & Parent Advocate

Debra Vines, CEO The Answer, Inc, Autism Advocate, Parent

Jim Haptonstahl, UCP Seguin of Greater Chicago & They Deserve More Coalition

Moderator: Kathy Carmody The Institute on Public Policy for People with Disabilities

 

 
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Cover page image of the 2020 Spring Progress Center Newsletter. Image includes cover story on 2020 Census

Progress For All — The Progress Center Newsletter: Spring 2020

February 11, 2020By

Linked to this page, please find the latest issue of the Progress Center Newsletter — Progress For All.  This issue features:

  • Information about the 2020 Census
  • The latest installment of the Institution Chronicles
  • News about the Public Charge
  • A Consumer Interview
  • Images from the 2019 Liberty Gala
  • Information about threats to Social Security
  • and more.

Also on this page, please find a newsletter insert, with a listing of support for the 2019 Liberty Gala.

These documents are available in alternative format upon request.

Click here to download PDF of Spring 2020 Issue:  2020 -Spring-Layout-online layout

Click this link to download PDF of insert:  2020-Spring layout — Gala Insert-final

If you have any questions about the Spring 2020 issue of Progress For All, please contact Progress Center at 708-209-1500 ext 14 or garnold@progresscil.org

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Two friends smiling together in a parking lot. The young man driving is an amputee.

The 2020 Census and the Disability Community

January 14, 2020By

The 2020 Census and the Disability Community

Above Photo:  Two friends smiling together in a parking lot. The young man driving is disabled. Photo credit: Kali9.  Photo from Getty Images The Disability Collection

This year, 2020, is a Census year in the United States. The Census is a count of how many people live in the United States. An accurate Census is important because Census Data helps to determine the number of elected officials in a particular state and the level of Federal Funding for a community.  If a state or a community is under-counted, then that area may not receive the representation or the funding that it deserves.

A new Census is taken every ten years. The last Census in the United States was in 2010.  Across Cook County and Illinois, groups are creating what are called Complete Count Committees.   The committees develop strategies that will support an accurate count. At Progress Center, our goal is to ensure that people with disabilities in Suburban Cook County are aware of the Census, have accurate information about the Census process, and can access the Census and can participate in the process.

To meet this goal, Progress Center will:

  • Participate in Census Complete Count Committees — At this time, we are members of two Complete Count Committees.  One committee is specific to disability. That committee includes representatives from disability groups around Cook County.  The second committee is specific to River Forest, Illinois, a community in the Progress Center service area.
  • Conduct focused outreach to the disability community in the Forest Park area, informing people about the Census and what to expect. If you have questions about the Census, please contact Progress Center.
  • Be a resource for people with disabilities who have questions about the Census

Also on this web page, Progress Center will post links to Census resources, and will post information about upcoming Census events.

  1.  Frequently Asked Questions about the Census

The FAQ below is taken from the Village of River Forest Census Page. The page can be accessed at this link:

https://vrf.us/guides/guide/29?fbclid=IwAR2uA40h90jvEDhG9zKgn7ziqqAYcAVbXqN1YG-fKKOWUhLnyoblnBtH37k

Why does it matter?

Participating in the 2020 Census is a civic duty. An accurate census ensures fair representation on all levels of government, and Census data is used to determine the allocation of more than $800 billion in federal funds annually to states, counties and cities across the country. Census data is also used for research, and academic institutions, medical facilities, and businesses all utilize census data for a variety of purposes.

When should I start thinking about the Census?

Self-response begins in March 2020, when the Census Bureau sends out a postcard which includes an invitation to respond online and an optional paper questionnaire. For those who receive a postcard and fail to respond, Bureau employees will conduct non-response follow ups. These in person visits begin in May 2020 and last through July. Read the US Census Bureau’s fact sheet, How the 2020 Census will invite everyone to respond.

What’s new for 2020?

The 2020 Census will be the first to let citizens provides responses over the phone or through an online portal.

Will my information be protected?

Census Bureau employees are sworn to uphold the confidentiality of your data for life. Your responses can only be used to produce statistical information, and your personal information cannot be seen or used by other government agencies or the courts. Read the US Census Bureau’s fact sheet, The 2020 Census and Confidentiality.

2.     The Census and the Disability Community

The information below is taken from a Disability Tool Kit created by Disability Rights California.  This is a link to the full tool kit –https://www.disabilityrightsca.org/post/2020-census-disability-community-toolkit

From Disability Rights California:

Why the Census Is Important to the Disability Community

The United States Constitution requires the census to ensure fair political representation. Community leaders and elected officials rely on accurate census data to make funding decisions about education, senior citizen and veteran supports, and other community allocations. It is important to get the numbers right, everyone—including people with disabilities—must be counted.

While the United States census only comes around once every 10 years, census data play a vital role in the lives of people with disabilities every day.

As we stated at the beginning, according to the CDC, people with disabilities make up 22% of the US population, nearly 1 in 4 (https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/disabilityandhealth/infographic-disability-impacts-all.html).

The decennial census, not CDC estimates, determines allocations for real-life necessities, like health care, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), special education grants and Medicaid.

Medicaid, State Children’s Health Insurance Program (S-CHIP), Head Start and Early Head Start, highway planning and construction, and our nation’s foster care programs are among the top 16 largest federal programs whose funding—totaling nearly $600 billion a year—depend on census data.

Special education grants provide resources to disabled students, tailored to their individual needs. If the U.S. Census Bureau does not conduct a full and accurate count, administrators of special education programs will have no way of knowing how many children they must teach, which school districts need more educators, or what communities need more schools.

Census figures help advocates, community leaders, and elected officials address disparities in housing, health care, employment, and education. Fair proportionate voting representation depends on valid census data, as does the enforcement of voting rights laws. The health and well being, and the political power of all communities, rests on a fair and accurate census count. Elected officials cannot make informed decisions about how to allocate federal tax dollars fairly and effectively without an accurate accounting of the population.

As such, an accurate census count is essential in ensuring people with disabilities who need these necessary supports and services participate in the census.

3. Census Resources

For more information, please contact Progress Center at garnold@progresscil.org

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Image of tables and people outside the Progress Center Office in early December 2019, the Forest Park Festival of Lights Event

Happy Holidays — Progress Center Holiday Hours

December 20, 2019By
Image of tables and people outside the Progress Center Office in early December 2019, the Forest Park Festival of Lights Event
Image of tables and people outside the Progress Center Office in early December 2019, the Forest Park Festival of Lights Event

Happy Holidays from Progress Center. Progress Center wishes all a safe and joyous season and New Year. Thank you to all in the community for your support and participation in 2019.

Progress Center will be closed in recognition of the holidays.  The Progress Center office in Forest Park and Blue Island will be closed between Monday, December 23, 2019, and Wednesday, January 1, 2020. Progress Center will re-open on Thursday, January 2, 2020.

During the period that Progress Center is closed, people who have emergencies are urged to contact 911.  If you have an issue related to Progress Center that needs urgent attention, please leave a message on the mainline for the Progress Center Forest Park Office. That number is 708-209-1500. This number is the only number that will be checked during the holiday break. The number will be checked occasionally.

Once again, thank you for all your support and engagement.

Happy Holidays,

Progress Center

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Three Progress Center supporters holding the Progress Center Banner at the Disability Pride Parade

Housing Waiting List to Open on November 26 at 10 a.m.

November 24, 2019By

People with disabilities in search of affordable, accessible housing are encouraged to register for a Housing Waiting List that will open on November 26.  The Housing Authority of Cook County Waiting List will open on Tuesday, November 26, 2019 at 10 a.m.  The units attached to this waiting list will be available in early December.  The one and two bedroom units are located in Maywood, Bellwood, Berwyn and Forest Park.

If you have questions ahead of Tuesday, November 26, please contact Progress Center at 708-209-1500.

 

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