Updates from Access Living: July 1, 2021

Once again, we have a few important advocacy updates for you. Read on!

Crisis Escalates at Choate Mental Health & Development Center:

Over the last couple of years, the Choate Mental Health & Developmental Center has been the subject of investigations of allegations of abuse against its residents with disabilities. Choate is located in southern Illinois and currently houses 222 people; it is one of Illinois’ seven state run institutions focused on people with developmental disabilities.

Recently, the crisis at Choate escalated when three administrators were charged with felonies related to violating the state’s investigating protocol, related to the abuse cases.

This is not the first such crisis Choate has faced. In 2018, a police investigation resulted in indictments for two Choate staff members, and a 2014 Equip for Equality report outlined the abuses and deaths experienced at Choate.

The statewide coalition Going Home Illinois, of which Access Living is a member, continues to call for closure of state-run disability residential institutions, and expansion of community services for people with disabilities waiting for supports.

Illinois Ends Drivers’ License Suspensions:

Starting today, July 1, 2021, Illinois will no longer suspend or hold licenses for failing to pay red-light camera tickets, speed camera tickets, traffic tickets, and abandoned vehicle fees. Licenses also cannot be suspended and held due to parking tickets and vehicle compliance tickets.

• Learn more about the changes to Illinois license suspensions here
• Find info on how to get your license back at this link.

ASAP Act Builds Momentum:

Thanks to everyone who has helped take action so far on the ASAP Act, a federal bill that would create a grant program to improve commuter rail station accessibility to the tune of $1 billion a year for ten years.

• Check out Access Living’s page on the ASAP Act
• See all the groups that have signed up to show support
• If your organization would like to be listed, please use this form.

Also, don’t miss U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth’s interview about why she’s championing the ASAP Act!

Advocacy Job Openings at Access Living:

For those interested, Access Living is seeking an Education Policy Analyst and a Latinx/Immigration Community Organizer. Visit Access Living’s Job Openings page for more details about the positions and how to apply.

Please share this info with fellow disability advocates. Thank you for your commitment!