DSC supports people in living a rich and meaningful life.
DSC Update: As We Continue to Respond to COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic has already led to a number of changes in our country in a very short time. Many stores and businesses are temporarily closing and people are being asked to stay at home as much as possible. This is to help prevent the spread of the novel Coronavirus between people, as it is highly contagious.
On March 31st, Gov. J.B. Pritzker extended the "Shelter in Place" order through April 30th, which includes all of DSC’s day programs. DSC continues to implement new procedures and safeguards as they are identified to reduce the risk of transmission. This is in addition to those we have already implemented.
Residents who live in our group homes are staying at home, and have wellness checks twice per day. Our employees are also screened before entering any group homes. We have been limiting the number of staff entering/exiting the home as well. I want to share that the staff have been amazing and take their roles as an essential employees very seriously, taking health and safety measures to heart to protect residents and each other.
As you know, there has been a "No Visitors" policy for all locations, including our group homes since March 17th. This was an especially difficult decision, as we know how important it is for families to spend time with their loved ones. But with the state recommending we limit the number of people who enter our homes, we believe this is a sound policy. Parents and guardians who wish to bring their loved one home may do so, and we fully support your decision, but we will not allow them to return to their DSC home until at least April 30, 2020--possibly longer depending on directives from the state. Again, this is a difficult decision to make, but the safety of all of our residents and staff is paramount.
Secondly, many staff who are not working in group homes at this time are working remotely or staggering work schedules to reduce number of people present at any one time. Therefore, face-to-face meetings are not happening. Emails and phone calls are welcome if you have any questions or concerns. As this is a new for us, we ask for your patience as we make adjustments and staff learn to use some new technology.
It is difficult to say how long we may operate under these circumstances. Right now, we are planning at least through April 30, as mandated by the state. We will follow their recommendations and those of the Center for Disease Control and our local Champaign Urbana Public Health District in any future planning.
Of course we will continue the lines of communication for any updates or changes we may make in the future. We encourage you to check the DSC website and Facebook pages for updates as well. Thank you again for your support of our agency through the duration of this challenging time in our history. We wish you well as we all strive for optimal health and safety.
DSC continues to be on the frontline during these unknown times. Our staff is dedicated to our mission to support people in living a rich and meaningful life. DSC continues to provide services to individuals in our community through direct care in their home, apartment, community job and remote support for several programs.
With new challenges arising every day our DSC independent residents could use your help. The next time you are at the store, would you consider purchasing a pantry or household item from the list below. Or if you prefer to order online we have also set up an Amazon wish list with activities to occupy their time while the “stay at home” order is in place.
Starting on Monday, March 30th between the hours of 8am-4pm the pantry and household items may be dropped-off in the collection bin outside of our offices at 1304 W. Bradley Ave. in Champaign, IL. Please label your donation with your contact information, so we may properly thank you.
Thank you for your generosity!
DSC Pantry and Household Wish List
Pantry Items
Ready to eat canned goods
Protein and fruit bars
Dry cereal and granola
Peanut butter and jelly
Dried fruit and nuts
Crackers
Cookies
Trail mix
Beef Jerky
Microwave Popcorn
Household Items
Toilet Paper
Disinfecting Wipes
Hand Sanitizer
Paper Towels
Kleenex
Napkins
Paper Plates
Plastic Silverware
Bleach Cleaner
Lysol Cleaner
Tide Pods
View our Amazon Wish list here:
Gift cards and monetary donations are welcome!
Click here if you would like to make an online donation:
Current Jackpot: $7,391
The Queen of Hearts Raffle will be temporarily postponed as restaurants and bars across the state close to keep people safe and healthy. Thank you for understanding and we will announce when we are back up and running. All ticket sales from after the last drawing (3/10 @ 7pm) will carry over to our next drawing. Thank you for understanding.
DSC has officially launched the Queen of Hearts Raffle! Be sure to stop by Esquire Lounge to try your luck. For more information such as the current board and an update on the weekly drawing total, please visit our Queen of Hearts Page.
For the next few weeks, we will be highlighting DSC programs and core services, in place of our weekly Meet-Me-On-Monday Interviews.
Discover DSC: Employment Services
Employment services provide assessment, placement, training and support to individuals with developmental disabilities for the purpose of the most independent employment possible. Employment services include training and skill development within DSC Business Operations, assistance in obtaining a community job, and on-the-job training and follow-up support.
Employment services include, but are not limited to:
* Assistance in Obtaining Community Employment
* Training and Placement within DSC Business Operations
* Employer Education and Support
* Planning for Job Advancement
* Initial Evaluation
* On-the-Job Training
* Follow-Up Support
* Transition Planning
For more information about Employment Services, please contact Annette Becherer, the Director of Employment Services, at (217) 356-9176.
Click below to enjoy the latest issue of the DSC Community News newsletter!
DSC and Community Choices are collaborating through the creation of LEAP (Leaders Employing All People) to advance the Employment First initiative.
Rockwell Automation was one of our first LEAP trained businesses, and when asked why they decided to become LEAP trained, Ms.Marty Miner, Senior Human Resource Representative, shared, “It’s just the right thing to do.” In working to make Champaign County an even more disability inclusive community, we are offering businesses to receive this training through the hiring, or interest in hiring, people with disabilities. For more information about LEAP contact Leslie Olson, Employment First/LEAP Coordinator at 356-9176 or lolson@dsc-illinois.org.
Congratulations to Riggs Brewery for becoming LEAP certified!
LEAP stands for Leaders in Employing All People and is funded by the Champaign County Developmental Disabilities Board. LEAP is a collaborative effort between DSC and Community Choices. This program is designed to offer a one-hour individual or group training for Champaign County businesses that offers education on becoming a disability-inclusive business. This training helps to increase the pool of hiring candidates, improve morale among existing staff, and sets the bar for other businesses in the community. If you’d like more information, contact DSC Employment First/LEAP Coordinator, Leslie Olson at lolson@dsc-illinois.org or 217-356-9176.
Well we have just the thing for you! DSC Business Operations center recycles all kinds of cardboard and paper - including magazines, catalogs, office paper, etc. - as part of our effort to keep the environment clean and financially support DSC's programs. (We do not accept books at this time).
You can bring your recyclable paper to DSC’s Business Operations at 3102 W Clark Rd in Champaign, 8am—4pm, M-F. From Duncan, turn west onto Clark Rd (just north of Springfield). Turn right to go behind DSC’s Business Operations facility to drop off your items at the back loading dock door.
Our staff strives to provide quality supports and services to consumers, their families, and fellow employees each and every day and they deserved to be recognized for their exemplary work!
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