March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month and this week we’re highlighting, IARF (Illinois Association of Rehabilitation Facilities), an organization that DSC actively participates with to advocate on behalf of the people who receive DSC supports and services, as well as DSC employees.
IARF is a member based association of community-based providers serving children and adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities. Members provide services throughout the entire state of Illinois and work with IARF to advocate on policy and budgetary issues.
Danielle Matthews, DSC’s Chief Executive Officer currently sits on the IARF Board of Directors. Being a part of IARF membership provides DSC with a number of benefits, including access to resources that allow us to advocate on behalf of the people we support, including ready-made materials, training and tools to provide to our employees, and the community at large. The benefits of meeting with other agencies throughout the State during the pandemic was immeasurable.
During this Spring Legislative session IARF is campaigning to raise awareness around the Illinois Department of Human Services Guidehouse Rate Study. The proposed budget of $94.8 million falls short of the $246.8 million needed to fully fund the rate study. Full funding ensures a living wage for Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) and provides sustainable developmental disability funding in Illinois. If you would like to learn more or advocate on behalf of DSC visit www.iarf.org.
