The Institute Executive Summit 2025
FY25 IL IDD By The Numbers
The Institute Executive Summit 2025 | October 7-8. 2025 Naperville, IL.
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The Institute on Public Policy for People with Disabilities enables human service organizations to improve the lives of adults living with intellectual & developmental disabilities and strengthen their networks of support.

Since its inception in 1999, The Institute has operated under the belief that every individual living with I/DD has limitless potential. As Illinois’ only member organization focused exclusively on the needs of adults with I/DD, we deliver best-in-class education, resources, and support to direct service providers that enrich the lives of more than 22,000 adults.

Serving
Community

Every member organization faces unique challenges, and all benefit by learning from one another. Through collaboration and collective action, we build stronger communities for adults with I/DD.

Sharing
Knowledge

We know we can't improve lives through legislation and policy alone. We bring experts and individualized resources together to give members the timely, practical insights they need to plan for the future.

Navigating
Now

Our long-held relationships within IDHS and other agencies enable us to help members address the most complex issues of the day. We are stronger and more effective when we work together to support the I/DD community.

We’re focused on the most pressing issues our members face today.

  • Medicaid Funding
  • Medicaid Waiver Funding
  • Staffing Trends
  • Emerging Funding Models
  • Value-Based Reimbursement
  • National Community Service System History
  • Illinois Community Service System History
  • Rights and Protection Issues
  • Employment Models
  • Person-Centered Planning
  • ICAP Administration
  • Community-Based Service Design
  • Support Systems Design
  • Service Delivery Trends
  • Data Design
  • Data Analysis
The Institute is perceived by my team as having the highest ROI of any partner organization. We’re a multi-pronged organization that interfaces three different governmental entities. Our challenge is that no one industry linkage fits the bill. The Institute’s expertise is IDHS, but it has an ability to cut across audiences, work quickly, and bring together some of the best minds to discuss issues that we're facing.
Shawn JeffersExecutive Director, Little City
Kathy is wicked smart and no nonsense. During COVID, everybody else was focused on what was happening that day and that week. She did a good job with that but also knew where we needed to go. Her thinking is always future-oriented.
Pat ThiesExecutive Director, Blue Cap
I knew I needed to be around people facing similar challenges and look at things from a state-wide perspective. The Institute has its eye on the critical issues I need to be aware of and articulates those back to its members in a way that helps us stay connected and maximize our bandwidth.
RJ McMahonCEO, Oak-Leyden
Kathy’s unique leadership style enables her able to work well with agencies of all sizes. She can relate to people where they are, she’s authentic, and she’s willing to sacrifice herself for the greater good. These traits draw people to her.”
Shawn JeffersExecutive Director, Little City
Amazing event and amazing job! Thank you for the ability to have time to get above the day-to-day fray and think! I really came away with the thought that the Institute has to be leading to the future, not shoring up the past!
Lore BakerPresident & CEO, Association for Individual Development