Resources

Reports, policy documents, trainings, and tools for direct service providers supporting the I/DD community in Illinois.

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Announcements

October 2026

SNAP and Medicaid Disruptions: October 22, 2026 WEBINAR

The Institute partnered with IARF, ICDD, the Arc of Illinois, the Center, and UIC Institute on Disability and Human Development to offer individuals and their families information on the upcoming changes to Medicaid and SNAP benefits. The session had more than 1,000 registrants.

You can view a recording of the webinar here.

You can access the presentation here.

October 2026

SNAP and Medicaid Disruptions: Email us! ILbenefitsissues@instituteonline.org

The Institute is collecting the experiences of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in Illinois who receive Medicaid and SNAP benefits to assist us in our work with state agency partners to assure seamless Medicaid and SNAP enrollment for people with IDD. We are collecting trends and individual experiences that contradict what the community has been told it should experience, and other issues to highlight how the system can be improved to meet the needs of the people with IDD that depend on Medicaid and SNAP benefits.

We are not able to reply to every message or personally work on each resolution. We will not use any identifying information that you have shared without your permission.

We appreciate you helping us identify issues in the system in hopes of fixing processes to limit disruption of critical benefits. Email us at ILbenefitsissues@instituteonline.org.

May 2026

Important SNAP Updates

On May 1, many Illinois SNAP customers lost benefits due to new federal restrictions. Customers who lost benefits can find out if they qualify for an exemption and how to meet work requirements through work, volunteering, or training at SNAPWorkRequirements.illinois.gov.
Details from IDHS →

In the News

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Data & Reports

The numbers behind the Illinois I/DD service system — funding, waiting lists, workforce, and outcomes.

Illinois IDD Services by the Numbers

The Institute’s annual snapshot of the Illinois I/DD service system: funding, PUNS, wages, and system capacity at a glance.

Institute Year in Review

Annual wrap-ups of the Institute’s advocacy work and the year ahead.

Illinois Medicaid System Profile

An overview of how Medicaid is structured and administered in Illinois, and where I/DD services fit within it.

ANCOR: The State of America's Direct Support Workforce Crisis

National survey data on DSP vacancy and turnover rates and their impact on community services.

Impact of the $15/Hour Minimum Wage on the Disability System

Analysis of how the Illinois minimum wage increase affects provider rates and DSP wages.

Policy & Advocacy

The Institute’s positions, testimony, and summaries of the policy efforts shaping I/DD services in Illinois.

Behavioral Health Clinics (BHCs)

Through the BHC program, an innovative model developed by Illinois HFS, people in Illinois can access quality, IDD-informed mental and behavioral health care through community agencies with deep experience in IDD service delivery. Many providers are adding BHCs to their service line — no waiver funding required.

Dignity In Pay Multi-Year Plan

Illinois’ multi-year plan to phase out subminimum wage under the Dignity In Pay Act. More at ICDD →

Institute FY25 Budget Response

The Institute’s response to the Governor’s proposed FY25 budget and what it means for I/DD providers.

Guidehouse Rate Study: Summary of Recommendations

Institute summary of the Guidehouse rate study recommendations for I/DD provider reimbursement.

Guidehouse Rate Study FAQ

Frequently asked questions about the Guidehouse rate study process and findings.

Summary of Guidehouse Rate Recommendations

Earlier Institute summary of the Guidehouse rate recommendations.

Institute Comments to Draft Rule 115

The Institute’s formal comments on proposed changes to Rule 115 governing CILA services.

Senate Healthcare & Human Services Work Group Testimony

Institute testimony to the Illinois Senate on the state of community-based I/DD services.

They Deserve More Fact Sheet

Fast facts supporting the campaign for adequate DSP wages and provider funding in Illinois.

Coronavirus Impact on Community Services

Emergency loan guide and resources for community providers navigating the COVID-19 pandemic.

Institute Overview & Expertise

Who the Institute is, what we do, and the expertise we bring to Illinois I/DD policy.

Ligas & Litigation

Summaries and FAQs related to the Ligas consent decree and court monitor reporting.

Ligas Oversight Committee FAQs

Answers to common questions about the Ligas Oversight Committee’s role and process.

2023 Ligas Court Monitor Report — Institute Summary

Key findings from the Court Monitor’s 2023 report on Illinois’ compliance with the Ligas consent decree.

8th Annual Ligas Court Monitor Report — Highlights

Institute summary of the 8th annual Court Monitor report to the court.

Presentations & Webinars

Slide decks and recordings from Institute summits, webinars, and speaker sessions.

An Introduction to Deon Health: Community Supported Care Model

Hosted by Kathy Carmody, this webinar introduces Deon Health’s approach to healthcare delivery for people with I/DD — improving care coordination, reducing fragmentation, and modernizing payment through a person-centered Community Supported Care model. Also covers early planning for a potential transition to Medicaid managed care. Passcode required to view: Jvy7nG%b

Mergers & Acquisitions — The Braff Group

Executive Summit session on M&A trends and considerations for I/DD provider organizations.

Policy Trends & Federal Updates — IPP Sedor

Executive Summit session on federal policy developments affecting disability services.

Managed Care Boot Camp — Executive Summit 2024

A primer on managed care fundamentals and what a transition could mean for Illinois I/DD providers.

C-Suite Recruitment & Retention

Executive Summit session on attracting and keeping senior leadership in provider organizations.

Moral Injury — Dr. Jennie Byrne

Understanding moral injury in human services work and its impact on staff wellbeing and retention.

Wearable Tech to Promote Quality of Life & Independence for People with IDD

Awake Labs and Jay Nolan Community Services on using wearable technology to support independence.

HCBS & Person-Centered Toolkits

Trainings, assessments, and templates to support HCBS Settings Rule compliance and person-centered planning.

HCBS ACT Training

Training webinar deck on HCBS Settings Rule requirements for provider staff.

RGA Rights Assessment

Assessment tool for reviewing individual rights under the Residency and Guardianship Agreement.

RGA Privacy Assessment

Assessment tool for reviewing privacy protections in residential settings.

Alliance Rights Training

Training on individual rights for people receiving community-based services.

CQL: Right to a Community Life

Council on Quality and Leadership resource on supporting full community participation.

2022 Residency Agreement (with Attachments)

Template residency agreement for HCBS-compliant residential settings.

Lease Training

Training on lease and residency agreement requirements under the HCBS Settings Rule.

Budgeting Slides

Slide deck supporting individual budgeting skills and financial independence.

Independent Living Slides

Slide deck on skills and supports for independent community living.

It's My Life Worksheet

Person-centered planning worksheet for individuals to express goals and preferences.

PCP Training

Training deck on person-centered planning fundamentals for provider staff.