Living in the community offers people with disabilities the opportunity to be productive and social, live close to family

and friends and enjoy an overall improved quality of life. Thirteen states and the District of Columbia have closed all of their state-operated institutions and are now successfully serving those individuals in the community.
The disability service system has been studied extensively and the national trend is to downsize state institutions and invest in a community system that offers people with intellectual and developmental disabilities

&
ABOUT TRANSITIONING INTO THE COMMUNITY

quality of life.

opportunity improved

equality

I get to go on more outings, especially shopping and going out to eat where I live now. I am treated with more respect, I get more time to talk with staff, it is quieter because there arent so many people around and I have better friends now.

DAVID B.
DECATUR, IL

In 2012 Governor Quinn introduced the Rebalancing of the Developmental Disability System to offer people with disabilities the opportunity to live in a community of their choice.

THE FACTS

Anyone can live in the community with the proper supports and services. People with disabilities choose where they want to live and can be closer to family and friends. No one is transitioned until there is a comprehensive plan identifying community-based services and supports. Each transition plan utilizes a customized person-centered approach so individuals and families have control over the planning process and most of all, their own lives. The Division of Developmental Disabilities has developed the Active Community Care Transition (ACCT) team that includes both local and national experts to ensure the process is safe, predictable and successful. Each person is assigned an Individual Service Coordinator who will serve as the persons advocate in the community and partner throughout the process. The coordinator will continually assess progress to ensure goals and needs are being met. Depending on the needs of the person, customized support plans are developed that include an array of options, which may include 24-hour supervision and care 365 days a year.

LIVING IN THE COMMUNITY BRINGS FAMILIES CLOSER

While individuals were institutionalized, only 15% of families supported community living. After a successful supported the transition. 1

Research shows that family member attitudes change positively after community placement.
transition into the community, 87% of families

More than 65% of parents said that their

family member was happier and that relationships between them and their son or daughter improved after the transition. 1 Eddie Fleming, Jeff ONeil and Bobby Henne (pictured left to right) enjoy having their own bedrooms after moving from the Jacksonville Developmental Center into their new home in 2012. They plan to plant a garden this spring including pumpkins, one of Jeff's favorites. Eddie enjoys the freedom to sing karaoke and play his guitar as loud and as often as he wants.

In Illinois...

Nearly 21,000 people with disabilities remain on the states waiting list for critical supports and services due to inadequate state funding. Even with the closures of Jacksonville and Murray Developmental Centers, Illinois will remain one of the most institutionalized states in the nation with six remaining facilities housing 1,500 residents.

GOING HOME
As of December 2012, all 181 residents have been safely transitioned from the Jacksonville Developmental Center. The planning process has begun to transition 264 Murray residents into their new homes by the end of 2013.

This is about providing people with disabilities the same opportunities, experiences and freedoms we all enjoy. We are listening to their needs, hopes and dreams and involving their families in the process so we can customize a plan and living situation that will allow them to flourish.
Sheila Romano, Director Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities

Going Home is an advocacy campaign dedicated to full inclusion and equality for people with disabilities. The group supports transitioning people from state institutions to a community of choice. For more information visit:

www.goinghomeillinois.org

1. Reference: Larson, S.A. & Lakin, K.C. (1991) Parents attitudes about residential placement before and after deinstitutionalization; A research synthesis. Journal of the Association for Persons with Severe Handicaps (16 (1) 25 - 38. January 2013