Disabilities

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker spoke in Romeoville Thursday alongside Congresswoman Lauren Underwood and local advocates to criticize the Trump administration's proposed cuts to Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid.

Pete Colarelli, former ExxonMobil employee, mentored Brandon Adjoumani when Adjoumani was a student at Lockport Township High School. On Saturday, Adjoumani will serve in Colarelli's former role as a host for Easterseals Joliet's annual Celebration of Giving.

Cornerstone Services in Joliet has hired Mindy Diaz as its new vice president and chief development officer. She has previously worked at North Central College and Joliet Junior College.

Gov. JB Pritzker on Tuesday signed a long-awaited bill to stop Illinois organizations from paying less than the minimum wage to workers with disabilities.

Plainfield Township beta tested the Thriveworks program in 2023 and then increased its budget in 2024 for mental health services.

Song paired with guest dancers in one number will help power the “Making Music in the Heart” winter concert on Dec. 7.

Henry Franzen, a fifth grader at River View Elementary School in Plainfield, is honoring veterans in two ways this Veterans Day.

Bonnie Hassan, director of Trinity outpatient services, and Jennifer Hodges, a residential director, received the appointments to two separate Illinois-run task forces.

Congressman Brad Schneider, state Sen. Adriane Johnson, state Rep. Joyce Mason, Lake County Chair Sandy Hart and Waukegan Mayor Ann Taylor visited Aspire’s Academy North facility, where access to services designed to connect people with disabilities to possibilities.

Artwork at Cornerstone Services art show in Joliet was created by people with disabilities.

Joliet Schools District 86 recently recognized Becky Nahas, the district's only teacher for the visually impaired students for her more than 3 decades of educating.

The new Dial-a-Ride. service boundary allows residents to travel anywhere in Will County and locations within one mile of the county border, plus parts of southern Cook County.

Trinity Services in New Lenox is seeking historical photos and newspaper articles for its 75th anniversary celebration in 2025.

As Illinois seeks to end federal court oversight of its disability services, an independent court monitor says the state continues to fall short of promises made 13 years ago to allow people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live outside of institutions.

The Brenda Holzer Memorial Foundation has raised thousands of dollars to go toward bettering the lives of disabled children and their families.

Dwayne English, public affairs sergeant at Joliet Police Department, also has degrees in psychology, and is currently pre-licensed as a professional counselor.

A Wisconsin judge on Monday is expected to consider whether to allow people with disabilities to vote electronically from home in the swing state this fall.

After years of negotiations and continued opposition from service providers, Illinois appears poised to prohibit employers from using a federal exemption that allows them to pay individuals with disabilities less than the minimum wage

The Forest Preserve District of Will County acquires all-terrain wheelchair to help those with disabilities more easily explore its trails.

The Hill Street Neighborhood, a proposed Mt. Morris development dedicated to providing disabled residents who require support services the opportunity to live alongside those without disabilities, earned Illinois Housing Development Authority-backing to the tune of $8 million.

As electric vehicle charging networks are taking shape across the country and in Illinois, state Sen. Dan McConchie wants to ensure the infrastructure is accessible to all drivers.

Two Yorkville parks undergo construction to better fit ADA standards and will include new, unique features.

Valarie Woodkirk, a direct support professional at Trinity Services, was named the ANCOR 2024 Illinois DSP of the Year.

Special Gifts Theatre provides an opportunity for students with disabilities to have a voice and to shine in a safe and inclusive place.

Lambs Farm will host Fall on the Farm on Sept. 16 and 17.

The community’s first opportunity to see the remodeled space in Joliet will be Sept. 7, when Cornerstone holds its annual art show.

A nonprofit organization that helps individuals with disabilities live full lives held an event at the Egyptian Theatre in DeKalb recently in celebration of the 33rd anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The South East Association for Special Parks And Recreation hosted its annual Believe & Achieve Recognition Banquet celebrating its remarkable participants, community partners, staff and volunteers.

On April 26, the American Network of Community Options and Resources (ANCOR) presented the award to Charlene Vece, who came to Trinity Services in 2006.

Trinity Services awardees are Linda McGoughy, Melanie Lowe and Kimberly Payne.

Rep. Sean Casten (D-Downers Grove) announced his Community Projects for Fiscal Year 2024, which could bring over $30 million in federal funding to the 6th Congressional District.

The "Safe Return" presentation will be offered families of students with special needs.

The Downers Grove Public Library will introduce Accessibility Kits to its Anything Emporium, thanks to funding for the $5,000 project provided by the Downers Grove Junior Woman’s Club.

More than a dozen area restaurants will share bite-sized servings of appetizers, desserts and beverages at the Bolingbrook Golf Club. Proceeds benefit United Cerebral Palsy Center for Disability Services in Joliet.

Self Help of Sterling is providing a Christmas shop for its clients to purchase gifts on Saturday, Dec. 3, 2022. Local business and organizations donated items or money help provide the clients an opportunity to give gifts to loved ones.

Raymond McShane, 79, of Channahon, never imagined in those early years he’d serve so long. At the time, McShane was just helping out a friend.

During the pandemic, Trinity Services transformed the warehouse into a music room, a kitchen, and a large room for learning dance moves on a recent Hawaiian-themed day, performing yoga, tending hydroponic plants, and taking part in arts and crafts and other program activities.

Guests and staff at Trinity Service locations enjoyed music, games, food and raffles.

“I’m very much looking forward to serving on this council in order to improve resources and services for children with disabilities in Illinois.”