09/02/2026
Today, Lifelong Access staff and participants (see photo), along with hundreds of others from across Illinois, came together in Normal, Illinois, for the ๐ฆ๐ฝ๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ธ ๐จ๐ฝ, ๐ฆ๐ฝ๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ธ ๐ข๐๐ ๐ฆ๐๐บ๐บ๐ถ๐, ๐ต๐ผ๐๐๐ฒ๐ฑ ๐ฏ๐ The Arc of Illinois.
The summit brings together people with disabilities, families, advocates, service providers, and community leaders to raise awareness, share experiences, and advocate for policies that strengthen opportunities, independence, and quality of life for people with disabilities.
One of the highlights of the day was the legislative panel discussion, which provided an opportunity to hear directly from elected officials about issues impacting the disability community.
Following the panel, we were especially appreciative that State Representative Sharon Chung (pictured in the center, wearing a black blouse and tan skirt) took time to speak with Lifelong Access about our work and the people and families we have the privilege of serving throughout Central Illinois.
These conversations matter. Advocacy happens not only during panel discussions, but also in the conversations that follow, building relationships, sharing our story, and making sure the voices of the people we serve are heard.
Thank you to The Arc of Illinois for bringing everyone together for an important day of speaking up and speaking out for inclusion, opportunity, and a stronger future for people with disabilities.
To learn more about Lifelong Access or to donate use this link: https://lifelongaccess.org/
