Ligas Family Advocate Program

10/26/2026

The Arc of Illinois: Empowering Families Through Information and Resources!

We are grateful for opportunities to connect with our community and share information that empowers individuals and families to make informed choices about the services, supports, and resources available to them.

Today, Jerin Olson, Family Advocate with The Arc of Illinois, is attending the Illinois Assistive Technology Program (IATP) Open House & Resource Fair. Visitors can explore the Demonstration Center, learn about assistive technology, connect with community organizations, and discover resources that promote independence, accessibility, and inclusion.

Events like this provide valuable opportunities to learn, build connections, and explore options that can enhance quality of life.

A heartfelt thank-you to IATP for hosting this event and bringing together community partners committed to making a difference!
If you’re in the area, stop by today from 3–6 PM! Explore the resources, make meaningful connections, and discover the possibilities available to you and your family.

Information empowers. Choices matter. Together, we build stronger, more inclusive communities!

Send a message to learn more

10/03/2026

Unase a la feria de salud binacional en Harrison Park hoy Sabado 3 de octubre de 10 a 2pm 1840 S. Wood.

Join us the the Binational health resource fair today Sat. Oct. 3rd 10am-2pm

10/01/2026

Today is the Ligas Hearing — and it’s happening now!

The Arc of Illinois is present today to stay informed and engaged in what is happening in Illinois and to better understand the issues being addressed through the Ligas court proceedings.

Pictured above are Ruth Aguilar, Senior Family Advocate with The Arc of Illinois; Sujatha Jagadeesh Branch, Vice President for Civil Rights and Systemic Litigation at Equip for Equality; and Lorene Regan, Ligas Court Monitor.

We are here to listen, learn, and stay informed so that we can continue sharing important information with families, advocates, and the developmental disability community.

Stay tuned for updates!

09/30/2026

GETTING READY FOR YOU!!!

It’s been raining all day—but that’s okay! We’re RAINING WITH INFORMATION AND RESOURCES! The Arc of Illinois Family Advocate Program.

Our bilingual Family Advocate, Veronica Salazar, is at the Transition Resource Fair happening NOW in Lansing, Illinois!
The fair is being held in collaboration with the district’s College & Career Fair, bringing families and students valuable information, resources, and opportunities all in one place.

TF South High School
Lansing, IL
5:00–7:00 PM

You should be here! Join us...
Stop by Veronica’s table, say hello, and get connected to resources that can help students and families as they plan for the future.
Don’t let the rain stop you— we didn’t - come out and get connected!

We’re RAINING with information and resources!

Send a message to learn more

09/25/2026

What an incredible day of connection, learning, advocacy, and community!

The Arc of Illinois Family Advocate Program is committed to sharing information, empowering families and self-advocates, and creating opportunities for meaningful conversations!

Today, our very own Ruth Aguilar, Senior Family Advocate with The Arc of Illinois, spoke to a large audience of medical students and healthcare professionals. Ruth courageously shared her personal story as a caregiver, shining a light on important barriers families and individuals with disabilities may encounter within the healthcare system. She also shared information about the valuable programs and resources available through The Arc of Illinois.
And the conversation became even more powerful when self-advocates Curtis Harris and Jae Jin Pak joined the event! Their voices, experiences, and perspectives reminded us of something incredibly important: Lived experience matters. Every voice matters.

When families, self-advocates, professionals, students, and community partners come together, we create opportunities to learn from one another and build greater understanding.
Thank you to the University of Chicago (UIC), Curtis Harris, Jae Jin, Ruth, and everyone who helped make this event possible!

09/17/2026

🎉 The Arc Family Advocate Program Is on the Move! 🎉
Let’s keep moving forward—together!

Hot off the success of a wonderful in-person mini conference on Tuesday, our bilingual Family Advocate, Veronica Salazar, is out in the community today—sharing information, connecting families, and making sure people know about the resources available to them.
Today, Veronica is at the UIC Student Center Resource Fair -750 South Halsted Street, Chicago, IL.

Stop by Veronica’s table to learn more about The Arc of Illinois, available resources, and how we support individuals and families throughout Illinois.

We are proud to share information, building connections, and reaching families across the state of Illinois. Everyone matters. Every family matters. Every voice matters.

09/15/2026

If you are not here at the Double tree, you are missing out our Keynote Jay Bohn speaking about Medicaid!

09/15/2026

Thank you to our Sponsors Rubin Law and ACESS for your generous support!

09/15/2026

We have a full house at the Double Tree by Hilton in Alsip! The Family Advocate and Family Support Network at The Arc of Illinois is hosting an amazing mini conference.

09/10/2026

An Exciting Opportunity to Share, Educate, and Empower!

Today, the Department of Disability and Human Development (DHD) at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) hosted a wonderful series of workshops for visiting Japanese Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) and Qualified Intellectual Disabilities Professionals (QIDPs).

I am incredibly proud and honored to share that The Arc of Illinois’ very own Senior Family Advocate, Ruth Aguilar, was invited to present on PUNS, Developmental Disability (DD) Waiver services, and community living options.

What an incredible opportunity for Ruth to share her knowledge, experience, and passion with our Japanese visitors! Her commitment to families and individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities continues to make a meaningful difference—not only here in Illinois, but now across international communities as well.

Congratulations, Ruth, on this well-deserved opportunity! Your willingness to educate, advocate, and share information is truly inspiring.

This is what advocacy and collaboration are all about—sharing information, building understanding, and empowering people and families far and wide.

We are sharing information far and wide! Lead on…