Disability Resource Expo: Reaching Out for Answers

09/03/2026

We hope you find less harmful coping mechanisms and IRL (in real life) or virtual support groups for your sobriety journey as well. But sharing this campaign and this support line over the next few days until 9/8 is a good way to remind you there is always someone willing to listen and answer your call/text.

“Recovery can have difficult moments. If you’re struggling or need someone to talk to, support is available.

Call or text 988, or chat 988lifeline.org to connect with the 988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline.

Your reason is reason enough. “

09/02/2026

We have heard from many local people about their job searching experiences over the last two years. What we hear time and time again, is that it weighs on folks’ self-esteem, their hope for the future, their ability to care for themselves…. And more.

Your feelings around your job search are reason enough to ask and reach out for support. We are participating in this campaign in honor of 988 Day and promoting the 988 Support Line.

“Job searching can bring stress, disappointment, and uncertainty. You don’t have to wait for those feelings to become overwhelming before reaching out for support.

Call or text 988, or chat 988lifeline.org to connect with the 988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline.

Your reason is reason enough. “

09/01/2026

Sharing these posts in the days leading up to 9/8! We hope it helps break the stigma around asking for help. Reaching out is not a sign of weakness, but a sign of knowing yourself and when you need support.

“9/8 is ! We are joining the nationwide effort to raise awareness about the 988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline and promote accessible mental health support.

This year’s theme, “988 Reasons: Your reason is reason enough,” is a reminder that you don’t have to be in crisis to reach out.

Whatever you’re facing - big or small - your reason for seeking support is reason enough.

Learn more and find out how to get involved at samhsa.gov/988Day.”

08/18/2026

Next Friday! The Scott Bennett Family Resources Day at Lincoln Square Urbana on Friday, August 28th from 10AM - 3PM!

Get Help and Connect to Local Resources on Topics such as:
- Children and Family Services
- Mental Health
- Housing
- Child Support
- Healthcare/Medical Insurance
- Legal Services
- Addiction
- Daycare

And information from other community partners.

[Alt. Text.: Event Graphic/Flier that reads: “The Scott Bennett Family Resources Day August 28th, 2026 10AM to 3PM Lincoln Square Mall 201 Lincoln Sq., Urbana, IL 61801 Get Help and Connect with Resources from Children and Family Services, Mental Health, Housing, Child Support, Healthcare/Medical Insurance, Legal Services, Addiction, Daycare, Other Community Resources. Logo for MTD included. Senator Faraci (217)-355-5252, Champaign County State’s Attorney’s Office. Questions? resources at Champaign County IL dot gov (217)-384-3733]

08/14/2026

Elliott Counseling Group now accepts Medicaid 👏! At their Urbana and Mattoon locations AND for Telehealth appointments.

At Elliott Counseling Group, we believe mental health care should be accessible to everyone — not just those with certain insurance plans or financial resources.
That’s why we’re proud to accept Medicaid at both our Urbana and Mattoon offices, as well as through telehealth.

Expanding access to care means strengthening families, supporting stability, and investing in the overall wellbeing of our community. Cost should never be the reason someone goes without the support they deserve.

For more information, visit Elliottcounselinggroup.com/medicaid If you or someone you know could benefit from services, our Client Care Team is here to help.
📞 217-398-9066

🌐 www.elliottcounselinggroup.com

07/29/2026

Some portraits show you a face. Shauri Gonzalez’s show reveals a whole life’s worth of hope. The artist has launched a portraiture project called Able in CU to capture the aspirations of…

06/02/2026

The Champaign County Developmental Disabilities Board would like to recognize Allison and Dylan Boot for their exceptional performance over the years. Their dedication, commitment, and consistently high-quality work made a significant impact on the DisABILITY Resource Expo and the disability community in Champaign County and East Central Illinois. Mr. & Mrs. Boot were sent the awards pictured as tokens of appreciation, gratitude, and recognition for their great work with the Expo.

05/04/2026

The Second Annual Savoy Lumiere continues this week (and throughout the month), at the Savoy 16. At 7PM TONIGHT, you can catch "Just One Man" for the special ticket price of ONE DOLLAR. This documentary is about a man who traveled all over Indiana on a "Tenderness Tour" to raise money for organizations serving children and families. He has a new goal, to pay off the medical debt of Indiana residents, which will cost $155m. He has not raised more than $20k.
I hope to see you and everyone you know there tonight. PLEASE spread the word!!!

Monday, May 4 – 7:00pm Just One Man TICKETS Documentary • USA • 2025 110 Minutes Synopsis: In 1989, award-winning activist, writer, and minister Richard Propes embarked on a 41-day,…

04/09/2026

Dear Disability Resource Expo Partner:

We have been going strong since 2007 with large in person expo events ALMOST every year.
During that time:
- We celebrated people and learned a lot.
- We noticed many changes in this community.
- Those changes included new resource events and new sources of resource information.
- We overcame many challenges.

To that last point, the challenges presented during 2025 are taking some time to work through. Over the past few months, some of the folks who have been very active in planning the Expo have opted to pause and reflect, hopefully resulting in an updated approach to our shared goals.

From participant, exhibitor, and sponsor input, our most important accomplishment appears to be the camaraderie. Building a community which not only includes people with disabilities but starts with them is a pretty big deal.

Additionally, the committee would like to acknowledge the loss of Barb Bressner and the tremendous impact she has had on the Disability Expo over the years. To many, she WAS the Expo. Barb was a lifelong advocate for people with disabilities, championing equal access, resources, and rights for all. She will be dearly missed by our community.

03/31/2026

Honoring our longtime Disability Resource Expo lead, Barb Bressner, whose passing is a huge loss to the community. Barb was the power behind our in person events for many years, and when the Boots took the lead, she continued to offer her support and wisdom to the project. Much love to her sweet family and infinity of friends.

Take part in remembering Barbara Bressner. Read her obituary, share your own memories, and learn about any funeral details on Ever Loved.