Re: Madigan and other thoughts

[Guest guest]

Whoa, I didn't mean to offend anyone. You're right...lots of people in the

'haves' category are tireless advocates for all. And lots of 'have nots' are

both tired AND tireless.

I'm just saying I see a largely silent MINORITY of families in this state

(minority if you look at the number of people with DDs who have residential

funding compared to the number on the waiting list) who can be galvanized quite

effectively and in more powerful numbers when necessary to come out in

opposition to change.

Do we need to improve our numbers in getting out to Lobby Days, demonstrations,

letters to the Editor, active in involvement etc? Yes.

Do we need to expand the proverbial 'tent' and recruit non-social service orgs

to our cause? I'd like to think we can.

Should we also think about whether we can 'tip' some of the current 'opposers'

into either a 'stay neutral' or 'don't oppose' column? I'd like to think we can

work on that, too.

L.

Madigan and other thoughts

Maybe Charlotte is right that we can't make an enemy of Magian but I can't

see being nice to him. I hate the arrogant @#%$%! Term limits would take

away the wonderful Sara enholtz who is my rep. I think maybe campaign

finance reform is what we really need so we can get beyond pay to play.

One of my fellow sibs wrote a 50 page paper titled " Community - based

housing vs State Operated facilities Why is IL ranked 51st...... " I know that

one of her conclusions is that advocacy groups don't work well together. I

think that is true and that we too fragmented. Both our local and national

sib organizations are grappling with that issue right now. There are so many

people out there not involved. It reminds me of the environmental movement

that also struggles to make progress. It is too divided, too white and too

upper middle class. In my sort of humble opinion we need to word together

across disability, race, economic status and we need to work closely with

all self advocacy groups. We need to register people to vote. Many people

have just given up, they just don't believe it matters, no one represents them

and they are struggling to get through the day. I think Obama won this way

and maybe we can too. Never give up but that said take a break. Nora

************ **What's for dinner tonight? Find quick and easy dinner ideas

for any occasion.

(http://food. aol.com/dinner- tonight?ncid= emlcntusfood0000 0009)

[Guest guest]

There are some good and valuable thoughts in this, .

As much as I often think that we should be working to close ALL more restrictive

settings, the fact is I haven't seen all of these places in fact, I haven't even

been inside a state op...I guess what I am saying and what you said so much

better is, let's stop thinking that all ICFs are bad and all CILAs are good...we

make blanket assumptions and what we need to do is find common denominators that

allow all parties to work toward the common good...

Ellen

Ellen Garber Bronfeld

egskb@...

Madigan and other thoughts

Maybe Charlotte is right that we can't make an enemy of Magian but I can't

see being nice to him. I hate the arrogant @#%$%! Term limits would take

away the wonderful Sara enholtz who is my rep. I think maybe campaign

finance reform is what we really need so we can get beyond pay to play.

One of my fellow sibs wrote a 50 page paper titled " Community - based

housing vs State Operated facilities Why is IL ranked 51st...... " I know that

one of her conclusions is that advocacy groups don't work well together. I

think that is true and that we too fragmented. Both our local and national

sib organizations are grappling with that issue right now. There are so many

people out there not involved. It reminds me of the environmental movement

that also struggles to make progress. It is too divided, too white and too

upper middle class. In my sort of humble opinion we need to word together

across disability, race, economic status and we need to work closely with

all self advocacy groups. We need to register people to vote. Many people

have just given up, they just don't believe it matters, no one represents them

and they are struggling to get through the day. I think Obama won this way

and maybe we can too. Never give up but that said take a break. Nora

************ **What's for dinner tonight? Find quick and easy dinner ideas

for any occasion.

(http://food. aol.com/dinner- tonight?ncid= emlcntusfood0000 0009)

[Guest guest]

There are some good and valuable thoughts in this, .

As much as I often think that we should be working to close ALL more restrictive

settings, the fact is I haven't seen all of these places in fact, I haven't even

been inside a state op...I guess what I am saying and what you said so much

better is, let's stop thinking that all ICFs are bad and all CILAs are good...we

make blanket assumptions and what we need to do is find common denominators that

allow all parties to work toward the common good...

Ellen

Ellen Garber Bronfeld

egskb@...

Madigan and other thoughts

Maybe Charlotte is right that we can't make an enemy of Magian but I can't

see being nice to him. I hate the arrogant @#%$%! Term limits would take

away the wonderful Sara enholtz who is my rep. I think maybe campaign

finance reform is what we really need so we can get beyond pay to play.

One of my fellow sibs wrote a 50 page paper titled " Community - based

housing vs State Operated facilities Why is IL ranked 51st...... " I know that

one of her conclusions is that advocacy groups don't work well together. I

think that is true and that we too fragmented. Both our local and national

sib organizations are grappling with that issue right now. There are so many

people out there not involved. It reminds me of the environmental movement

that also struggles to make progress. It is too divided, too white and too

upper middle class. In my sort of humble opinion we need to word together

across disability, race, economic status and we need to work closely with

all self advocacy groups. We need to register people to vote. Many people

have just given up, they just don't believe it matters, no one represents them

and they are struggling to get through the day. I think Obama won this way

and maybe we can too. Never give up but that said take a break. Nora

************ **What's for dinner tonight? Find quick and easy dinner ideas

for any occasion.

(http://food. aol.com/dinner- tonight?ncid= emlcntusfood0000 0009)

[Guest guest]

Well said Ellen! Because if I had the choice my brother would never see the

inside of a CILA, ICF or SODC. He would live with my parent until he dies.

 Tara Kosieniak

www.sibsnetwork.org

 

 AdultSIBSNet listserv:  AdultSibsNet/

  SIBS Blogger:   http://sibsnetwork.blogspot.com/

  Face book group SIBS Network:

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/group.php?gid=9209702292

  Face book cause Supporting IL Brothers and Sisters: 

http://apps.facebook.com/causes/118226?m=63ef53bf

 

I isearchigive for SIBS (Supporting Illinois Brothers and Sisters)

Help me raise money for SIBS just by searching the Internet

with  www.isearchigive.com/SIBS and when shopping on line go to

www.igive.com/SIBS

From: ELLEN BRONFELD <egskb@...>

Subject: Re: Madigan and other thoughts

IPADDUnite

Date: Wednesday, July 22, 2009, 3:10 PM

 

There are some good and valuable thoughts in this, .

As much as I often think that we should be working to close ALL more restrictive

settings, the fact is I haven't seen all of these places in fact, I haven't even

been inside a state op...I guess what I am saying and what you said so much

better is, let's stop thinking that all ICFs are bad and all CILAs are good...we

make blanket assumptions and what we need to do is find common denominators that

allow all parties to work toward the common good...

Ellen

Ellen Garber Bronfeld

egskbsbcglobal (DOT) net

Madigan and other thoughts

Maybe Charlotte is right that we can't make an enemy of Magian but I can't

see being nice to him. I hate the arrogant @#%$%! Term limits would take

away the wonderful Sara enholtz who is my rep. I think maybe campaign

finance reform is what we really need so we can get beyond pay to play.

One of my fellow sibs wrote a 50 page paper titled " Community - based

housing vs State Operated facilities Why is IL ranked 51st...... " I know that

one of her conclusions is that advocacy groups don't work well together. I

think that is true and that we too fragmented. Both our local and national

sib organizations are grappling with that issue right now. There are so many

people out there not involved. It reminds me of the environmental movement

that also struggles to make progress. It is too divided, too white and too

upper middle class. In my sort of humble opinion we need to word together

across disability, race, economic status and we need to work closely with

all self advocacy groups. We need to register people to vote. Many people

have just given up, they just don't believe it matters, no one represents them

and they are struggling to get through the day. I think Obama won this way

and maybe we can too. Never give up but that said take a break. Nora

************ **What's for dinner tonight? Find quick and easy dinner ideas

for any occasion.

(http://food. aol.com/dinner- tonight?ncid= emlcntusfood0000 0009)

[Guest guest]

Well said Ellen! Because if I had the choice my brother would never see the

inside of a CILA, ICF or SODC. He would live with my parent until he dies.

 Tara Kosieniak

www.sibsnetwork.org

 

 AdultSIBSNet listserv:  AdultSibsNet/

  SIBS Blogger:   http://sibsnetwork.blogspot.com/

  Face book group SIBS Network:

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/group.php?gid=9209702292

  Face book cause Supporting IL Brothers and Sisters: 

http://apps.facebook.com/causes/118226?m=63ef53bf

 

I isearchigive for SIBS (Supporting Illinois Brothers and Sisters)

Help me raise money for SIBS just by searching the Internet

with  www.isearchigive.com/SIBS and when shopping on line go to

www.igive.com/SIBS

From: ELLEN BRONFELD <egskb@...>

Subject: Re: Madigan and other thoughts

IPADDUnite

Date: Wednesday, July 22, 2009, 3:10 PM

 

There are some good and valuable thoughts in this, .

As much as I often think that we should be working to close ALL more restrictive

settings, the fact is I haven't seen all of these places in fact, I haven't even

been inside a state op...I guess what I am saying and what you said so much

better is, let's stop thinking that all ICFs are bad and all CILAs are good...we

make blanket assumptions and what we need to do is find common denominators that

allow all parties to work toward the common good...

Ellen

Ellen Garber Bronfeld

egskbsbcglobal (DOT) net

Madigan and other thoughts

Maybe Charlotte is right that we can't make an enemy of Magian but I can't

see being nice to him. I hate the arrogant @#%$%! Term limits would take

away the wonderful Sara enholtz who is my rep. I think maybe campaign

finance reform is what we really need so we can get beyond pay to play.

One of my fellow sibs wrote a 50 page paper titled " Community - based

housing vs State Operated facilities Why is IL ranked 51st...... " I know that

one of her conclusions is that advocacy groups don't work well together. I

think that is true and that we too fragmented. Both our local and national

sib organizations are grappling with that issue right now. There are so many

people out there not involved. It reminds me of the environmental movement

that also struggles to make progress. It is too divided, too white and too

upper middle class. In my sort of humble opinion we need to word together

across disability, race, economic status and we need to work closely with

all self advocacy groups. We need to register people to vote. Many people

have just given up, they just don't believe it matters, no one represents them

and they are struggling to get through the day. I think Obama won this way

and maybe we can too. Never give up but that said take a break. Nora

************ **What's for dinner tonight? Find quick and easy dinner ideas

for any occasion.

(http://food. aol.com/dinner- tonight?ncid= emlcntusfood0000 0009)

[Guest guest]

I agree that the disability community in IL is fractured into 2 equally

passionate groups: those who want to close institutions and those who want to

see them stay open. 

We need a neutral 3rd party who is respected by both sides to bring a small

group representing each side of the issue to the table, find common ground and

build a mutually-accepted action plan that can benefit all of IL's citizens with

disabilities. 

IL policy and lawmakers need to be there, too. Sara enholtz would be a good

idea. AND IL citizen's with disabilities need to be there. Front and Center. 

Maybe IL needs a MAP or a PATH meeting. 

We have the Blueprint for Change. Wasn't that adopted as a policy for IL? Should

we just focus on the implementing the approved Blueprint? 

Pam

[Guest guest]

I agree that the disability community in IL is fractured into 2 equally

passionate groups: those who want to close institutions and those who want to

see them stay open. 

We need a neutral 3rd party who is respected by both sides to bring a small

group representing each side of the issue to the table, find common ground and

build a mutually-accepted action plan that can benefit all of IL's citizens with

disabilities. 

IL policy and lawmakers need to be there, too. Sara enholtz would be a good

idea. AND IL citizen's with disabilities need to be there. Front and Center. 

Maybe IL needs a MAP or a PATH meeting. 

We have the Blueprint for Change. Wasn't that adopted as a policy for IL? Should

we just focus on the implementing the approved Blueprint? 

Pam

[Guest guest]

Excellent idea, Pam.

Oh, BTW, did you ever get a reply from IL Attorney General Madigan?

From: pam_harris@... <pam_harris@...>

Subject: Re: Madigan and other thoughts

IPADDUnite

Date: Wednesday, July 22, 2009, 3:40 PM

 

I agree that the disability community in IL is fractured into 2 equally

passionate groups: those who want to close institutions and those who want to

see them stay open. 

We need a neutral 3rd party who is respected by both sides to bring a small

group representing each side of the issue to the table, find common ground and

build a mutually-accepted action plan that can benefit all of IL's citizens with

disabilities. 

IL policy and lawmakers need to be there, too. Sara enholtz would be a good

idea. AND IL citizen's with disabilities need to be there. Front and Center. 

Maybe IL needs a MAP or a PATH meeting. 

We have the Blueprint for Change. Wasn't that adopted as a policy for IL? Should

we just focus on the implementing the approved Blueprint? 

Pam

[Guest guest]

Excellent idea, Pam.

Oh, BTW, did you ever get a reply from IL Attorney General Madigan?

From: pam_harris@... <pam_harris@...>

Subject: Re: Madigan and other thoughts

IPADDUnite

Date: Wednesday, July 22, 2009, 3:40 PM

 

I agree that the disability community in IL is fractured into 2 equally

passionate groups: those who want to close institutions and those who want to

see them stay open. 

We need a neutral 3rd party who is respected by both sides to bring a small

group representing each side of the issue to the table, find common ground and

build a mutually-accepted action plan that can benefit all of IL's citizens with

disabilities. 

IL policy and lawmakers need to be there, too. Sara enholtz would be a good

idea. AND IL citizen's with disabilities need to be there. Front and Center. 

Maybe IL needs a MAP or a PATH meeting. 

We have the Blueprint for Change. Wasn't that adopted as a policy for IL? Should

we just focus on the implementing the approved Blueprint? 

Pam

[Guest guest]

http://www.illinoisattorneygeneral.gov/about/email_ag.jsp

No, I did not receive a reply. Thank you for reminding me. I will write again.

madigan might be responsive to . 

It clearly is within the scope of her office to step up and address the

repression of IL's citizens with disabilities by the policy/law makers. Maybe if

they receive a multitude of letters demanding that our Attorney General act on

behalf of those on the waiting lists, those in crisis, those who lost supports -

heck, how about getting IL off the bottom of the list.

The IL AG's office website states: 

" t he Attorney General is the state's chief legal officer and is responsible for

protecting the public interest of the state and its people.

The job of the Attorney General is to:

Advocate  on behalf of all of the people of Illinois;

Legislate  with members of the General Assembly for new laws; and

Litigate  to ensure state laws are followed and respected. "

Pam

[Guest guest]

http://www.illinoisattorneygeneral.gov/about/email_ag.jsp

No, I did not receive a reply. Thank you for reminding me. I will write again.

madigan might be responsive to . 

It clearly is within the scope of her office to step up and address the

repression of IL's citizens with disabilities by the policy/law makers. Maybe if

they receive a multitude of letters demanding that our Attorney General act on

behalf of those on the waiting lists, those in crisis, those who lost supports -

heck, how about getting IL off the bottom of the list.

The IL AG's office website states: 

" t he Attorney General is the state's chief legal officer and is responsible for

protecting the public interest of the state and its people.

The job of the Attorney General is to:

Advocate  on behalf of all of the people of Illinois;

Legislate  with members of the General Assembly for new laws; and

Litigate  to ensure state laws are followed and respected. "

Pam

[Guest guest]

Interesting - a few years ago ADAPT came to Chicago for their convention and

were able to shut down the State of Illinois building; the result was a meeting

with Gov. B. and representation on the MFP over site committee. I understand

 that they have a training session on how to demonstrate and what to do during

civil disobedience. Maybe we should contact the Chicago ADAPT.  - Food for

thought.

Leonor Vanik de Vazquez

312.969.3672

Re: Madigan and other thoughts

Perhaps a way to influence Mr. Madigan is to use a bigger hammer. Perhaps he

would listen to Daley. Mr. Daley and many other powerful political

interests in the State of Illinois are focused on getting The Olympics to

Chicago.

What if there were Civil Disobedience Demonstrations at the State of Illinois

Building in Chicago, which threatened to shut the use of the building. Police

would be called to remove the demonstrators. This would present the opportunity

to take pictures and video of the police and demonstrators.

This could go out on You-Tube and point to a web-site dedicated to the plight of

the disabled community in Illinois. The message of the website would need to be

directed at the International Olympics Committee. Perhaps the message could be

something like; how can Chicago claim to be the City That Works when it is part

of Illinois that does not work. Il

linois Neglects Its Disabled Citizens and Social Service Delivery System to

pursue the Olympic Games. Information that might be put on the web-site could

show:

1.The statistics on how the state stacks up on housing for the disabled. The

cost to keep a person in a community setting versus the cost to keep a person in

a state institution,

2.How the states ranks for spending on the disabled. .

3.How the GDP of the State of Illinois is the 5th – 6th highest in the nation

and is more than some countries in the world.

4.The real tax rates in Illinois,

5.The deaths at Howe, and the federal government withdrawing federal funds

6.The 17,000 + people waiting for services in Illinois,

7.The number of layoffs at social service agencies in the state and the number

of people losing services as a consequence of the layoffs

8.Videos of people and families losing services telling their story and what the

loss of services does to them,

9.Interviews with caregivers in Illinois who are 60, 70 and 80 years old with no

state support.

Organization and preparation would be imperative!!! A group would be needed as

leaders; a group would be needed to take pictures and video; a group to be the

public face as spokespersons would be necessary; a group would be needed to

create, maintain and update the website; lawyers would be needed for advice and

demonstrators would be needed.

If this seems like political arson, so what. The disabled have been largely

abandon by all political parties in Illinois. Many of=2

0the legislators say one thing to your face and vote another way. This might be

something they understand, Chicago style politics. If a big enough splash is

made, to get into the local and national news, it might be possible to get

attention to the web-site telling the story of the disabled in Illinois. Then

Chicago political leaders and other political interests in the state may be able

to help Mr. Madigan change his mind.

DEH

>

> Maybe Charlotte is right that we can't make an enemy of Magian but I can't

> see being nice to him. I hate the arrogant @#%$%! Term limits would take

> away the wonderful Sara enholtz who is my rep. I think maybe campaign

> finance reform is what we really need so we can get beyond pay to play.

>

> One of my fellow sibs wrote a 50 page paper titled " Community - based

> housing vs State Operated facilities Why is IL ranked 51st...... " I know that

> one of her conclusions is that advocacy groups don't work well together. I

> think that is true and that we too fragmented. Both our local and national

> sib organizations are grappling with that issue right now. There are so many

> people out there not involved. It reminds me of the environmental movement

> that also struggles to make progress. It is too divided, too white and too

> upper middle class. In my sort of humble opinion we need to word together

> across disability, race, economic status and we need to

work closely with

> all self advocacy groups. We need to register people to vote. Many people

> have just given up, they just don't believe it matters, no one represents them

> and they are struggling to get through the day. I think Obama won this way

> and maybe we can too. Never give up but that said take a break. Nora

> **************What's for dinner tonight? Find quick and easy dinner ideas

> for any occasion.

> (http://food.aol.com/dinner-tonight?ncid=emlcntusfood00000009)

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Interesting - a few years ago ADAPT came to Chicago for their convention and

were able to shut down the State of Illinois building; the result was a meeting

with Gov. B. and representation on the MFP over site committee. I understand

 that they have a training session on how to demonstrate and what to do during

civil disobedience. Maybe we should contact the Chicago ADAPT.  - Food for

thought.

Leonor Vanik de Vazquez

312.969.3672

Re: Madigan and other thoughts

Perhaps a way to influence Mr. Madigan is to use a bigger hammer. Perhaps he

would listen to Daley. Mr. Daley and many other powerful political

interests in the State of Illinois are focused on getting The Olympics to

Chicago.

What if there were Civil Disobedience Demonstrations at the State of Illinois

Building in Chicago, which threatened to shut the use of the building. Police

would be called to remove the demonstrators. This would present the opportunity

to take pictures and video of the police and demonstrators.

This could go out on You-Tube and point to a web-site dedicated to the plight of

the disabled community in Illinois. The message of the website would need to be

directed at the International Olympics Committee. Perhaps the message could be

something like; how can Chicago claim to be the City That Works when it is part

of Illinois that does not work. Il

linois Neglects Its Disabled Citizens and Social Service Delivery System to

pursue the Olympic Games. Information that might be put on the web-site could

show:

1.The statistics on how the state stacks up on housing for the disabled. The

cost to keep a person in a community setting versus the cost to keep a person in

a state institution,

2.How the states ranks for spending on the disabled. .

3.How the GDP of the State of Illinois is the 5th – 6th highest in the nation

and is more than some countries in the world.

4.The real tax rates in Illinois,

5.The deaths at Howe, and the federal government withdrawing federal funds

6.The 17,000 + people waiting for services in Illinois,

7.The number of layoffs at social service agencies in the state and the number

of people losing services as a consequence of the layoffs

8.Videos of people and families losing services telling their story and what the

loss of services does to them,

9.Interviews with caregivers in Illinois who are 60, 70 and 80 years old with no

state support.

Organization and preparation would be imperative!!! A group would be needed as

leaders; a group would be needed to take pictures and video; a group to be the

public face as spokespersons would be necessary; a group would be needed to

create, maintain and update the website; lawyers would be needed for advice and

demonstrators would be needed.

If this seems like political arson, so what. The disabled have been largely

abandon by all political parties in Illinois. Many of=2

0the legislators say one thing to your face and vote another way. This might be

something they understand, Chicago style politics. If a big enough splash is

made, to get into the local and national news, it might be possible to get

attention to the web-site telling the story of the disabled in Illinois. Then

Chicago political leaders and other political interests in the state may be able

to help Mr. Madigan change his mind.

DEH

>

> Maybe Charlotte is right that we can't make an enemy of Magian but I can't

> see being nice to him. I hate the arrogant @#%$%! Term limits would take

> away the wonderful Sara enholtz who is my rep. I think maybe campaign

> finance reform is what we really need so we can get beyond pay to play.

>

> One of my fellow sibs wrote a 50 page paper titled " Community - based

> housing vs State Operated facilities Why is IL ranked 51st...... " I know that

> one of her conclusions is that advocacy groups don't work well together. I

> think that is true and that we too fragmented. Both our local and national

> sib organizations are grappling with that issue right now. There are so many

> people out there not involved. It reminds me of the environmental movement

> that also struggles to make progress. It is too divided, too white and too

> upper middle class. In my sort of humble opinion we need to word together

> across disability, race, economic status and we need to

work closely with

> all self advocacy groups. We need to register people to vote. Many people

> have just given up, they just don't believe it matters, no one represents them

> and they are struggling to get through the day. I think Obama won this way

> and maybe we can too. Never give up but that said take a break. Nora

> **************What's for dinner tonight? Find quick and easy dinner ideas

> for any occasion.

> (http://food.aol.com/dinner-tonight?ncid=emlcntusfood00000009)

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Being the ol' fart that I guess I am, I don't worry too much about making

enemies at this point in my life. (I won't digress to when I stepped on some

senator's big toes about including in the due process bill the idea that hearing

officers could be removed for discrimination based on sexual orientation. ---

Remember that Phil? You were right. He wound on taking it out ----- TWICE.)

Anyway, I recognize that there ARE some good folks in Springfield sooooo maybe

the answer is just to " term limit " Chair position. I know madigan would hate

this, but tough doo doo. Let's be honest, do we hold out any hope for change or

not.

BTW, the DCCC put out this wonderful car/refigerator magetic sign that I look at

EVERY day. It says: " Change Starts With Me " Ain't that great???? no matter what

your political persuasion.

Ron (who met with Luke's great aide today in an effort to figure out how to

continue her great services and not cough up $12,000/ year for transportation.)

>

> http://www.illinoisattorneygeneral.gov/about/email_ag.jsp

>

>

>

> No, I did not receive a reply. Thank you for reminding me. I will write again.

madigan might be responsive to . 

> It clearly is within the scope of her office to step up and address the

repression of IL's citizens with disabilities by the policy/law makers. Maybe if

they receive a multitude of letters demanding that our Attorney General act on

behalf of those on the waiting lists, those in crisis, those who lost supports -

heck, how about getting IL off the bottom of the list.

>

>

> The IL AG's office website states: 

>

> " t he Attorney General is the state's chief legal officer and is responsible

for protecting the public interest of the state and its people.

>

>

> The job of the Attorney General is to:

>

> Advocate  on behalf of all of the people of Illinois;

>

> Legislate  with members of the General Assembly for new laws; and

>

> Litigate  to ensure state laws are followed and respected. "

>

>

>

>

> Pam

>

>

[Guest guest]

Being the ol' fart that I guess I am, I don't worry too much about making

enemies at this point in my life. (I won't digress to when I stepped on some

senator's big toes about including in the due process bill the idea that hearing

officers could be removed for discrimination based on sexual orientation. ---

Remember that Phil? You were right. He wound on taking it out ----- TWICE.)

Anyway, I recognize that there ARE some good folks in Springfield sooooo maybe

the answer is just to " term limit " Chair position. I know madigan would hate

this, but tough doo doo. Let's be honest, do we hold out any hope for change or

not.

BTW, the DCCC put out this wonderful car/refigerator magetic sign that I look at

EVERY day. It says: " Change Starts With Me " Ain't that great???? no matter what

your political persuasion.

Ron (who met with Luke's great aide today in an effort to figure out how to

continue her great services and not cough up $12,000/ year for transportation.)

>

> http://www.illinoisattorneygeneral.gov/about/email_ag.jsp

>

>

>

> No, I did not receive a reply. Thank you for reminding me. I will write again.

madigan might be responsive to . 

> It clearly is within the scope of her office to step up and address the

repression of IL's citizens with disabilities by the policy/law makers. Maybe if

they receive a multitude of letters demanding that our Attorney General act on

behalf of those on the waiting lists, those in crisis, those who lost supports -

heck, how about getting IL off the bottom of the list.

>

>

> The IL AG's office website states: 

>

> " t he Attorney General is the state's chief legal officer and is responsible

for protecting the public interest of the state and its people.

>

>

> The job of the Attorney General is to:

>

> Advocate  on behalf of all of the people of Illinois;

>

> Legislate  with members of the General Assembly for new laws; and

>

> Litigate  to ensure state laws are followed and respected. "

>

>

>

>

> Pam

>

>

[Guest guest]

I feel the same way about Noah...if it was entirely up to me, Noah would live

with me forever...I would take him wherever I went to the very end...

Ellen

Ellen Garber Bronfeld

egskb@...

Madigan and other thoughts

Maybe Charlotte is right that we can't make an enemy of Magian but I can't

see being nice to him. I hate the arrogant @#%$%! Term limits would take

away the wonderful Sara enholtz who is my rep. I think maybe campaign

finance reform is what we really need so we can get beyond pay to play.

One of my fellow sibs wrote a 50 page paper titled " Community - based

housing vs State Operated facilities Why is IL ranked 51st...... " I know that

one of her conclusions is that advocacy groups don't work well together. I

think that is true and that we too fragmented. Both our local and national

sib organizations are grappling with that issue right now. There are so many

people out there not involved. It reminds me of the environmental movement

that also struggles to make progress. It is too divided, too white and too

upper middle class. In my sort of humble opinion we need to word together

across disability, race, economic status and we need to work closely with

all self advocacy groups. We need to register people to vote. Many people

have just given up, they just don't believe it matters, no one represents them

and they are struggling to get through the day. I think Obama won this way

and maybe we can too. Never give up but that said take a break. Nora

************ **What's for dinner tonight? Find quick and easy dinner ideas

for any occasion.

(http://food. aol.com/dinner- tonight?ncid= emlcntusfood0000 0009)

[Guest guest]

I feel the same way about Noah...if it was entirely up to me, Noah would live

with me forever...I would take him wherever I went to the very end...

Ellen

Ellen Garber Bronfeld

egskb@...

Madigan and other thoughts

Maybe Charlotte is right that we can't make an enemy of Magian but I can't

see being nice to him. I hate the arrogant @#%$%! Term limits would take

away the wonderful Sara enholtz who is my rep. I think maybe campaign

finance reform is what we really need so we can get beyond pay to play.

One of my fellow sibs wrote a 50 page paper titled " Community - based

housing vs State Operated facilities Why is IL ranked 51st...... " I know that

one of her conclusions is that advocacy groups don't work well together. I

think that is true and that we too fragmented. Both our local and national

sib organizations are grappling with that issue right now. There are so many

people out there not involved. It reminds me of the environmental movement

that also struggles to make progress. It is too divided, too white and too

upper middle class. In my sort of humble opinion we need to word together

across disability, race, economic status and we need to work closely with

all self advocacy groups. We need to register people to vote. Many people

have just given up, they just don't believe it matters, no one represents them

and they are struggling to get through the day. I think Obama won this way

and maybe we can too. Never give up but that said take a break. Nora

************ **What's for dinner tonight? Find quick and easy dinner ideas

for any occasion.

(http://food. aol.com/dinner- tonight?ncid= emlcntusfood0000 0009)

[Guest guest]

The ADAPT folks may have shut down a building and then gotten some

representation and a meeting with our disgraced Gov but have there been any

TANGIBLE benefits...like preservation of funding? To be honest, instead of

saying maybe we should do this and maybe we should do that...just do it (call

ADAPT and get some info) and get back to the group about what they have to say.

We have lots of great ideas but what I would require, to put my personal time

and efforts into anything new and time consuming would be some data that a

particular strategy netted some really tangible benefits to people with

disabilities elsewhere...and even then...we have to consider our state and its

history...Sitting at the table and even having a voice at the table is not the

same as being heard and then listened to...

Ellen

Ellen Garber Bronfeld

egskb@...

Re: Madigan and other thoughts

Perhaps a way to influence Mr. Madigan is to use a bigger hammer. Perhaps he

would listen to Daley. Mr. Daley and many other powerful political

interests in the State of Illinois are focused on getting The Olympics to

Chicago.

What if there were Civil Disobedience Demonstrations at the State of Illinois

Building in Chicago, which threatened to shut the use of the building. Police

would be called to remove the demonstrators. This would present the opportunity

to take pictures and video of the police and demonstrators.

This could go out on You-Tube and point to a web-site dedicated to the plight

of the disabled community in Illinois. The message of the website would need to

be directed at the International Olympics Committee. Perhaps the message could

be something like; how can Chicago claim to be the City That Works when it is

part of Illinois that does not work. Il

linois Neglects Its Disabled Citizens and Social Service Delivery System to

pursue the Olympic Games. Information that might be put on the web-site could

show:

1.The statistics on how the state stacks up on housing for the disabled. The

cost to keep a person in a community setting versus the cost to keep a person in

a state institution,

2.How the states ranks for spending on the disabled. .

3.How the GDP of the State of Illinois is the 5th – 6th highest in the

nation and is more than some countries in the world.

4.The real tax rates in Illinois,

5.The deaths at Howe, and the federal government withdrawing federal funds

6.The 17,000 + people waiting for services in Illinois,

7.The number of layoffs at social service agencies in the state and the number

of people losing services as a consequence of the layoffs

8.Videos of people and families losing services telling their story and what

the loss of services does to them,

9.Interviews with caregivers in Illinois who are 60, 70 and 80 years old with

no state support.

Organization and preparation would be imperative!!! A group would be needed as

leaders; a group would be needed to take pictures and video; a group to be the

public face as spokespersons would be necessary; a group would be needed to

create, maintain and update the website; lawyers would be needed for advice and

demonstrators would be needed.

If this seems like political arson, so what. The disabled have been largely

abandon by all political parties in Illinois. Many of=2

0the legislators say one thing to your face and vote another way. This might

be something they understand, Chicago style politics. If a big enough splash is

made, to get into the local and national news, it might be possible to get

attention to the web-site telling the story of the disabled in Illinois. Then

Chicago political leaders and other political interests in the state may be able

to help Mr. Madigan change his mind.

DEH

>

> Maybe Charlotte is right that we can't make an enemy of Magian but I can't

> see being nice to him. I hate the arrogant @#%$%! Term limits would take

> away the wonderful Sara enholtz who is my rep. I think maybe campaign

> finance reform is what we really need so we can get beyond pay to play.

>

> One of my fellow sibs wrote a 50 page paper titled " Community - based

> housing vs State Operated facilities Why is IL ranked 51st...... " I know

that

> one of her conclusions is that advocacy groups don't work well together. I

> think that is true and that we too fragmented. Both our local and national

> sib organizations are grappling with that issue right now. There are so many

> people out there not involved. It reminds me of the environmental movement

> that also struggles to make progress. It is too divided, too white and too

> upper middle class. In my sort of humble opinion we need to word together

> across disability, race, economic status and we need to

work closely with

> all self advocacy groups. We need to register people to vote. Many people

> have just given up, they just don't believe it matters, no one represents

them

> and they are struggling to get through the day. I think Obama won this way

> and maybe we can too. Never give up but that said take a break. Nora

> **************What's for dinner tonight? Find quick and easy dinner ideas

> for any occasion.

> (http://food.aol.com/dinner-tonight?ncid=emlcntusfood00000009)

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

The ADAPT folks may have shut down a building and then gotten some

representation and a meeting with our disgraced Gov but have there been any

TANGIBLE benefits...like preservation of funding? To be honest, instead of

saying maybe we should do this and maybe we should do that...just do it (call

ADAPT and get some info) and get back to the group about what they have to say.

We have lots of great ideas but what I would require, to put my personal time

and efforts into anything new and time consuming would be some data that a

particular strategy netted some really tangible benefits to people with

disabilities elsewhere...and even then...we have to consider our state and its

history...Sitting at the table and even having a voice at the table is not the

same as being heard and then listened to...

Ellen

Ellen Garber Bronfeld

egskb@...

Re: Madigan and other thoughts

Perhaps a way to influence Mr. Madigan is to use a bigger hammer. Perhaps he

would listen to Daley. Mr. Daley and many other powerful political

interests in the State of Illinois are focused on getting The Olympics to

Chicago.

What if there were Civil Disobedience Demonstrations at the State of Illinois

Building in Chicago, which threatened to shut the use of the building. Police

would be called to remove the demonstrators. This would present the opportunity

to take pictures and video of the police and demonstrators.

This could go out on You-Tube and point to a web-site dedicated to the plight

of the disabled community in Illinois. The message of the website would need to

be directed at the International Olympics Committee. Perhaps the message could

be something like; how can Chicago claim to be the City That Works when it is

part of Illinois that does not work. Il

linois Neglects Its Disabled Citizens and Social Service Delivery System to

pursue the Olympic Games. Information that might be put on the web-site could

show:

1.The statistics on how the state stacks up on housing for the disabled. The

cost to keep a person in a community setting versus the cost to keep a person in

a state institution,

2.How the states ranks for spending on the disabled. .

3.How the GDP of the State of Illinois is the 5th – 6th highest in the

nation and is more than some countries in the world.

4.The real tax rates in Illinois,

5.The deaths at Howe, and the federal government withdrawing federal funds

6.The 17,000 + people waiting for services in Illinois,

7.The number of layoffs at social service agencies in the state and the number

of people losing services as a consequence of the layoffs

8.Videos of people and families losing services telling their story and what

the loss of services does to them,

9.Interviews with caregivers in Illinois who are 60, 70 and 80 years old with

no state support.

Organization and preparation would be imperative!!! A group would be needed as

leaders; a group would be needed to take pictures and video; a group to be the

public face as spokespersons would be necessary; a group would be needed to

create, maintain and update the website; lawyers would be needed for advice and

demonstrators would be needed.

If this seems like political arson, so what. The disabled have been largely

abandon by all political parties in Illinois. Many of=2

0the legislators say one thing to your face and vote another way. This might

be something they understand, Chicago style politics. If a big enough splash is

made, to get into the local and national news, it might be possible to get

attention to the web-site telling the story of the disabled in Illinois. Then

Chicago political leaders and other political interests in the state may be able

to help Mr. Madigan change his mind.

DEH

>

> Maybe Charlotte is right that we can't make an enemy of Magian but I can't

> see being nice to him. I hate the arrogant @#%$%! Term limits would take

> away the wonderful Sara enholtz who is my rep. I think maybe campaign

> finance reform is what we really need so we can get beyond pay to play.

>

> One of my fellow sibs wrote a 50 page paper titled " Community - based

> housing vs State Operated facilities Why is IL ranked 51st...... " I know

that

> one of her conclusions is that advocacy groups don't work well together. I

> think that is true and that we too fragmented. Both our local and national

> sib organizations are grappling with that issue right now. There are so many

> people out there not involved. It reminds me of the environmental movement

> that also struggles to make progress. It is too divided, too white and too

> upper middle class. In my sort of humble opinion we need to word together

> across disability, race, economic status and we need to

work closely with

> all self advocacy groups. We need to register people to vote. Many people

> have just given up, they just don't believe it matters, no one represents

them

> and they are struggling to get through the day. I think Obama won this way

> and maybe we can too. Never give up but that said take a break. Nora

> **************What's for dinner tonight? Find quick and easy dinner ideas

> for any occasion.

> (http://food.aol.com/dinner-tonight?ncid=emlcntusfood00000009)

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

I highly doubt that any SODC or ICF families or at least very few would agree

that the Blueprint has their blessings and was agreed upon by them.

That said, Pam, I like your idea of trying to get the constituent groups

together at the table...The one common bond is the love we all have for our

loved ones who happen to have disabilities and the one common goal is for our

loved ones to be safe and happy...on the SODC and ICF side it would probably

also be an expectation that individuals be protected and cared for and that

supports and services be sustainable...

On the community side we would probably say we want reasonable protections but

we want to maximize independence, and we want a flexible system with a funding

source that is sustainable but flexible to allow for changes in need over

time...

How do we make such a gathering possible with a spirit of collaboration and good

will toward one another?

Ellen

Ellen Garber Bronfeld

egskb@...

Re: Madigan and other thoughts

I agree that the disability community in IL is fractured into 2 equally

passionate groups: those who want to close institutions and those who want to

see them stay open.

We need a neutral 3rd party who is respected by both sides to bring a small

group representing each side of the issue to the table, find common ground and

build a mutually-accepted action plan that can benefit all of IL's citizens with

disabilities.

IL policy and lawmakers need to be there, too. Sara enholtz would be a

good idea. AND IL citizen's with disabilities need to be there. Front and

Center.

Maybe IL needs a MAP or a PATH meeting.

We have the Blueprint for Change. Wasn't that adopted as a policy for IL?

Should we just focus on the implementing the approved Blueprint?

Pam

[Guest guest]

I highly doubt that any SODC or ICF families or at least very few would agree

that the Blueprint has their blessings and was agreed upon by them.

That said, Pam, I like your idea of trying to get the constituent groups

together at the table...The one common bond is the love we all have for our

loved ones who happen to have disabilities and the one common goal is for our

loved ones to be safe and happy...on the SODC and ICF side it would probably

also be an expectation that individuals be protected and cared for and that

supports and services be sustainable...

On the community side we would probably say we want reasonable protections but

we want to maximize independence, and we want a flexible system with a funding

source that is sustainable but flexible to allow for changes in need over

time...

How do we make such a gathering possible with a spirit of collaboration and good

will toward one another?

Ellen

Ellen Garber Bronfeld

egskb@...

Re: Madigan and other thoughts

I agree that the disability community in IL is fractured into 2 equally

passionate groups: those who want to close institutions and those who want to

see them stay open.

We need a neutral 3rd party who is respected by both sides to bring a small

group representing each side of the issue to the table, find common ground and

build a mutually-accepted action plan that can benefit all of IL's citizens with

disabilities.

IL policy and lawmakers need to be there, too. Sara enholtz would be a

good idea. AND IL citizen's with disabilities need to be there. Front and

Center.

Maybe IL needs a MAP or a PATH meeting.

We have the Blueprint for Change. Wasn't that adopted as a policy for IL?

Should we just focus on the implementing the approved Blueprint?

Pam

[Guest guest]

Thank you

Leonor Vanik de Vazquez

312.969.3672

Re: Re: Madigan and other thoughts

The ADAPT folks may have shut down a building and then gotten some

representation and a meeting with our disgraced Gov but have there been any

TANGIBLE benefits...like preservation of funding? To be honest, instead of

saying maybe we should do this and maybe we should do that...just do it (call

ADAPT and get some info) and get back to the group about what they have to say.

We have lots of great ideas but what I would require, to put my personal time

and efforts into anything new and time consuming would be some data that a

particular strategy netted some really tangible benefits to people with

disabilities elsewhere...and even then...we have to consider our state and its

history...Sitting at the table and even having a voice at the table is not the

same as being heard and then listened to...

Ellen

Ellen Garber Bronfeld

egskb@...

Re: Madigan and other thoughts

Perhaps a way to influence Mr. Madigan is to use a bigger hammer. Perhaps he

would listen to Daley. Mr. Daley and many other powerful political

interests in the State of Illinois are focused on getting The Olympics to

Chicago.

What if there were Civil Disobedience Demonstrations at the State of Illinois

Building in Chicago, which threatened to shut the use of the building. Police

would be called to remove the demonstrators. This would present the opportunity

to take pictures and video of the police and demonstrators.

This could go out on You-Tube and point to a web-site dedicated to the plight of

the disabled community in Illinois. The message of the website would need to be

directed at the International Olympics Committee. Perhaps the message could be

something like; how can Chicago claim to be the City That Works when it is part

of Illinois that does not work. Il

linois Neglects Its Disabled Citizens and Social Service Delivery System to

pursue the Olympic Games. Information that might be put on the web-site could

show:

1.The statistics on how the state stacks up on housing for the disabled. The

cost to keep a person in a community=2

0setting versus the cost to keep a person in a state institution,

2.How the states ranks for spending on the disabled. .

3.How the GDP of the State of Illinois is the 5th – 6th highest in the nation

and is more than some countries in the world.

4.The real tax rates in Illinois,

5.The deaths at Howe, and the federal government withdrawing federal funds

6.The 17,000 + people waiting for services in Illinois,

7.The number of layoffs at social service agencies in the state and the number

of people losing services as a consequence of the layoffs

8.Videos of people and families losing services telling their story and what the

loss of services does to them,

9.Interviews with caregivers in Illinois who are 60, 70 and 80 years old with no

state support.

Organization and preparation would be imperative!!! A group would be needed as

leaders; a group would be needed to take pictures and video; a group to be the

public face as spokespersons would be necessary; a group would be needed to

create, maintain and update the website; lawyers would be needed for advice and

demonstrators would be needed.

If this seems like political arson, so what. The disabled have been largely

abandon by all political parties in Illinois. Many of=2

0the legislators say one thing to your face and vote another way. This might be

something they understand, Chicago style politics. If a big enough splash is

made, to get into the local and national news, it might be possible to get

attention to the web-site telling the=2

0story of the disabled in Illinois. Then Chicago political leaders and other

political interests in the state may be able to help Mr. Madigan change his

mind.

DEH

>

> Maybe Charlotte is right that we can't make an enemy of Magian but I can't

> see being nice to him. I hate the arrogant @#%$%! Term limits would take

> away the wonderful Sara enholtz who is my rep. I think maybe campaign

> finance reform is what we really need so we can get beyond pay to play.

>

> One of my fellow sibs wrote a 50 page paper titled " Community - based

> housing vs State Operated facilities Why is IL ranked 51st...... " I know that

> one of her conclusions is that advocacy groups don't work well together. I

> think that is true and that we too fragmented. Both our local and national

> sib organizations are grappling with that issue right now. There are so many

> people out there not involved. It reminds me of the environmental movement

> that also struggles to make progress. It is too divided, too white and too

> upper middle class. In my sort of humble opinion we need to word together

> across disability, race, economic status and we need to

work closely with

> all self advocacy groups. We need to register people to vote. Many people

> have just given up, they just don't believe it matters, no one represents them

> and they are struggling to get through the day. I think Obama won this way

>20and maybe we can too. Never give up but that said take a break. Nora

> **************What's for dinner tonight? Find quick and easy dinner ideas

> for any occasion.

> (http://food.aol.com/dinner-tonight?ncid=emlcntusfood00000009)

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Thank you

Leonor Vanik de Vazquez

312.969.3672

Re: Re: Madigan and other thoughts

The ADAPT folks may have shut down a building and then gotten some

representation and a meeting with our disgraced Gov but have there been any

TANGIBLE benefits...like preservation of funding? To be honest, instead of

saying maybe we should do this and maybe we should do that...just do it (call

ADAPT and get some info) and get back to the group about what they have to say.

We have lots of great ideas but what I would require, to put my personal time

and efforts into anything new and time consuming would be some data that a

particular strategy netted some really tangible benefits to people with

disabilities elsewhere...and even then...we have to consider our state and its

history...Sitting at the table and even having a voice at the table is not the

same as being heard and then listened to...

Ellen

Ellen Garber Bronfeld

egskb@...

Re: Madigan and other thoughts

Perhaps a way to influence Mr. Madigan is to use a bigger hammer. Perhaps he

would listen to Daley. Mr. Daley and many other powerful political

interests in the State of Illinois are focused on getting The Olympics to

Chicago.

What if there were Civil Disobedience Demonstrations at the State of Illinois

Building in Chicago, which threatened to shut the use of the building. Police

would be called to remove the demonstrators. This would present the opportunity

to take pictures and video of the police and demonstrators.

This could go out on You-Tube and point to a web-site dedicated to the plight of

the disabled community in Illinois. The message of the website would need to be

directed at the International Olympics Committee. Perhaps the message could be

something like; how can Chicago claim to be the City That Works when it is part

of Illinois that does not work. Il

linois Neglects Its Disabled Citizens and Social Service Delivery System to

pursue the Olympic Games. Information that might be put on the web-site could

show:

1.The statistics on how the state stacks up on housing for the disabled. The

cost to keep a person in a community=2

0setting versus the cost to keep a person in a state institution,

2.How the states ranks for spending on the disabled. .

3.How the GDP of the State of Illinois is the 5th – 6th highest in the nation

and is more than some countries in the world.

4.The real tax rates in Illinois,

5.The deaths at Howe, and the federal government withdrawing federal funds

6.The 17,000 + people waiting for services in Illinois,

7.The number of layoffs at social service agencies in the state and the number

of people losing services as a consequence of the layoffs

8.Videos of people and families losing services telling their story and what the

loss of services does to them,

9.Interviews with caregivers in Illinois who are 60, 70 and 80 years old with no

state support.

Organization and preparation would be imperative!!! A group would be needed as

leaders; a group would be needed to take pictures and video; a group to be the

public face as spokespersons would be necessary; a group would be needed to

create, maintain and update the website; lawyers would be needed for advice and

demonstrators would be needed.

If this seems like political arson, so what. The disabled have been largely

abandon by all political parties in Illinois. Many of=2

0the legislators say one thing to your face and vote another way. This might be

something they understand, Chicago style politics. If a big enough splash is

made, to get into the local and national news, it might be possible to get

attention to the web-site telling the=2

0story of the disabled in Illinois. Then Chicago political leaders and other

political interests in the state may be able to help Mr. Madigan change his

mind.

DEH

>

> Maybe Charlotte is right that we can't make an enemy of Magian but I can't

> see being nice to him. I hate the arrogant @#%$%! Term limits would take

> away the wonderful Sara enholtz who is my rep. I think maybe campaign

> finance reform is what we really need so we can get beyond pay to play.

>

> One of my fellow sibs wrote a 50 page paper titled " Community - based

> housing vs State Operated facilities Why is IL ranked 51st...... " I know that

> one of her conclusions is that advocacy groups don't work well together. I

> think that is true and that we too fragmented. Both our local and national

> sib organizations are grappling with that issue right now. There are so many

> people out there not involved. It reminds me of the environmental movement

> that also struggles to make progress. It is too divided, too white and too

> upper middle class. In my sort of humble opinion we need to word together

> across disability, race, economic status and we need to

work closely with

> all self advocacy groups. We need to register people to vote. Many people

> have just given up, they just don't believe it matters, no one represents them

> and they are struggling to get through the day. I think Obama won this way

>20and maybe we can too. Never give up but that said take a break. Nora

> **************What's for dinner tonight? Find quick and easy dinner ideas

> for any occasion.

> (http://food.aol.com/dinner-tonight?ncid=emlcntusfood00000009)

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

I should have been more clear. Wasn't the Blueprint accepted by the IL General

Assembly as a policy for the state? 

Who are the leaders from the group who would like to see SODC/ICF remain open

and available? 

We need to remember that it is not just families but also the unionized workers

who provide the services. 

I would think the first step is to identify " our " leaders, establish a simple

list of objectives and 5-10 names of potential mediators. 

Does anyone know what Anne 's report to the Governor was? Did she favor

closing Howe? If Anne's report is to remain closed, perhaps she could be

considered a potential mediator? 

Pam

Re: Madigan and other thoughts

I agree that the disability community in IL is fractured into 2 equally

passionate groups: those who want to close institutions and those who want to

see them stay open.

We need a neutral 3rd party who is respected by both sides to bring a small

group representing each side of the issue to the table, find common ground and

build a mutually-accepted action plan that can benefit all of IL's citizens with

disabilities.

IL policy and lawmakers need to be there, too. Sara enholtz would be a good

idea. AND IL citizen's with disabilities need to be there. Front and Center.

Maybe IL needs a MAP or a PATH meeting.

We have the Blueprint for Change. Wasn't that adopted as a policy for IL? Should

we just focus on the implementing the approved Blueprint?

Pam

[Guest guest]

I should have been more clear. Wasn't the Blueprint accepted by the IL General

Assembly as a policy for the state? 

Who are the leaders from the group who would like to see SODC/ICF remain open

and available? 

We need to remember that it is not just families but also the unionized workers

who provide the services. 

I would think the first step is to identify " our " leaders, establish a simple

list of objectives and 5-10 names of potential mediators. 

Does anyone know what Anne 's report to the Governor was? Did she favor

closing Howe? If Anne's report is to remain closed, perhaps she could be

considered a potential mediator? 

Pam

Re: Madigan and other thoughts

I agree that the disability community in IL is fractured into 2 equally

passionate groups: those who want to close institutions and those who want to

see them stay open.

We need a neutral 3rd party who is respected by both sides to bring a small

group representing each side of the issue to the table, find common ground and

build a mutually-accepted action plan that can benefit all of IL's citizens with

disabilities.

IL policy and lawmakers need to be there, too. Sara enholtz would be a good

idea. AND IL citizen's with disabilities need to be there. Front and Center.

Maybe IL needs a MAP or a PATH meeting.

We have the Blueprint for Change. Wasn't that adopted as a policy for IL? Should

we just focus on the implementing the approved Blueprint?

Pam