By Josh Evans, President and CEO, Illinois Association of Rehabilitation Facilities
SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Association of Rehabilitation Facilities (IARF), representing community providers serving Illinoisans with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and serious mental illnesses, today issued the following statement regarding the Pritzker Administration’s latest announcement outlining the transition of residents from Choate Developmental Center:
“The leadership shown by Governor Pritzker and DHS Secretary Quintero in closing the remaining I/DD beds at Choate Developmental Center stands in stark contrast to the message being sent from Washington, D.C. with the Department of Justice’s abandonment of the landmark Olmstead decision enforcement. In Illinois, we will advance equity, the civil rights of persons with developmental disabilities, and the opportunity for Illinoisans with disabilities to reside in communities of their choice.”
“The heartbreaking abuse allegations at Choate demanded decisive action, and we support Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Human Services as they move forward with this next phase of transitioning residents to the settings that best meet their individual needs. As with the Administration’s initial actions in 2023 when reports of abuse came to light, every decision must remain centered on safety, dignity, and ensuring people receive the right care in the most appropriate environment.
“This transition also represents an opportunity to continue strengthening Illinois’ community-based system of care.
Governor Pritzker and the General Assembly have demonstrated a sustained commitment to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities through increased investments in the adult community-based services array. Those commitments provide an important foundation as more individuals receive supports closer to home and in the least restrictive settings possible.
“While important work remains – especially as we consider the unique needs of youth transitioning into adult services and the impact of massive cuts to federal Medicaid funding with H.R. 1 – Illinois has shown that meaningful progress is possible when state government, providers, advocates, and families work together. IARF looks forward to continuing our partnership with the Pritzker Administration and the General Assembly to ensure every Illinoisan with I/DD has access to safe, high-quality, person-centered services and supports.”