Project to help people with disabilities and their families build a circle of support, connection and safety

The Arc of Illinois and the Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities have launched a project to help individuals with disabilities and their families/caregivers through the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.

The Illinois Start Raft Project brings together the tools needed to build a circle of support, connection and increased safety for yourself, a family member or someone for whom you advocate.

The project’s presenter and coach is David Wetherow, founder of the Star Raft Project.

The Star Raft method aims to create lifelong support networks that are person-centered, family-friendly and strengthened by relationships in the larger community.

Wetherow is hosting a six-month set of free weekly Zoom meetings in which participants will find:

• Tools, materials and personal coaching for building a circle of companionship, connection and opportunity for yourself, for a family member or for someone you support.
• An enjoyable method for sharing the work that will wake up everyone’s contribution.
• A ‘navigation chart’ and a set of printable cards that can help you use great strategies and host great meetings.
• Free Zoom accounts and coaching so you and your loved ones can stay connected in the time of social isolation and physical distancing.
• Six months of personal coaching and support for you and your circle.

The best way to learn about the Star Raft method and take your first steps will be to attend one of the introductory Zoom webinars.

Two introductory webinars will be held every Monday, one at 10 a.m. and one at 7 p.m., through February. The morning and afternoon webinar are identical, so you can choose the one that fits your schedule.

For more information about the project and to register for an introductory webinar, click on the Illinois Star Raft Project newsletter.

Discuss existing barriers to employment for people with disabilities.

Individuals with disabilities and their families are invited to join the Arc of Illinois, the Self-Advocacy Alliance, Sibling Leadership Network and Illinois Assistive Technology Program for a series of Supported Employment Listening and Learning Sessions.

You’ll have the opportunity to discuss the barriers you see in employment for people with disabilities and learn more about policy changes that could affect people with intellectual and developmental disabilities through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) and Illinois Employment First in Illinois.

• April 10 Webinar
  1 to 2:30 p.m.
  Click here to register for the webinar.
  
• April 11 Session in Bloomington-Normal
  9:30 to 11 a.m.
  Marcfirst, 1606 Hunt Drive, #1A, Normal, IL 61761
  Click here to register for the Bloomington-Normal session.
  
• April 18 Session in Dixon
  9:30 to 11 a.m.
  Kreider Services, 500 Anchor Road, Dixon, IL 61021
  Click here to register for the Dixon session.

Sessions in Chicago and Edwardsville are to follow.

Email Meg Cooch at meg@thearcofil.org or call (773) 558-5136 for more information.