The Consumer Stipend Program provides assistive technology funding for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.

Most conferences, important meetings and training for people with developmental disabilities and their families have gone virtual.

Grant funding is now available through the Consumer Stipend Program to help these individuals stay connected during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Arc of Illinois manages the Consumer Stipend Program through a grant from the Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities. The stipend funds help people with developmental disabilities and their family members attend conferences that are directly related to developmental disability issues.

The Consumer Stipend Program will now allow stipends to pay for the assistive technology needed to attend virtual events.

To apply for the Consumer Stipend Program, an applicant must be:

• An Illinois resident
• A person with an intellectual and/or developmental disability
• A family member of a person with an intellectual and/or developmental disability
• A guardian/foster parent of a person with an intellectual and/or developmental disability

Funding is available for a variety of assistive technology, including:

• iPads and other tablets
• Laptops
• Apps for tablets
• Software
• Other assistive technology that will help people stay connected

Available funds will depend on an applicant’s technology needs. Only one application is allowed per individual or family.

More details about the Consumer Stipend Program and the application process are available on The Arc of Illinois website.

You may also call (815) 464-1832 with any questions about the stipend program.

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.