05/20/2019
IMPORTANT INFO BELOW IF YOUR ISC AGENCY IS CHANGING. THIS PERTAINS TO OUR FAMILIES WHO CURRENTLY WORK WITH DAY ONE/PACT
**ISC Transition Advisory Committee Announcement**
To: IL individuals and families impacted by ISC Transition
From: Kim Mercer-Schleider, Director ICDD
Hello Everyone
In one of Secretary Grace Hou’s initial announcements, it was communicated that she would oversee the creation of a self-advocate and family committee to provide suggestions as to how to best create a seamless transition into the new ISC framework starting July 1. This committee would provide recommendations to DHS, including but not limited to:
*Workforce retention, to the extent possible
*Evaluating efficacy and efficiency over time
*Continuation of person-centered planning processes
*Serve as a sounding board for the Division regarding issues being raised from the field
I was asked to Chair this Committee and have spent the last month listening to those involved to inform a path forward. In this fact finding mission, I have heard a full continuum of responses ranging from: “I’m changing ISC’s but it’s going ok and I know exactly who to call!” to “I have heard nothing, I don’t know anything about my next steps and I am worried.” We also know that several regions are the subject of litigation as well.
In order to provide a forum for individuals and families on all points in the continuum, we have created an email that will be managed by ICDD staff for at least the next 2 months.
The address is: [email protected]
Please use this address if you are:
*An individual receiving case management services and will be transitioning to a new ISC
*A loved one, parent, or guardian supporting an individual through a transition to a new ISC
Please use this address to provide recommendations on the following:
*Advice to DDD/DHS on ways to ensure continuity of supports
*Recommendations on how to effectively communicate needed information to individuals and families
*Highlight areas of confusion or concern that other individuals/families may be experiencing that need surfacing
*Thoughts on how to evaluate the transition process and overall impact on individuals and families
ICDD staff will field and categorize these responses. A small committee of selected self-advocates and families involved with this topic will participate on the Committee and synthesize the responses into formal recommendations for DHS/DDD.
I am grateful to have the opportunity to provide a forum for voices to be heard in anticipation of the July 1st implementation. I look forward to hearing from you!
Kim
KIMBERLY MERCER-SCHLEIDER | DIRECTOR
Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities
