The Illinois Network of Centers for Independent Living (INCIL), recognizes and supports the Illinois Department of Human Services’ announcement to bring significant structural changes to Choate Mental Health and Developmental Center in Anna, Illinois. Choate is an Illinois State Operated Developmental Center (SODC), one of seven in Illinois that house people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD).
After years of documented reported abuse and neglect, operations at the facility are expected to be significantly reduced by September 30th. INCIL echoes and affirms the statement of Access Living’s President and CEO Karen Tamley: “This is an important moment for people with disabilities in Illinois. We applaud the State is taking action to shut down the culture of abuse. The funds currently used at Choate should be reinvested in the kind of community-based service system that people with disabilities and families want and truly deserve.”
INCIL believes that people with I/DD have the right to live, work, and participate fully in their own homes and communities—not in institutions. We urge the State of Illinois to ensure that the transition away from Choate includes robust investment in community-based services and supports, a strengthened direct support workforce such as those trained through the Illinois Personal Assistant Recruitment and Training Program (PART-P), and person-centered planning so that every individual currently at Choate can move to the most integrated setting appropriate to their needs.
As the statewide network of Centers for Independent Living, INCIL is committed to working alongside people with disabilities, families, and partners to advocate for the housing, supports, and community-based services needed so that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities can live safely, with dignity, in the communities of their choice.