IL Imagines Chicago Team Agency Spotlight: IL Self Advocacy Alliance

IL Imagines Chicago
Team Agency Spotlight

AGENCY:
Illinois Self-Advocacy Alliance
PO Box 666
Park Forest Il 60466
Phone: 618.806.9431
Email: krescenebeck@gmail.com
Web: http://selfadvocacyalliance.org/

AGENCY OVERVIEW:

The Alliance is a statewide team of self-advocacy groups in Illinois. We work together to make life better in our communities and to work to make services better in our state.
We want groups from around the state to speak together with one loud voice. We can do more when we all work together!

Our Vision

Our vision is for self-advocates to work together to get the support we need and to live the life we want in the community.

Our Mission

Our mission is to speak up for ourselves and each other while working together to make changes in our communities and in Illinois.

Range of services: 

The Alliance is all of the self-advocacy groups from around the State. 

 1. Support Local Groups
 We can accomplish a lot when we support each other to reach our goals! Alliance leaders will visit local self-advocacy groups to find out how the Alliance can help each group. The Alliance can help by:
● Spreading the word about a local event
● Sharing ideas about what other groups have done
● Holding regional meetings to discuss issues, plan activities, and have fun
● Inviting you to get involved in statewide actions to make change

2. Work Together on Important Issues
We want self-advocacy groups from around the state to speak together with one loud voice about our services, transportation, jobs, community housing choices, and other issues that affect our lives. When we work together, we can make a difference in our own lives, in our communities, and across our State.

We will work together in several ways. We will:
● We will gather information from Alliance members about important issues to develop position statements . These statements will help others understand what we believe.
● We will use our position statements to deliver a clear message with one voice to policy makers and others.
● We will plan state actions on issues that are important to us.
● We will support each other at the state level to promote self-determination, self-advocacy, and the rights of people with disabilities.

3. Offer trainings & presentations on disability related topics

4. Participate on a number of grants,  projects & committees that address many disability related topics or issues including; Proud & Included (LGBTQ initiative for those who identify as I/DD), IL Imagines, SEAT (Supported Employment Action Team), WIOA trainings, SUSO, etc. 

Specialties:   

Intellectual & developmental disabilities, advocacy, trainings & presentations  

Team Member Spotlight: Tara Ahern

IL Imagines Chicago

Team Member Spotlight

Team member name: Tara Ahern
Position: Community Organizer
Agency/Program: The IL Self Advocacy Specialist 
Member since: 2014

Member Bio:

Tara Ahern is a graduate of New York University (B.A.) & DePaul University (M.S.). The cornerstone of her life’s work is to encourage & teach individuals how to speak up for themselves in order to live a full life in their communities. She works as a state-wide Community Organizer for The IL Self Advocacy Alliance & activities facilitator at Center for Independent Futures in Evanston. In her role at The Alliance, Tara has conducted issue campaigns to influence local and state systems change, nurtured relationships & mobilized self advocates, disability groups and other allies and most recently, spearheaded The Alliance Ambassador Leadership Program for adults with intellectual & developmental disabilities. She also serves a co-chair for IL Imagines.

Tara’s passion for disability rights stems from her own experiences living & loving with Muscular Dystrophy, a degenerative neurological disease, and also wanting to live in a world that sees value in all people. In her spare time, Tara pursues her passion of photography, documenting weddings, portraits & events at her own company, Roots of Life Photography.

Quote: 

“Never doubt that you are valuable and powerful & deserving of every chance & opportunity in the world.” -HRC

Why I joined IL Imagines. 

After participating in an IL Imagines sexual assault prevention for women with disabilities training and learning more about how prevalent this issue is, I wanted to get more involved with the project. 

Upon joining the Chicago team, I felt relieved to find a small tribe of passionate people committed to proactively addressing this topic.

A Fun Fact:

I have visited 15 countries in Canada, Europe, Central America, Africa & the Middle East.

Team Agency Spotlight: UCP Seguin

IL IMAGINES CHICAGO

TEAM AGENCY SPOTLIGHT

Agency/Program name:

UCP Seguin of Greater Chicago

3100 S. Central Ave.

Cicero, Illinois 60804

(708) 863-3803

www.ucpseguin.org

MISSION:

We believe that all people, regardless of ability, deserve to achieve their potential, advance their independence and act as full members of the community. So we stop at nothing to provide life skills training, assistive technology, meaningful employment and a place to call home for people with disabilities, as well as specialized foster care for children.

Our goal: life without limits for people with disabilities.

RANGE OF SERVICES:

UCP Seguin of Greater Chicago provides a wide array of innovative services for adults and children. For adults with intellectual disabilities we offer a variety of community living arrangements, case management, employment services, life skills training, respite, home-based support services, and recreational services. We place and support many individuals in community jobs throughout the Greater Chicago area, including in our own social enterprises Seguin Auto Center and Seguin Garden and Gifts.

We also give a home to children and adolescents, with nurturing foster care from birth to 21, including specialized care for children with behavior or medical challenges. In addition, our specialized assistive technology and accessibility services allow us to serve more people, advancing independence and promoting inclusive opportunities for thousands of children and adults with disabilities. Infinitec, with its partners, provides invaluable information about assistive technology, as well as training, equipment and access to specialists and resources. 

DISABILITY ACCESSIBLE:

All of our locations are fully accessible.

Team Member Spotlight: Meet our new Co-Chair, Jessica Silber

IL IMAGINES CHICAGO 

TEAM MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Team member name: Jessica Silber
Position:  Director of Home Based & Intake Services
Agency/Program: UCP Seguin of Greater Chicago
Member since: 2014


Member Bio: 
Jessica received her dual bachelor’s degree in Criminal/Social Justice and Psychology from Lewis University.  Jessica has 10 years of experience working with children and adults diagnosed with intellectual and developmental disabilities.  Through her work she has done direct care, group home management, program coordination, case management, respite and admissions. In addition, Jessica is guardian for a young woman with a disability who lives with her . . . and is like family to her.  


Quote:
 “I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” -Maya Angelou  


Why I joined IL Imagines. 
 I used to volunteer with an organization when I was in high school that advocated for the prevention of sexual assault and domestic violence among young adults. I loved volunteering with them. A few years ago I worked with an individual who was assaulted and realized the agency I worked at had no procedures in place and that some had difficulty assisting her. I then went to a presentation by one of the Illinois Imagines Members and really wanted to get involved after that.


Fun Fact:  
My initials are the first three letters of my name. 

Welcome our newest member and admin assistant, Melissa Harrington

Team Member Profile

Team member name:

Melissa Harrington

Position:  

Administrative Assistant for Illinois Imagines Mini-Grant

Agency/Program:

YWCA Metropolitan Chicago/Sexual Violence Support Services

Member since: 2016

Member Bio:

Melissa received her undergraduate degree in Social Work at Northeastern Illinois University and hopes to be attending graduate school in 2017 to obtain her MSW. Melissa has been a volunteer sexual assault crisis counselor with the Chicago Rape Crisis Hotline since 2014 and is passionate about advocating for survivors of sexual assault.

Quote: “No act of kindness, however small, is ever wasted” -Aesop

Why I joined IL Imagines.  

I am passionate about working with and advocating for survivors of sexual assault, so working with Illinois Imagines was a perfect opportunity for me to continue that work in a meaningful way.

Fun Fact:  
Even though I am terrible at it, I really enjoy playing tennis! It’s a great way to alleviate stress while getting exercise!

Team Member Profile: Meet Ana Correa

IL IMAGINES CHICAGO 

TEAM MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Team member name:
Ana M. Correa

Position:  
Advocacy Manager

Agency/Program:
Chicago Children’s Advocacy Center

Member since: 2016

Member Bio:

Ana received her master’s degree from University of Chicago School of Social Service Administration and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.   Ana has 15 years of experience working directly with victims of child sexual abuse.  Ana currently manages the Advocacy Team at the Chicago Children’s Advocacy Center. Ana continues to seek out evidence based interventions as well as collaboration from complex systems to support children and families.

Quote: “No one can’t hurt you without your consent” Eleanor Roosevelt

Why I joined IL Imagines.

I was invited by Linda Sandman to become a member of the Chicago Team.  I am interested in learning and collaborating with experts in the field, so I can better service our clients.  The Chicago IL Imagine Team is a venue to ongoing assesses what’s best practice to support children and adults with disabilities.

Fun Fact:

Watching cooking shows is a fun way to distress from trauma work!

Educating Providers on Supporting Healthy Sexuality for People with ID/DD.

Presenting on Supporting Healthy Sexuality in People with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities

From left to right:  Krescene Beck, Cathy Saunders, Linda Sandman

llinois Imagines Chicago team members Linda Sandman and Cathy Saunders joined with state team member Krescene Beck on June 29th to provide a full day of training to about 90 disability service providers in Springfield, Illinois. The topic was "Supporting Healthy Sexuality in People with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities". 

The Illinois Crisis Prevention Network (ICPN) sponsored the training and is excited to have this opportunity to work with Illinois Imagines.
by: Linda Sandman

IL Imagines meets with Vera Institute working to improve DV and SV services for PWD's.

On May 9 – 11, 2016, self-advocates from Illinois Imagines and members of the state planning team met with representatives of the Vera Institute of Justice Center on Victimization and Safety to talk about performance indicators for rape crisis centers and domestic violence services. Our Chicago team was well represented by Cathy Saunders, Lisa Cesal and Linda Sandman. It was good and productive work and we were glad to contribute.

IL Imagines Chicago's #SAAM2016 Awareness vi ART and PICTURES.

In recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Month #SAAM2016, we organized activities that opened opportunities for people to create messages of support through art and pictures.

Learn more about us on our socials.
Facebook
Twitteer
Instagam

Using Our VOICES for ART
The IL Imagines Chicago organized a creative arts event hosted by our partner Access Living.   13 attendees including, self advocates, survivors, disability and rape crisis staff and allies, all shared their creative energies to make a beautiful collective art piece covered with empowering words, images and messages of support for survivors of sexual violence on their healing journey.

Our intention is to display this art piece whenever possible at various community events.  Follow us on our socials to hear when you can see the art in person.:)

Thank you to our organizing team;
Anacany Barrera; Metro YWCA and Team Co-Chair
Carrie Kaufmann; Access Living
Jae Jin Pak; Self Advocate and Team Co-Chair
Julie Parikh; Metro YWCA Intern
Lisa Cesal; Self Advocate/Author
Lubia Nuñez-Montelongo; Mujeras Latinas en Acion

Tara Wickey; Self Advocacy Alliance

A very SPECIAL THANK YOU to all the wonderful artists who made this possible.

 

#OURRIHTSRIGHTRNOW Photo Campaign

We launched the #ourrightsrightnow photo campaign to show support for survivors of sexual violence with disabilities by asking people to take pictures of themselves holding signs with a message of support.   See our "2016 our rights right now" blog post for full details.

We have a good start, but as #SAAM2016 winds down, we want to keep the momentum.  Please keep sending us your selfies with messages of hope, healing and support by using either template below.

Blank template to make your own message.

Here are some messages so far.  See more by following our instagram @ilimagineschicago

Sign Text: "our rights are non-negociable!!"

Sign text: "Our rights... I support #survivors with #disabilities #right to be seen, heard, believed and RESPECTED."

Sign text: "Our rights... SAFETY is a RIGHT."

Sign text: "Our rights... to CHOICE and OPTIONS."

Sign text: "Our rights... I support better access to police support."

Sign text: "Our rights... Should be Respected, Protected: Never Dejected! Disability is Credibility!"

Sign text: "Our rights... #Respect4allabilities"

Sign text: "Our rights... Survivors can #fight, Survivors can #love, Survivors can #heal"

Sign text: "Our rights... #Freedom from Abuse"

Sign text: "Our rights... to be BELIEVED   to be HEARD"

Sign text: "Our rights... 83% of disabled women are assaulted.  100% of us deserve to be heard, believed, and respected."

Sign text: "Our rights... to be heard--- to access services.  to be believed."

The Art Of Honesty And Communication by Lisa Cesal, Self Advocate and Author

The Art of Honesty and Communication

By: Lisa Cesal, Author & Self Advocate

I am a person with a disability who has been in several different kind of relationships.  Ninety percent of the time relationships break down because of two reasons. These would be communication and honesty.    

When two people have a conversation between male and females they can interpret things differently.  It's even harder when you are dealing with people with disabilities.  The reason for this is that some are socially awkward when dealing with their feelings and emotions. This is due to most people with disabilities having limited experience in social settings and relationships. 

In my experience it's very difficult for me to communicate feelings that I would like to because I do not want to hurt any one's feelings.  This can cause confusion about the status of what type of relationship I am in.  This has happened to me recently as I lost a close friend due to miscommunication and not being open and honest and telling the other person how I really felt.  

This all happened because I was assumed the person I was hanging out with thought we were just friends but he thought we were dating.  Once he found that he was in the "friend zone" he took it very hard and basically stopped speaking to me.  This could have been easily avoided if one of us would have just simply clarified the situation.  In retrospect I should handled it differently.  I should have made it clear that we were friends and always   would be without a chance of becoming more.  But I failed to do that because I did not want to hurt his feelings and did not communicate properly and I gave him mixed signals.  

So, in the future I will try and learn from this and help others not to make the same mistakes I did as being open and honest is the best policy. 

By Lisa Cesal 
Author, Self Advocate, IL Imagines Chicago Team Member
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Check out Lisa's book co-authored with Chris Lenart titled: They Said We Couldn't

Check out Lisa's and Chris's Youtube Channel where they post 2 videos a week rasing disability awareness and how people with disabilities positively contribute to society.