#SAAM2016: OUR RIGHTS...RIGHT NOW Photo Campaign

Sexual Assault Awareness Month #SAAM2016

OUR RIGHTS...RIGHT NOW 

Photo Campaign

co-chair, Jae JIn Pak 
with his message of support.

In recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Month #saam2016, IL Imagines Chicago is launching #ourrightsrightnow photo campaign. 

We want to show support for survivors of sexual violence with disabilities through the power of pictures.

Our Goal:

We want to collect and post as many pictures of people holding a sign with a supportive message for survivors of sexual violence with disabilities.  Like the ones shown above and below.
Send questions to ilimagineschicago@gmail.com 

We invite Survivors, People with Disabilities, and Allies.

Fab Intern; Julie Parikh
with her message of support.

Co-Chair; Anacany Barrera
with her message of support.

Help us go viral!  
Join us! Add your message of support. It's easy.

• Download the sign you wish to use below.
• If you use the "sample" sign, take a picture of yourself holding it in front of you.
• If you use the "blank" sign, write or draw your message of support.
• Take a picture of yourself holding your sign in front of you so it is visible and readable.
• Post to instagram, facebook, twitter with the hashtags;
• #ilimagineschicago, #saam2016, #ourrightsrightnow
• Please tag us in your posts so we can find them.  
• Facebok-@ilimagineschicago
• Twitter-@ilimagineschgo
• Instagram-@ilimagineschicago
• Share and invite others to post.

THANK YOU! :)

sample sign

Blank sign for you to fill out.

We invite Survivors, People with Disabilities, and Allies.

Featured Team Agency Profile: CHS

IL IMAGINES CHICAGO

TEAM AGENCY SPOTLIGHT

Agency/Program name:

Chicago Hearing Society, a division of Anixter Center

2001 N. Clybourn Ave.  Suite 200

Chicago, Illinois 60614

Office: (773) 248-9121

Web: www.chicagohearingsociety.org

Facebook: facebook.com/ChicagoHearingSociety

Twitter: ChgoHearingSociety

Agency overview:

Chicago Hearing Society (CHS) empowers Deaf, Hard of Hearing and Hearing people to communicate and collaborate by providing an array of social services, advocacy, support programs and assistive technology products to Deaf and Hard of Hearing people.

Agency/Program Mission:

Since 1916, CHS has offered programs and services that improve the lives of deaf and hard of hearing individuals by empowering them to connect with the world around them.

Range of services:

Hearing Health Clinic and hearing aids, Sign Language Interpreter and Translator Services, Free Amplified Telephones, Information and Referral, Video Remote Interpreting (VRI), Captioning, Parent Support, Hearing Aid Bank, Tinnitus Program, Youth Program, Victim Assistance, Domestic Violence Counseling, Income Tax Return Preparation, Deaf Community Calendar of Events (Deaf Line)

Specialties:

Our staff is fluent in American Sign Language and Spanish

Disability accessible:

CHS is 100% Disability accessible.

Team Member Spotlight: Meet Co-Chair Jae Jin :)

IL Imagines Chicago Team Member Spotlight

Team member name: Jae Jin Pak; Self Advocate

Position:  Co-Chair for 2015-2017

Member since: 2009

Member Bio:  

Jae Jin Pak is a social justice advocate, educator, and ally.  For over 20 years, he has worked on issues of mental health, ending men’s violence against women, disability, anti-oppression and cultural competency.  He has presented for high school & college students, teachers, law enforcement, medical staff, faith leaders, social service providers & community members.  

He has served on the Board of Directors of the Asian American Suicide Prevention Initiative (AASPI), Asian Giving Circle, the IL Imagines Chicago Team, IL Caucus for Adolescent Health (ICAH), Korean American Community Services (KACS), IL Coalition Against Domestic Violence MEN Committee and IL Coalition Against Sexual Assault Education & Training Committee.  He is a graduate of Northern Illinois University.

Quote:

"All that is necessary for evil to succeed is for good men to do nothing."

Edmund Burke

Why I joined IL Imagines.

I wanted to connect with my “disability” identity.   I learned of the lack of outreach to the disability community about men’s violence against women’s issues.  Being a person with a disability, I realized I could be a voice and bridge to educate, advocate and ally to my disability community.  I want to help.

Fun Fact:  

I’m a geek who loves my gadgets, gizmos and a long time Doctor Who fan. Life is timey whimey. :)

Team Member Spotlight: Say hello to our intern Julie :)

IL Imagines Chicago Team Member Profile

Team member name: Julie Parikh

Position:  Intern

Agency/Program: YWCA

Member since: December 2015

Member Bio:

I am 22 years old and I am from Plainfield, IL. I am currently finishing my undergraduate studies at the University of Illinois at Chicago. I will be graduating with a B.A. in Applied Psychology with a minor in Criminology, Law, and Justice. I am a Resident Assistant at UIC and enjoy creating social programs for my residents. My goal is to attain a Masters in Social Work and to continue advocacy work in Chicago.

Quote:

"Be the change that you wish to see in the world"

Why I joined IL Imagines.

My goal is to work to promote future changes in the system to help those that may not be able to advocate for themselves. I stand by IL Imagines message that advocates can not only just help survivors of domestic violence or sexual assault, but can make a lasting change in our community.

Fun Fact:

My favorite color is purple.

SUCCESS in DATING for People with Disabilities.

Picture from Google Images

Successful dating: Tips from a self advocate social butterfly.
by: Lisa Cesal

Dear Readers and Bloggers, 

I have been dating and spending time with men for almost 40 years.  Here are some tips that I have found to be successful.

1. Coffee bars (Starbucks, Pete's, etc.)  Women and men are very friendly and helpful making it easy to start a conversation.

2. Any religious gathering as long as you're willing to say "Hi."

3. Dating sites (Plenty Of Fish, Match)  Be honest - don't be afraid to talk about your disability.

4. Parks and Outdoor Events.  Just keep your eyes open!

5. Public Places (malls, theaters and restaurants)  Don't be shy!

Video:  Do's and Don'ts of Online Dating by Lisa and Chris.
Here is video from Lisa and Chris's youtube Channel where they talk about dating.

by: Lisa Cesal

Author, Self Advocate

IL Imagines Chicago and DuPage Member

Connect with Lisa.

Lisa's Book: Lisa and Chris have written a book about their experiences living with Cerebral Palsy. The book also illustrates how they have moved beyond the barriers of their disability.

Lisa's YouTube:  Lisa and Chris post videos twice a week on disability awareness.

The world of disability and dating is vast and diverse.  So below are a couple additional perspectives from different sources.  


Video: Wheelchair Dating Questions You’re Too Afraid To Ask by Buzzfeed Yellow

• Santina is an actress, writer, and improviser—she’s also been in a wheelchair since she was 5 years old. She has answers for some questions people have about dating.

Video: Dating with a Disability #RealTalk from Stuff Mom Never Told You

• Cristen shares the romantic high and lows of Stuff Mom Never Told You fans dating with disabilities. 

Note from the team:
The tips and videos are from a "heteronormative" perspective.  However, all of Lisa's tips can be useful for anyone on the gender and sexual spectrum.

Question for comment:
IL Imagines Chicago, wold like to learn from you.  If you have successful dating tips, ideas, please share in comments.

Thank you,
IL Imagines Chicago Team

Disclaimer: The ideas, suggestions, tips, expressed in this post and linked posts are for informational purposes only.  IL Imagines Chicago and all related members and organizations have no responsibility/accountability for any outcomes There are no guarantees.  Success in love and dating is up to our own individual merits.

Featured Team Agency Profile: Metro YWCA

IL IMAGINES CHICAGO

TEAM AGENCY SPOTLIGHT

Agency/Program name: 

YWCA Metropolitan Chicago/Sexual Violence Support Services

820 W Jackson, Ste 550

Chicago IL 60607 

Office: 312.229.7259 

24hr Rape Crisis Hotline: 888.293.2080

Web: www.ywcachicago.org 

Facebook: facebook.com/ywcachicago

Twitter:  twitter.com/ywcachicago

Agency overview:

YWCA Metropolitan Chicago is committed to providing women with the support and tools needed to transform their lives, be confident in their choices and make valuable contributions to their communities.

Agency/Program Mission:

YWCA is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.

Range of services: 

Sexual Violence Support Services:

Counseling, Medical and Legal Advocacy, Prevention Education, Rape Crisis Hotlines

Specialties:   

Rape Crisis Services 

Disability accessible:

All Facilities are accessible.

Meet our Senior Co-Chair Anacany Barrera:)

IL Imagines Chicago Team Member Spotlight

Team member name: Anacany Barrera         

Position:  Coordinator, Crisis Line and Volunteer Services

Agency/Program: YWCA Metropolitan Chicago Sexual Violence Support Services

Member since: 2013

Member Bio: 

Anacany received her undergraduate degree in History from Utah Valley University.  Anacany brings six years of experience working directly with underserved members of the community through Head Start.  Anacany spent three years as the Bilingual Prevention Educator for the YWCA Sexual Violence and Support Services. Anacany is on mission to innovate how we provide services on the Chicago Rape Crisis Hotline and expand our volunteer program.

Quote: 

“There is no agony like an untold story inside of you.” 

Maya Angelou  

Why I joined IL Imagines.  

I was invited to attend the Chicago Team meeting when I started working at the YWCA and that is all it took.  I am very interested in working with underserved populations and IL Imagines is a perfect way for me to get involved. 

Fun Fact:  

I am a member of the Jane Austen Society of North America, Chicago Chapter and a mom to an adorable pup.

Happy New Year from IL Imagines Chicago. Great stuff for 2016!

Greetings world.  Hope all is well.  IL Imagines Chicago is excited to re-launch our blog.  We have lots of plans for 2016. 

What have we been up to? 
We have successfully completed 3 mini-grant projects.

Team members Linda Sandman and Osvaldo Caballero
lead educational group on SV and disability for parents of
children with disabilities in Spanish.

• Project 1, focused on developing and conducting 4 total, educational groups for parents to learn and support their children who are sexually abused.  This project was designed to engage Spanish and English speaking parents.

Full room of health care professionals learning about
intersection of sexual violence and disability.

• Project 2, focused on developing and conducting an all day seminar for health care professionals with information about sexual violence and disability issues.  The seminar was designed to train attendees on how better respond to the needs of and support survivors of sexual violence with disabilities that they encounter in their practice.

Proud self advocates & ally trainees for the
40hr SV Crisis Intervention Training

• Project 3, focused on developing and conducting the 40hr sexual violence crisis intervention training for people with disabilities and their allies.  Upon completion, participants would meet IL certification standards as rape crisis counselor/advocates as monitored by the IL Coalition Against Sexual Assault (ICASA).

Our team has also participated in numerous community events and been invited to present on sexual violence and disability at various organizations.

Team members Jae Jin Pak(l) and Lisa Cesal(r)
Presenting on SV and disability as part of
40hr Training for Mujeras Latinas en Acion

Team members Cathy Saunders(l) and Lisa Cesal(r)
co-presented a webinar on self advoccy

What's happening in 2016?

We are getting ready for an exciting 2016.  We have lots in the works.  We will have regular updates here, on our blog.  

• Posts to get to know our team members and member organizations
• Activities for Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) which is April, 
• Participating in the 2016 Disability Pride Parade, and more.
• Follow us on twitter @ilimagineschgo
• Follow us on our NEW instagram @ilimagineschicago
• Like us on facebook

Stay tuned. :)
IL Imagines Chicago Team

Hello 2013! It's all about the education...

Hi, I'm Megan one of the co-chairs for our Illinois Imagines Team. I am a sexual violence prevention educator at Rape Victim Advocates here in Chicago. I've been involved in the local Illinois Imagines collaboration since February of 2010.


Hmm, hmm...

Well what to talk about first? Illinois Imagines has been very active over the past few months. At the end of October I had the opportunity to attend the 2012 National Conference on Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Against People with Disabilities. It was great to meet the women who have pioneered researching the intersection of disability and sexual violence. I went all the way down to Louisville to hear these speakers talk about their experiences in their own communities and how they focus on this intersection. The most enjoyable thing about this conference was the reminder that I am not doing this work alone. Not only do I have my Chicago team behind me but there are people all over the country who 'get it'. They are doing this incredibly challenging and necessary work and have been for decades. Here's a great quote from the workshop "Perspectives: Learning from the Past for a Better Future" with speakers Roberta Sick and Leslie Myers..."baby steps! Where you're at is where you start. If not you then who?" It was inspiring! 
Here are a couple of photos from the time I spent there: 

What else...

Well as you know one of our main goals on our team is not only professional development and education, like my trip to Louisville, but also having these conversations within the community. From October through December of 2012 myself and another educator, Stephen Adler from Rape Victim Advocates, worked with about 14 post-secondary students who have disabilities. We met with the Illinois Center for Rehabilitation and Education students once a week for six weeks to talk about everything from dating relationships, options for survivors of violence and a whole lot about consent (one of my favorite topics). I would say it was a success!

Illinois Imagines also worked with Access Living in December. If you don't know Access Living they are amazing. Check them out here! This organization is definitely integral within our team dynamic... Anyway, we lead a two-part workshop on healthy relationships and sexual violence for the Empowered Fe Fe's, a group of women with disabilities that meet regularly at Access. We had some interesting conversations and a couple of the participants mentioned they were surely prepared to help a friend if they ever needed it following a sexual assault. Sexual violence is a tough topic but it's great to have more access to resources in the community. Talking about dating violence and sexual abuse are not fun topics but we always try to end on a positive note. Here is a picture of our "empowerment graffiti board" and a group shot. Hey that's me with the green scarf!

So that's all for now. It was a great 2012 and we have some pretty rockin' things planned for 2013. We are just getting started!

-Megan for Illinois Imagines Chicago

(left to right: Suvanna and Laura talking about IL Imagines)

 IL Imagines Chicago Team members, Laura Glowacki, Suvanna Hendrickson and Jae Jin Pak attended the annual Disability Resource Fair at Loyola University on Monday November 5, 2012.  This event was organized by Loyola University's Services for Students with Disabilities (SSWD) office. 

This event gave us the opportunity to connect with disabilty service organizations and groups both on campus and off campus.  We shared information about our mission and services.  There was interest in our trainings and learning more about our teams.

by: jae jin pak