Our October Friday Forum event, “Navigating the Illinois Disability System or Climbing Mt. Everest: Which is Harder”, featured guest speakers Ed McManus and Stephen Joseph addressing an audience of parents, educators and service providers.
Ed worked for 17 years in the Division of Developmental Disabilities. Following his retirement, he established McManus Consulting in order to provide agencies and families with a better understanding of the Illinois DD system. He is the parent of a daughter who has cerebral palsy.
Stephen works extensively with families as a Senior Program Manager at Community Alternatives Unlimited (CAU), the Pre-Admission Screening (PAS) Agency for our area.
Ed and Stephen presented an overview of the Developmental Disabilities system in Illinois including what services are available, how to obtain services, and the role of the PAS agency. Ed also discussed residential options, in-home services and the Ligas Consent Decree.
Special thanks to the Palatine Police Department for allowing us to use their Training Room for this event and to the Northwest Suburban Special Education Organization for partnering with us on our Parent Education Series.
Ed’s presentation materials on the Developmental Disabilities System in Illinois are available at www.nsseo.org/community/parent-workshops.