When State Senator Seth Lewis (R-Bartlett) voted in favor of Illinois’ Dignity in Pay Act in November of 2024, he pledged to collaborate with the intellectually and developmentally disabled (IDD) community and local businesses to ensure the success of the program. The Act requires Illinois employers to pay employees with disabilities no less than the state’s minimum wage by the end of 2029. Lewis’ efforts begin with his first annual Disability Resource & Job Placement Expo, which will be held on Thursday, September 18 in Carol Stream.
“I was inspired to host this event based on my vote on the Dignity of Pay Act and the pledge I made that day that I would do everything in my power to create opportunities and fair wages for the IDD community,” said Lewis. “We have five years to put the provisions of the Act in place, and this expo marks the beginning of my efforts to increase awareness, highlight opportunities, and make sure our employers know that there are members of the IDD community that are eager and willing to work, and that they can bring a new level of energy to the workplace.”
Joining the Senator as co-hosts of the event are State Representatives Jennifer Sanalitro (R-Hanover Park) and Amy Grant (R-Wheaton).
“Our neighbors in the IDD community deserve to live with dignity and enjoy the highest possible quality of life, and this expo brings together a wide range of vital services and opportunities in one place, from job support to therapy to legal resources, all tailored to their unique needs. I encourage individuals with disabilities, caregivers, and families to take advantage of this free, comprehensive event.”
Disability Resource & Job Placement Expo
Thursday, September 18
9:00 AM – 12:00 Noon
Carol Stream Park District
Fountain View Recreation Center
910 N Gary Avenue, Carol Stream
Participants (Subject to Change)
Age Options, AIM Center for Independent Living, Autonomy Works, Aspire Chicago, Association for Individual Development, Avid Health at Home, Carol Stream Public Library, Clearbrook, ClearCaptions, LLC, Community/Residential Services Authority, Connor’s Cookies, Disability Services of America, Donka Inc, DuPage County Community Services, DuPage County Health Department, Easter Seals DuPage, Equip for Equality, Family Resource Center on Disabilities, Fox Valley United Way, Giant Steps, GiGi’s Playhouse, Goodwill, Greak Lake ADA Center, Helping Hand Illinois, Hummingbird Pediatric Therapies, Illinois Assistive Technology Program, IL Department of Central Management Services, IL Department of Human Services- Division of Developmental Disability Services, IL Department of Public Health, IL Department of Veterans Affairs, IL State Library, Institute on Disability & Human Development, Little Friends, Lutheran Social Services of Illinois, Metropolitan Family Services, Office of the IL Attorney General, Office of the IL Treasurer, PACE, Parents Alliance Employment Project, Protected Tomorrows, Ray Graham Associates, Regional Transportation Authority, Spectrios Institute for Low Vision, Arc of Illinois, Trinity Services, University of Chicago Margaret Hackett Family Program, Valley Sheltered Workshop, Vine Counseling Center, LLC, Western DuPage Special Education Association, WorkNet DuPage, and more.
Agencies/non-profits/organizations in bold type can assist with job placement.
Additional Information Available
Illinois ABLE Program, Job Coaching, Speech Therapy, Community Day Services, Early Intervention Autism Resources, Legal Services, Planning for the Future, Pediatric Rehabilitation, Resume Building, Physical Therapy, Talking Book & Braille, Paratransit Services, Thrive with Pride Program, Adult Transition Services, Ticket to Work Program, and more.
On-Site Workshops
9:00 AM: RIDE DuPage & RTA Reduced Fare Program Presentation
10:00 AM: CMS Disabled Workers Trainee Program and Successful Disabilities Opportunity Program
11:00 AM: Computer Technology for Home School, & Work
“My staff is putting the finishing touches on what promises to be an amazing and impactful event,” added Lewis. “With the support of our valued community partners, we’re working to shine a light on available resources and improve the lives of a community that is too often overlooked and underserved.”
For additional information about this free event tailored to the IDD community, please call Senator Lewis’ legislative office at (630) 349-0645, or email Julie at jlmceinc@aol.com.
Please click here to access a printable version of the flyer.
