Illinois Budget Cuts Hurts Kids

In Illinois, two million individuals with disabilities strive every day to overcome their physical, sensory or mental challenges in order to live independently and productively, as well as to participate fully in the affairs of their community. 

On June 12th, 2009 Anixter Center (as well as many other human service providers) was notified that funding for human service programs was being eliminated or drastically reduced.  Under this proposal, all of the Lekotek services to children with disabilities and their families will be lost.

The proposed draconian budget cuts will further deprive people with disabilities of crucial state-funded services. Illinois continues to regress in the rehabilitation field. Already underfunded, community providers in Illinois are on the brink of implosion and one of the hardest hit segments would be the family services to children from birth to eight years. 
 
This doomsday budget would seriously impact children with disabilities in Illinois.

If you are a resident of Illinois … and want to help children with disabilities …

I URGE YOU TO TAKE THREE MINUTES NOW TO MAKE ONE MORE CALL TO YOUR STATE REPRESENTATIVE AND TO ENCOURAGE AT LEAST THREE FRIENDS, FAMILY, NEIGHBORS AND COLLEAGUES ALSO TO CALL!
 
The message is simple.
 
1.     Vote “No” on SB 1197 and any bill that cuts Community DD, MH and SA services.
 
2.     Vote “Yes” on HB 174.
 
3.     Support Survival Provisions for Community DD, MH and SA services.
 
4. Tell your Representative if they must Stand Up for HB 174 providing critical services to children with special needs and the entire community of people with disabilities.

Simply use our
downloadable template.

Contact information for your legislators can be found at:

http://www.votesmart.org/ (Senate & House)
http://www.ilga.gov/senate/ (Senate)
http://www.ilga.gov/house/ (House of Representatives)

RALLIES
 
THURSDAY JUNE 18TH:
Thompson Center – 100 W. Randolph, Chicago, IL
11:30am to 1:00pm.
We’re planning to meet at the corner of Lake & Clark at 11am on Thursday to meet other staff, clients and families from surrounding Lekotek Centers. We will have some signs etc., for you to carry, but we’re encouraging everyone to make their own signs and posters as well.
 
On the same day, THURSDAY JUNE 18TH:
ANIXTER CENTER is planning A RALLY AT 2032 CLYBOURN
From: 8:30AM TO 4PM
Join us anytime during the day to hold signs and pass out literature
 
MONDAY JUNE 22ND
Thompson Center , 100 W. Randolph, Chicago, IL
Starting at 11:00am.
Look for Anixter/Lekotek Signs

Buying the Right Toys for Special Needs Now Fast, Fun and Smart

We want finding toys for children with special needs online to be as much fun as the toys themselves.  That’s why the AblePlay website continues to improve and react to the needs of parents, professionals and families of children with special needs with our newly revamped website at www.ableplay.org.  All our play products are researched, rated and ready to buy.

It’s not just a fun face lift, we’ve also made searching easier, faster and provided you with the best reviews on current toys and play products.  Add to that an exciting, easy, eye-appealing new format.  Oh and pay special attention to our NEW Wish List capabilities.  Finally your family, friends and others can purchase current toys right for your child’s individual abilities — and assist with their developmental goals as well.  That’s not only fun, but smart.

Put a little fun back in your and your child’s life.  Visit the NEW AblePlay website and see what’s hot, cool and smart this summer (and don’t forget to bookmark it, we’re adding new play products all the time).