iPad --- uPad?
Presented by: Nikki Michalak & Jacquie Mace
Illinois Autism Training & Technical Assistance Project
Hosted by: CU-Autism Network
Where: Champaign Public Library
Robeson Rooms A & B
200 W. Green Street
January 23rd, 2012, 6:00 – 7:30 PM
Check-in and light refreshment available at 5:30 pm
Learn the basics of navigating through an ipad, what apps are the most useful and how to utilize them in a variety of settings.
Bring your ipad and play along.
CPDU Certificates of Attendance will be available
1.5 Contact Hours
LIGAS V. HAMOS FACT SHEET
Background on the lawsuit
Ligas v. Hamos (formerly Ligas v. Maram) is a lawsuit filed in 2005 by nine people with
developmental disabilities (Plaintiffs) who reside in large private State-funded facilities (ICF-DDs)
or who are likely to be placed in such facilities. Plaintiffs want to receive community services, but
their requests have been denied by the State of Illinois. In 2006, a Judge certified the case as a
class action. Prior to trial, the parties reached an agreement, but at a Fairness Hearing in July
2009, the Judge found that the class definition was too broad as it included people who did not
desire to live in the community. Accordingly, the Judge did not approve the agreement and decertified
the class. In January 2010, the parties reached a new agreement to provide community
services to people living in ICF-DDs who have a current record of wanting community services,
and provide community services to an additional 3,000 people with developmental disabilities
living at home without services. Previous objectors again raised concerns and the Judge allowed
them to join the case as Intervenors. After extensive negotiations, in January 2011, the Plaintiffs,
the State, and the Intervenors reached a new agreement that all could support. The Judge held a
Fairness Hearing on June 15, 2011 and approved the proposed Consent Decree. This historic
agreement reflects momentous change in state policy for serving people with developmental
disabilities.
What will the Consent Decree achieve?
ICF-DDs residents who desire community placement will receive an individualized,
independent evaluation and the opportunity to live in the community with appropriate services.
Over a six year period, any of the approximately 6,000 ICF-DD residents who desire
placement in the community will transition to the most integrated community-based setting
appropriate for their individual needs.
All ICF-DD residents who are happy with their current placement are not be part of the class
and will not be required to move. The proposed Consent Decree ensures that resources
necessary to meet the needs of those who choose to continue to reside in ICF-DDs will be
made available.
Over a six year period, 3,000 people with developmental disabilities currently living at home
without services will be given community services.
The Judge will appoint an Independent Monitor with expertise in developmental disabilities to
oversee implementation and compliance with the Consent Decree.
People with developmental disabilities who want to be part of the new proposed class need to
make a record with the State confirming their desire for community services. A form that
people with disabilities and/or their guardians can use to make a record of their desire for
community services can be found at www.equipforequality.org
Questions?
If you have questions about the Consent Decree or how to become a member of the class, please
contact Barry Taylor at 312-895-7317 or barryt@equipforequality.org