About Community Choices
The Need
There are 20,000 people with developmental disabilities in Illinois who are waiting for services. Providers of such services are struggling under the weight of limited funding and increasing need. Many individuals with disabilities and their families feel isolated, frustrated, and at the mercy of others.
Families and individuals who use disability services are demanding more control and choices, as well as greater inclusion and freedom to participate in the community as equals.
New program structures are needed to tackle these issues. These structures must be flexible, cost-effective, and responsive to the needs and desires of individuals with disabilities and their families. People must work together to instill a sense of community and improve their lives.
Individuals with disabilities and their families in Champaign County have joined together to create Community Choices.
Our Purpose
1. To partner with people with disabilities in Champaign County in their pursuit of independence, opportunity, and choice by offering quality, self directed supports and services to assist in community living.
2. To bring together individuals who use services and their families, empowering them to direct and control the services they need.
History
Community Choices grew from a parent group formed in the fall of 2007. The parent group focused on families who have adult children with disabilities. These families wanted to connect with each other and to find innovative ideas for disability services. In April of 2008, the group learned about Human Service Cooperatives, and decided they wanted to pursue developing a cooperative. A subset of families formed the Board of Directors, and incorporated in August 2008. The Cooperative was approved as an Illinois Service Facilitation agency in February 2009. The Cooperative began offering individual planning and social opportunities in 2009. In 2010, Community Choices started providing customized employment. In 2011, a group of families received training on housing options and we started the Community Living program. The cooperative focuses on four primary areas: employment, social opportunities, housing, and family support.
There are 20,000 people with developmental disabilities in Illinois who are waiting for services. Providers of such services are struggling under the weight of limited funding and increasing need. Many individuals with disabilities and their families feel isolated, frustrated, and at the mercy of others.
Families and individuals who use disability services are demanding more control and choices, as well as greater inclusion and freedom to participate in the community as equals.
New program structures are needed to tackle these issues. These structures must be flexible, cost-effective, and responsive to the needs and desires of individuals with disabilities and their families. People must work together to instill a sense of community and improve their lives.
Individuals with disabilities and their families in Champaign County have joined together to create Community Choices.
Our Purpose
1. To partner with people with disabilities in Champaign County in their pursuit of independence, opportunity, and choice by offering quality, self directed supports and services to assist in community living.
2. To bring together individuals who use services and their families, empowering them to direct and control the services they need.
History
Community Choices grew from a parent group formed in the fall of 2007. The parent group focused on families who have adult children with disabilities. These families wanted to connect with each other and to find innovative ideas for disability services. In April of 2008, the group learned about Human Service Cooperatives, and decided they wanted to pursue developing a cooperative. A subset of families formed the Board of Directors, and incorporated in August 2008. The Cooperative was approved as an Illinois Service Facilitation agency in February 2009. The Cooperative began offering individual planning and social opportunities in 2009. In 2010, Community Choices started providing customized employment. In 2011, a group of families received training on housing options and we started the Community Living program. The cooperative focuses on four primary areas: employment, social opportunities, housing, and family support.
Services
Community Living
Customized Employment
Social Opportunities
Family Support
To learn more about these services, contact the Community Life Coordinator, at 217-621-1090.
- Conduct person-centered planning
- Teach life skills
- Identify community activities
- Assist individuals with independent living, including recruiting support staff, moving assistance, and ongoing oversight
Customized Employment
- Discover individual marketable skills
- Link individuals to potential employers
- Help individuals start their own businesses
Social Opportunities
- Facilitate Speak Out, a monthly self-advocacy group
- Schedule social events
- Coordinate Side by Side, a mentoring program with college students
Family Support
- Hold monthly meetings for families to learn information and network with other parents
- Support families through transitions and challenges related to the individual with a disability
To learn more about these services, contact the Community Life Coordinator, at 217-621-1090.
Contact Information
[email protected]
http://www.facebook.com/CommunityChoicesCU
Community Choices
PO Box 17551
Urbana, IL 61803
(217) 621-1090
http://www.facebook.com/CommunityChoicesCU
Community Choices
PO Box 17551
Urbana, IL 61803
(217) 621-1090
APA Citation
Community choices. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.communitychoicesinc.org
Community choices. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.communitychoicesinc.org