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The JJs List Blog

Summer Favorites with Ignite

Ignite, one of our day programs at Search, went on many adventures this summer. They explored the Chicagoland area by visiting museums, restaurants, parks and more. Read on to hear some of their favorite summer memories, businesses they found to be disability-aware and what they…

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Exciting News from Pace Bus!

Exciting News from Pace Bus!

By Edward Madden, Coordinator of Public Outreach, Pace Suburban Bus

Pace is working hard for our riders, offering many new and expanded services and robust technological improvements!  With our commitment to innovation, we are constantly striving to provide our riders with the best…

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Understanding Person-First vs. Identity-First Language: A Guide to Respectful Communication

By Kamaria Kali, Search Inc. Administrative and Development Assistant

At JJ’s List, our goal is to equip businesses with tools and trainings to become more accessible and welcoming to people with disabilities. In the pursuit of creating inclusive and respectful environments, one important aspect of communication…

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Get Involved: Disability Pride Month 2024 with JJ’s List

Each year in July, we celebrate Disability Pride Month in honor of the passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) on July 26, 1990. The ADA significantly improved the rights of people with disabilities across America and is considered a landmark piece of legislation for…

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Mental Health Awareness Month: Promoting Inclusion and Understanding

By Kamaria Kali, Search Inc. Administrative and Development Assistant

At JJ’s List, our mission has always been to bridge the gap between businesses and individuals with disabilities, fostering a more inclusive and understanding society. One critical aspect of this mission is promoting mental health awareness. Mental…

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Advocating for a Raise for Direct Support Professionals

On April 3, 2024, the Illinois Senate held a hearing on SB 3764. Sponsored by Senator Karina Villa (D-25), the bill has garnered bipartisan support and would increase the Direct Support Professional wage rate by $3.00/hour, effective January 1, 2025.

Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) are the…

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National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month 2024

Every year in March, we celebrate National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month (DDAM). DDAM raises awareness for developmental disabilities and works to build a community where everyone is empowered to succeed, both people with and without disabilities. This year’s theme is a World of Opportunities, celebrating…

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Disability Advocate Profile: Leroy F. Moore Jr.

By Kamaria Kali, Administrative and Development Assistant at Search Inc.

February is Black History Month, honoring generations of Black people in America who persevered through adversity and their important contributions. At Search and JJ’s List, we recognized Black History Month in many ways. One way we recognized…

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Action Alert: Stop the Elimination of Direct Support Professional Hours

Update as of 1/25/2024: Thanks to your advocacy, the Illinois Department of Human Services – Developmental Disabilities Division (DHS-DDD) has decided not to move forward with funding cuts to Direct Support Professional hours, and will keep the current rate reimbursement structure until July 1, 2024….

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JJ’s List 2023 Recap

Looking back on this past year, our JJ’s List team is so grateful for all that we have accomplished. Thank all of our amazing partners who made this year’s successes possible! Our Disability Awareness Trainings trained many organizations throughout Chicagoland in 2023, including the Museum…

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