From the Streets to the Courts: Skyhawks wheelchair basketball helps gunshot survivors adapt
By Shen Wu Tan Video by Hannah Gebresilassie Marcus Jones was shot four times during an attempted armed robbery on April 17, 1995 on Chicago’s Southeast Side. Struck three times in the leg and once in the lower back, Jones suffered a serious injury and was devastated when doctors told him he would never walk […]
Illinois Developmental Centers Are to Remain Open
By Shen Wu Tan The seven Illinois state-operated developmental centers, housing individuals with developmental disabilities, will not close, according to the second proposed state budget. Due to the number of individuals still living in these centers and the amount of time it takes to transition these residents into the community, the state cannot justify shutting […]
Gov. Rauner Proposes Nearly $200 Million in Budget Cuts for Community Care Program
By Shen Wu Tan Gov. Rauner’s second budget proposed to cut nearly $200 million from the Community Care Program, which provides homecare services for seniors. If passed, these budget cuts would impact approximately 44,000 seniors according to the Service Employees International Union Healthcare. “The Community Care program is a trusted program that has kept seniors […]
Housing Advocates Pressure the CHA to “Keep Its Promise”
By Alexis Myers and Shen Wu Tan Advocates for affordable housing recently campaigned for the passage of a housing ordinance that aims to reduce homelessness and protect the city’s remaining subsidized housing stock at a City Hall public hearing Feb. 17. The ordinance called “Keeping the Promise” would increase the distribution of housing vouchers, increase […]
Ford Partners with BraunAbility to Produce First Wheelchair-Accessible SUV
By Shen Wu Tan A world leading company in manufacturing accessible vehicles showcased the world’s first wheelchair-accessible SUV at the Chicago Auto Show last week. BraunAbility MXV, a converted 2016 Ford Explorer, enables customers with compromised mobility to comfortably drive or ride as passengers. The new vehicle provides mobility and freedom to costumers in wheelchairs […]
Supporters of Independent Living Call for Legislation to Protect Home Services and Discourage Institutionalization
By Shen Wu Tan A proposed bill that safeguards Illinois home care services passed the House Human Services Committee on Wednesday. The bill, HB 4351, sponsored by state Rep. Greg Harris (D-13), would prevent Gov. Bruce Rauner from increasing the eligibility score for community-based services until a new assessment tool is developed. HB 4351 also […]
Freshii Welcomes All Customers with Open Doors
By Shen Wu Tan The Canadian fast food chain Freshii recently launched its new accessibility program at its Chicago area locations, inviting and welcoming all customers into their stores, including those who require extra assistance. The Freshii Assist program includes installations of Inclusion Solutions’ BigBell alert systems at 28 Chicago locations and one Evanston location, […]
Entrepreneur with Disability Manages Own Vending and Delivery Business
By Shen Wu Tan “Ready…set…go!” Matthew Cochran yelled excitedly as he raced toward the entrance of his North Shore apartment. Eager to relax after a busy morning of deliveries, a wide grin stretched across his face as his plaid jacket flapped behind him. For months, Cochran has successfully managed a Chicago-based vending and delivery business, […]
CTA Proposes 20-Year Plan to Make All Railways Accessible
By Shen Wu Tan The Chicago Transit Authority announced earlier this month its proposal for a 20-year plan to make its entire rail system 100 percent accessible. According to the CTA’s website, about 70 percent of its rail systems are accessible and have ADA-compliant elevators or ramps. In collaboration with the City of Chicago, ADA, […]
Overtime Policy Leaves Home Care Patients and Workers Fretting
By Shen Wu Tan David Conn was only 22 years old in 1990 when he was hit by a car in Nashville, Tenn. Rushed to Nashville Memorial Hospital, Conn suffered both physical and mental injuries from the accident. He lay in a coma in a hospital bed for more than six months. “It’s not like […]
