In addition to establishing a competitive wage scale in the community, the state must also address issues of staff qualifications, training and reduced turnover. Individualized services must be in place before individuals move from state institutions to the community. These services must be based upon individual needs, and the choices freely made by persons with disabilities and their advocates. Supports should come from both established community-based providers and from generic community resources which are available to all citizens. Typical supports and services needed in the community are housing, employment, family support, health, mental health, transportation, leisure and recreation, education, and legal services.
Quality of life is the issue of primary concern as individuals move to their new homes.
The state must create a system for evaluating consumer satisfaction on an ongoing basis. This quality assurance must be in place for those who are transitioning to the community and for those who are moving from one community home to another. The following are specific areas, based on experiences in other states, where Illinois can improve the financing and structure of community services and support. Illinois state officials must continue to expand the HCBS Waiver. State officials and legislators must support efforts by advocates to erase the imbalance between community and institutional wages.