Access Living

10/24/2026

You can be part of shaping the future of disability inclusion, accessibility, employment, technology, consumer experiences, and more!

Our friends at Disability:IN are building a database of people with disabilities who are interested in being part of ongoing research. Sign up to be the first to know about upcoming opportunities: https://disabilityin.tfaforms.net/5025359

Signing up is confidential and doesn't commit you to participate unless you choose to.

10/22/2026

Tomorrow, Chicago Transit Authority hosts a Safe Ride Specialist Hiring Fair for mental health clinicians and outreach specialist positions with the program's partner organizations. Job seekers can connect with representatives, learn more about job openings, and explore opportunities to make a difference in the community.

CTA Safe Ride Specialist Hiring Fair
Friday, Oct 23, 2026
9:30 am - 12:00 pm
CTA Headquarters, 567 W Lake St, 2nd Floor
More info: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/safe-ride-specialist-hiring-fair-tickets-2003472021749

10/22/2026

"The question is no longer whether Illinois should move toward community living. The question is whether we take this opportunity to do it right...Community living must mean more than a new address. It also should mean greater choice, stronger relationships and more control over the decisions that shape a person’s life."

In an op-ed in yesterday's Chicago Tribune, Access Living President and CEO Karen Tamley joined The Arc of Illinois' Samantha Alloway and Equip For Equality's Zena Naiditch to share why we support the state's decision to close Choate Mental Health and Developmental Center—because people with developmental disabilities, like all disabled people, deserve the right to live in community.

The move away from state-operated developmental centers allows disabled people to have greater say in the lives they lead.

10/22/2026

Our monthly Survivors of Gun Violence peer support groups will take place next week—online on Monday, October 26 and in-person at Access Living on Tuesday, October 27. Both groups are open to Chicagoans of all ages who are survivors of gun violence living with a disability.

For info on how to RSVP to attend, visit accessliving.org/events

10/20/2026

How do Chicago School Board candidates plan to support CPS students with disabilities? We asked them.

With election season heating up, learn more about where your district's candidates stand before you cast your vote: https://www.accessliving.org/voting-for-change-cps-school-board-candidates-on-students-with-disabilities-2026/

Early voting is now available in each of Chicago's wards. Find a location near you at https://chicagoelections.gov/ to make your voice heard!

10/19/2026

We are proud to share that Access Living Senior Education Policy Analyst Frank Lally was recently appointed to the City of Chicago's Fair Access to Democracy Advisory Council.

The council was created to protect voting rights and ballot access throughout the city. Frank shared that he plans to "amplify ballot accessibility features while working to increase measures that provide ADA accessibility in all polling places.”

Consumers who experience accessibility challenges this election cycle are encouraged to reach out to Frank so that he can advocate on those issues.

10/16/2026

Don't miss your chance to celebrate the 15th anniversary of Counter Balance, the annual celebration of physically-integrated and inclusive dance, from our friends at Momenta Dance Company.

10/15/2026

On January 1, HB 4758 goes into effect across Illinois, preventing companies from requiring new hires to have a driver’s licenses except for positions where driving is an essential job function.

So, what does that mean for your business?

Join Access Living and Great Lakes ADA Center for one of three webinars this fall—October 19, November 13, or December 9—to learn what's required of employers and to ensure your job postings comply with the new law.

Learn more and register: https://www.accessliving.org/series/accessible-job-application-webinar/

10/12/2026

This Wednesday, join us for a free Medical Supply Swap event! Sponsored by Access Living Mutual Aid (ALMA) and Clean Air Club, donate your new or gently used items and take what you need from a variety of medical supplies, adaptive tools, and other useful disability-related items. Stop by and donate (see the list below for what we can accept) or just browse what's available. Learn more at accessliving.org/events/

What items can I donate to the swap?
- Unopened medical supplies such as gloves, bandages, alcohol wipes, masks, be pads, incontinence supplies, menstrual supplies, ostomy supplies, feeding tube supplies
- Unopened/clean adaptive tools and physical therapy supplies such as cooking utensils, office supplies, hobby equipment, and toys
- Unopened/clean sensory tools, including stim toys, ear defenders, and weighted items

What items will not be accepted?
- Medication
- Used/open single-use supplies, such as needles, tubing, diapers, toothbrushes
- Mobility aids including wheelchairs, canes, crutches, etc.
- Dirty or damaged items

10/09/2026

We're less than a month away from Election Day—are you ready to cast your vote?

This year, Chicago will elect all 21 members of the school board. And with 55,000 students with disabilities in CPS, where the board stands on disability issues will be critical in ensuring these students have the resources to thrive.

Explore responses from candidates in your district: https://www.accessliving.org/defending-our-rights/education/2026-cps-school-board-candidates-on-students-with-disabilities/