Step Up To Serve

Funding Announcement - From Promise to Progress: Advancing the Dignity in Pay Act Through Technical Assistance Project

The Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities (ICDD) has approved a Direct Investment in a new statewide initiative, From Promise to Progress: Advancing the Dignity in Pay Act Through Technical Assistance.

ICDD will invest $354,673 in Economic Systems, Inc. (EconSys) to lead this project from December 2025 through September 2026. The project will help Illinois move from planning to action on the Dignity in Pay Act by supporting providers and state agencies to phase out subminimum wage and expand competitive integrated employment.

Building Momentum, Strengthening Capacity, & Advancing CIE in Illinois

Illinois' Dignity in Pay Act (DIP) established a multi-year plan (MYP) to phase out the use of 14(c) subminimum wage certificates and expand competitive integrated employment (CIE) opportunities statewide. As a NEON Core State and the 19th state to pass such legislation, Illinois has a unique opportunity to lead this national systems transformation.

The From Promise to Progress Technical Assistance (TA) project will help sustain this momentum by advancing provider transformation, inter-agency coordination, and statewide data infrastructure to ensure measurable progress toward ending subminimum wage employment for individuals with developmental disabilities.

EconSys will lead the project with a team of nationally-recognized subject matter experts in Employment First, provider transformation, and Customized Employment, including Lisa Mills, Rachel Pollock, Duane Shumate, Dale Verstegen, Shannon Webb, Abby Cooper, and Marc Gold & Associates.

Understanding Where Providers Are and What They Need

A voluntary statewide survey will establish a clear picture of where 14(c) providers are in their transformation journey. It will identify current progress, barriers, and areas of support needed. The findings will guide how TA is structured, inform cohort development, and build a data baseline that allows Illinois to measure progress over time.

Intensive TA and Cohort-Based Support for all 14c Providers

At least 18 providers will have the opportunity to apply to receive intensive one-to-one technical assistance, including up to 25 hours of direct support to develop and implement a transformation plan. All current 14(c) providers who wish to opt in will be grouped into four cohorts, including one focused on customized employment, with monthly cohort meetings, training, and peer learning. Open office hours will give participating providers extra support as they work through real implementation challenges.

Coordinated Interagency Implementation

The project will support coordinated implementation work across key state agencies involved in employment and funding, including the Division of Developmental Disabilities, Division of Rehabilitation Services, Illinois Department of Employment Services, Illinois Department of Labor, and others. Policy subject matter experts will work with these agencies on specific implementation projects tied to the Dignity in Pay Act Multi-Year Plan, such as funding alignment, policies that support competitive integrated employment, and consistent guidance to providers.

Building a Shared Data and Accountability System

The project will help Illinois develop data infrastructure that can track individuals transitioning from subminimum wage to competitive integrated employment. This will include using provider data and state systems to monitor outcomes and support cross-agency decision-making. Providers can opt in to participate in this individual-level tracking. The goal is a shared, statewide picture of progress on the Dignity in Pay Act.

What this Means for Illinois

If you are a 14(c) provider, this project will offer new opportunities to receive targeted TA, join a TA cohort, and access tools and guidance specific to phasing out subminimum wage and expanding community employment.

If you are a person with a disability, a family member, or a community partner, this project is designed to move Illinois closer to a future where people with DD have access to CIE and Meaningful Day/Community Day Services, supported by systems that are aligned, accountable, and informed by data.

ICDD will share more information about provider TA opportunities, cohort participation, and timelines as the project moves into implementation. Stay tuned!