The Arc of Illinois
The Arc of Illinois is the state’s leading grassroots advocacy organization for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. Our mission is to empower individuals with disabilities to achieve full participation in community life through informed choices. With a strong network of self-advocates, families, providers, and allies, The Arc works to ensure that every person has the opportunity to live, learn, work, and thrive in the community.
For over 70 years, The Arc of Illinois has been advocating with people with disabilities, families, and community organizations to make Illinois a place where people with disabilities can live, work, learn, play, and love in communities across the state.
We believe people with disabilities should be full participants in community life, and we offer families and individuals the information, resources, family support, and training needed to reach their goals.
Samantha Alloway
Samantha Alloway is the Executive Director of The Arc of Illinois and a passionate, results-driven leader in disability rights, government relations, and strategic advocacy. She currently serves as Chair of the HFS Autism Work Group within the Medicaid Advisory Committee and was appointed by Illinois House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch to the Illinois Commission on Poverty Elimination.
Samantha’s leadership is deeply rooted in personal experience. A mother of three, her advocacy took on new urgency when her middle son was diagnosed with autism at age three. That moment ignited her lifelong commitment to amplifying the voices of individuals with disabilities and transforming policy at both the state and federal levels to drive meaningful change.
One of her proudest moments this year was being quoted in Governor J.B. Pritzker’s Executive Order protecting Illinois from the creation of an autism registry - a moment that held deep personal significance. For Samantha, this wasn’t just policy, it was about protecting the rights, dignity, and future of her own child, and every family like hers across Illinois.
The Arc Events
News and Headlines
Important decisions about programs for people with disabilities are happening right now. Congress is closely divided, so every action and message can make a difference. Here’s what we’re watching this spring and how you can help. Federal Funding for Disability Programs Every year, Congress decides how much money federal programs get. Our policy team watches what […]
Photographer and self-advocate 𝐆𝐞𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐞 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐭𝐡 of @gboothphotos is returning to The Arc of Illinois 76th Annual Convention — and bringing his Photo Booth Experience with him! Get ready to capture the energy, connection, and unforgettable moments.
✨ Get Up. Rise Up. Let’s Go!
𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝟕𝟔𝐭𝐡 𝐀𝐧𝐧𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧!
April 29–30, 2026 | Hybrid Event | Bloomington-Normal or Virtual
📖 Brochure: https://qr.link/7RQnph
Last week brought two great opportunities for The Arc of Illinois team to connect with families and professionals across Illinois.
𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐚𝐧 𝐀𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐥, Director of the Family to Family Health Information Center, and 𝐒𝐮𝐳𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐞 𝐀𝐚𝐫𝐨𝐧, Senior Illinois Life Span Information & Outreach Specialist, presented “𝑵𝒂𝒗𝒊𝒈𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑫𝒊𝒔𝒂𝒃𝒊𝒍𝒊𝒕𝒚 𝑺𝒆𝒓𝒗𝒊𝒄𝒆𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑩𝒆𝒏𝒆𝒇𝒊𝒕𝒔 𝒊𝒏 𝑰𝒍𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒐𝒊𝒔” at the American Case Management Association (ACMA) half-day conference at the Advocate Christ Conference Center. The session brought together care managers, social workers, nurses, and community partners from across the state.
Suzanne also presented “𝑵𝒂𝒗𝒊𝒈𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑴𝒂𝒛𝒆: 𝑼𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑨𝒈𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒊𝒆𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑨𝒄𝒓𝒐𝒏𝒚𝒎𝒔” at the North Suburban Special Education Organization (NSSEO) in Palatine as part of their Parent Training and Education Center series. Parents were engaged and asked thoughtful questions throughout the session.
Thank you to our partners for bringing families and professionals together for learning and connection!
