Skip to main content

Coalition Members

The Institute on Public Policy for People with Disabilities (The Institute)

The Institute on Public Policy for People with Disabilities

The Institute on Public Policy for People with Disabilities

The Institute on Public Policy for People with Disabilities (The Institute) promotes policy and practice that supports all people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to access services and resources to pursue valued and meaningful lives. The Institute agenda promotes a strong, stable, and innovative system of provider organizations to assure that people with I/DD and their families have access to a broad array of community supports and services.  Our legislative, budgetary, and policy priorities advance and enhance the Illinois community services landscape. For nearly 3 decades, the Institute has focused exclusively on I/DD policy issues impacting community organizations in Illinois. Our national perspective and statewide experience and exposure position the Institute as an insightful, innovative, and respected voice in the Illinois disability policy arena.  

Kathy Carmody

Kathy Carmody serves as CEO of the Institute on Public Policy for People with Disabilities, whose members provide direct services and support to over 35,000 people with IDD and Autism across Illinois.  Kathy’s experience includes leading research, demonstration and training projects which helped to develop the Illinois community system, including directing the SPICE Project, which served as the model for the HCBS residential system.  Kathy has held direct support, clinical, and executive management roles within community agencies and was elected to the ANCOR national board of directors in 2023.

The Institute Events

2026

Select a Date to View
No events were found.

The Institute News

Registration is officially live for The Institute Executive Summit 2026! 🎉

Join us July 27–28, 2026 in Naperville for two powerful days of leadership, strategy, and connection.

This year’s theme — Unshakable: Thriving When the Future is Unclear — is designed for leaders who are navigating complexity and charting a confident path forward. Expect dynamic keynotes, engaging panels, and practical sessions focused on building clarity, resilience, and shared purpose within your organization.

We’re actively finalizing an outstanding lineup of speakers and programming, so stay tuned for updates.

🎟️ Registration is open now — and Early Bird pricing ends May 16, 2026.

Secure your spot today and join us this summer! https://lnkd.in/gRsPaw7R

We’re excited to announce that The Institute Executive Summit is back—and moving to July for 2026 with new speakers, timely session topics, and expanded opportunities for connection and learning. 
 
SAVE THE DATE 
🗓️ July 27–28, 2026 
📍 Naperville, IL 
🏨 Sheraton Lisle Naperville Hotel 
 
Join IDD and behavioral health leaders for two days of immersive discussions focused on today’s most pressing challenges and emerging opportunities. Together, we’ll explore trends, share innovative ideas, and collaborate on strategies to position our organizations for long-term success. 
 
We look forward to bringing leaders together at a time when collaboration and shared learning have never been more important. Registration information is coming soon! 
 
#InstituteSummit2026 #IDDLeadership #BehavioralHealth #LeadershipDevelopment #SaveTheDate

Are you a family member or guardian of an individual in Illinois with a disability who works or wants to work in the community? Please attend a virtual feedback session to discuss the pursuit of competitive integrated employment!

MENU CLOSE