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) 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.