For many years, the State of Illinois has given money to provide sign-language interpreters for deaf people in non ADA situations. This grant, DFI, went to CHS (The Chicago Hearing Society). The DFI grant helped deaf people for important events It also paid sign-language interpreters to work. The State of Illinois has announced it will not continue to fund the DFI grant. Starting October 1,2010, CHS will not be able to pay for interpreters in these situations. Deaf people or their families will have to pay.
This is wrong and stupid. The DFI grant was not a lot of money. However, CHS used the money in a good way to help deaf people, especially deaf people who were poor. Interpreters got jobs and received pay which helped them, too. It is important to let the State of Illinois know that the DFI grant should be continued with CHS. What to do?
Email GOVERNOR QUINN. How? Go to: www.illinois.gov/gov/ Under the column Governor Quinn, there is a site, "Contact Us". Simply follow the instructions to contact the Governor. Then, send him this message or use your own words.
Dear Governor Quinn: Recently, the State of Illinois Department of Human Services cancelled a wonderful program for deaf people. The program was titled "The DFI Grant for Interpreting Services". This grant helped the Chicago Hearing Society help deaf people in difficult situations. It also allowed sign-language interpreters to stay employed. As of October 1,2010, the important services under DFI will cease. I am asking you to re-instate this grant immediately so that deaf people will continue to receive this needed service. Sincerely, (Your own name).