Manley Serves on Legislator Panel During Annual Speak Up, Speak Out Summit for Persons with Disabilities

Bloomington, Ill. – In an effort to help persons with intellectual or developmental disabilities advocate for themselves, State Rep. Natalie Manley, D-Joliet, served on a panel of legislators, listening to over 700 participants in a two-day, annual, statewide Speak Up, Speak Out Summit. 

The summit is designed to uplift, empower and energize participants to use their voices to “shape their lives and their futures,” according to organizers. 

Topics of conversation spanned across a wide array of issues including concerns about accessibility; medicaid; fair and inclusive housing; and having a platform where they can voice their concerns.

“As legislators, one of the duties we are charged with when helping those with disabilities are issues of accessibility and inclusivity,” Rep Manley said. “We, as a legislature, must expand accessibility so that the responsibility does not fall entirely on people who have disabilities, themselves.”

The hybrid summit allowed participants an opportunity to join remotely, however most attended in person. The event was organized by Arc Illinois and funded by The Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities. It was held at the Marriott Hotel in Bloomington-Normal.

Following the panel, Rep. Manley stayed to speak directly with several attendees, listening to their stories.

“The Speak Up, Speak Out Summit is not only important to people with disabilities to learn ways to advocate for themselves, but also critically important for legislators to listen to their ideas and how we can make their lives better.”

Featured: Representative Natalie Manley, D-Joliet, (center), discusses ways people with disabilities can advocate for themselves at the annual Speak Out, Speak Up Summit in Bloomington.