The Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities announced on Mar. 31 that Abby Schindler has joined its Program and Policy team as the Compliance Program Specialist.
Schindler brings experience in disability research, policy, and systems change to the council. Her appointment is seen as a step toward supporting accessible and evidence-informed training for the disability services workforce.
Previously, Schindler served as a visiting research specialist at the Institute on Disability and Human Development at the University of Illinois Chicago. She also coordinated the Family Support Research and Training Center there. Her work has included projects focused on family support policy for families of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, lifespan development, and dual diagnosis of intellectual disability and mental illness.
Recently, Schindler led efforts to develop an online learning management system course aimed at improving training for those working in intellectual disability services. She currently serves on the Developmental Disabilities Advisory Committee for the Illinois Division of Developmental Disabilities.
Schindler earned her Master of Science in Disability and Human Development from the University of Illinois Chicago, where she completed a fellowship in Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND). She holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Bethel College with minors in sociology and philosophy. Schindler resides in Lombard, Illinois with her spouse and three children.
The council said it is pleased to welcome Schindler to its team.
