The Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities (ICDD) has announced it will provide $180,000 in funding to The Arc of Illinois for the planning and hosting of the 2026 Speak Up and Speak Out Summit (SUSO). This event is unique in Illinois as it is organized by and for individuals with developmental disabilities, offering them leadership training and direct engagement with policymakers from across the state.
The Arc of Illinois has been organizing the SUSO Summit for two decades. Each summit’s planning process is led by self-advocates, allowing new participants to contribute ideas and build on previous years’ experiences. This approach aims to keep programming innovative and ensure broader participation.
In recent years, SUSO has expanded its reach through virtual and hybrid formats. The October 2024 summit was held entirely online, while the September 2025 event combined in-person attendance with an online option. Both events attracted hundreds of first-time attendees from various parts of Illinois.
ICDD and The Arc of Illinois have stated their intention to continue increasing access to SUSO, particularly among historically underserved regions and underrepresented groups within the state.
The 2026 summit is scheduled as a hybrid event over three days in Bloomington/Normal, Illinois, during fall 2026. Specific dates have not yet been determined. Planning efforts are set to begin in early 2026. Additional information will be available on the SUSO website as details are finalized.
Questions or comments regarding the summit can be directed to ICDDInfo@Illinois.gov.
