MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING 
TO PARTICIPATE IN 
EDUCATION AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE GRANT PROJECT TO END 
VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN WITH DISABILITIES 


The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) is submitting a grant proposal of 
which this Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is a part, to the U.S. Department of 
Justice, Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) in response to a Solicitation for an 
OVW Fiscal Year 2009 Education and Technical Assistance Grants to End Violence 
Against Women with Disabilities. The proposal reflects a continued relationship between 
all original MOU partners (OVW 2006 grant) and builds upon the success achieved by 
the established Illinois Imagines team. The collaboration charter developed during the 
initial 2006 Ð 2009 grant period will be the guiding force in determining the direction of 
the teamÕs activities and the roles and responsibilities of MOU partners in achieving 
those activities. 

1. Partners 
a) 
Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) is one of Illinois' largest 
agencies, with more than 14,000 employees and an annual budget of over 
$5.6 billion. IDHS is charged with designing, coordinating, monitoring and 
funding a comprehensive and coordinated community-based social service 
system which includes both disability and sexual assault services. IDHS has 
four program divisions which support this work: Divisions of Community 
Health and Prevention (IDHS/CHP), Developmental Disabilities (IDHS/DD), 
Mental Health (IDHS/DMH), and Rehabilitation Services (IDHS/DRS). IDHS 
has the statewide administrative authority to support systems change through 
policy development, contractual requirements, resource allocation, and 
service delivery model. 

b) 
Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault (ICASA), the statewide 
association of rape crisis centers is comprised of 33 community based sexual 
assault crisis centers working together to end sexual violence. Each ICASA 
center provides counseling, medical and legal advocacy and prevention 
education. The centers operate 24-hour hotlines to provide services to victims 
of sexual assault, sexual abuse and sexual harassment along with services to 
the victimsÕ significant others. ICASA advocates for public policy that 
prevents sexual violence and guarantees sensitivity to survivors. 

c) 
The Illinois Network of Centers for Independent Living (INCIL) is a 
statewide organization made up of 24 Centers for Independent Living (CILs) 
in Illinois. CILs exist to empower individuals with disabilities to take charge of 
their lives and make their own choices and decisions in order to be as self-
sufficient as possible. INCIL is an authoritative source of information about 
the accomplishments and needs if Illinois CILS and about issues most critical 
to promote independent living for all persons with disabilities. INCIL 
coordinates the activities and efforts of all CILs, resulting in a stronger, more 

Memorandum of Understanding 
Page 1 of 6 


unified voice to promote the needs and priorities of the CILs and the people 

they serve. 

d) 
Blue Tower Training Center, a division of Macon Resources, Inc. has a 
rich history of working with people with disabilities and disability service 
providers. As a leader in the field, they have developed programs and 
resources to support self-advocacy. Blue Tower provides training, 
consultation and training materials related to sexual abuse and persons with 
disabilities on a national basis. The Director of Blue Tower Training Center is 
a national trainer and author on sexual abuse and sexual abuse prevention of 
persons with developmental disabilities. 

e) 
Illinois Voices is a statewide self-advocacy initiative, started in January 
2005. It is designed to empower people with developmental and other 
disabilities to make their own decisions, stand up for their rights and speak for 
themselves based on their strengths and desires. Illinois Voices offers 
training, leadership opportunities, and support for advocacy and public policy 
change. 

f) 
Illinois Family Violence Coordinating Council provides a coordinated 
response to family violence. The Council works to improve institutional and 
professional response to family violence issues. The Council engages in 
education, intervention, prevention and coordination of services for victims 
and perpetrators of child abuse, domestic violence and elder abuse. A goal of 
the Council is to contribute to the administration of justice. The goal of the 
Council is to improve institutional and professional response to family 
violence issues. The Council engages in education, intervention, prevention 
and coordination of services for victims of child abuse, sexual abuse, 
domestic violence and elder abuse. 

2. 
History of Collaboration 
This collaborative team, Illinois Imagines, has worked together since November 
2005. All MOU partners came together to develop a plan for enhancing services 
for women with disabilities who experience sexual violence. Many of the 
agencies had a rich history of working together; however, previous efforts did not 
include such a comprehensive team. Once funded by OVW in FY 2006, the 
team began work on a collaboration charter to guide our work together. A vision, 
mission, goals, and statement of rights for women with disabilities were created 
and became our anchor for future activities. Collaboration structure, roles and 
responsibilities, decision-making, conflict resolution, communication and 
confidentiality were among the key elements included in the charter. While 
bringing together partners from various areas of study can be challenging, all 
project team members share a common vision of justice, compassion, person-
centered services, and the empowerment of women with disabilities who 
experience sexual violence. 

With the collaboration charter in place, Illinois Imagines moved forward with 
planning activities. Together we have created a needs assessment plan, 
conducted needs assessment activities, developed and implemented a strategic 

Memorandum of Understanding 
Page 2 of 6 


plan. This has truly been a team effort with each MOU partner contributing time, 
agency resources, expertise, and enthusiasm to the initiative. Our goal is to 
continue our collaborative efforts recognizing that the synergistic effect of the 
whole team is required to make a difference in the lives of women with disabilities 
who are survivors of sexual violence. 
agency resources, expertise, and enthusiasm to the initiative. Our goal is to 
continue our collaborative efforts recognizing that the synergistic effect of the 
whole team is required to make a difference in the lives of women with disabilities 
who are survivors of sexual violence. 

3. 
Extent of Each PartyÕs Participation 
The Illinois Imagines team has been planning this continuation grant since we 
began implementing our strategic plan. Ideas for next steps have been captured 
in meeting notes as team members have suggested strategies for expansion and 
identified issues needing to be addressed. Many suggestions are a result of 
input and experience of current model site community teams. The last team 
meeting was dedicated to planning for the development of the grant proposal. In 
Illinois Imagines tradition, team members volunteered to take responsibility for 
various sections of the grant proposal and contribute to a final product which was 
reviewed and approved by all partners. This approach reflects the spirit and best 
practice of the Illinois Imagines team. 

4. 
Roles and Responsibilities 
a) 
Illinois Department of Human Services will act as administrative agent and 
provide overall grant management. IDHS will continue to have Teresa Tudor, 
Bureau of Domestic and Sexual Violence Prevention, serve as the project 
director to oversee project activities. Staff of the partner divisions will provide 
expertise in their respective fields and facilitate access to community 
providers with additional expertise as needed. At a minimum, the following 
IDHS staff will continue to represent the partner divisions: Debra Alexander, 
IDHS/DD Sandra Houghlund, IDHS/DMH, Sue Johnson-Smith, IDHS/DRS. 
In addition to program division staff, the initiative is supported by the office of 
Assistant Secretary. Christine Harley will continue to be involved in Illinois 
Imagines and support the integration of the project into existing IDHS service 
delivery. 

IDHS is responsible for coordinating meetings, managing communications, 
administering grant funds, maintaining a work schedule, and providing fiscal 
and program accountability. IDHS will integrate needed systems supports to 
promote sustainability, such as changes in policy, contractual language, 
training standards, and staff functions. 

b) 
Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault will support Illinois Imagines 
through the continued participation of Carol Corgan, Assistant Director and 
Sean Black, Communications Coordinator on the planning team. Additional 
ICASA staff will support project activities as needed, i.e. policy, 
administrative. ICASA will provide fiscal services such as reimbursement of 
non-DHS committee member expenses, paying for interpreters and 
developing short-term contracts for consultants. ICASA will provide space for 

Memorandum of Understanding 
Page 3 of 6 


the planning team meetings and assist in logistical arrangements for roll-out 
sites. ICASA will provide expertise in sexual assault issues, including clinical, 
medical, and legal aspects. ICASA will provide linkage and support to the 
network of rape crisis centers for all grant funded activities. Additionally, 
ICASA commits to making enhancements in administrative and programmatic 
supports (policy, resource development, training) which improve services for 
women with disabilities who experience sexual violence. 
-out 
sites. ICASA will provide expertise in sexual assault issues, including clinical, 
medical, and legal aspects. ICASA will provide linkage and support to the 
network of rape crisis centers for all grant funded activities. Additionally, 
ICASA commits to making enhancements in administrative and programmatic 
supports (policy, resource development, training) which improve services for 
women with disabilities who experience sexual violence. 

c) 
The Illinois Network of Centers for Independent Living Executive Director, 
Ann Ford, will continue to support the mission of Illinois Imagines by providing 
a linkage to the statewide network of Centers for Independent Living. INCIL 
will continue to have a representative on the planning committee which will 
voice the needs of women with disabilities who are living independently in the 
community. INCIL will provide input into the strategic plan and support the 
implementation of activities. INCIL will provide expertise in accessibility 
issues as it relates to providing services to women with disabilities who have 
experienced sexual violence. 

d) 
Blue Tower Training Center will continue active participation in the planning 
team as well as all grant related activities through Shirley Paceley, Director. 
Blue Tower will assist in the development of educational materials and related 
supports for disability and sexual assault service providers. Shirley will act as 
a resource consultant for state and local system enhancements, such as, 
policy development, cross-training, outreach efforts. 

e) 
Illinois Family Violence Coordinating Council will continue to support 
Illinois Imagines by participating in team planning meetings. Vernie 
Beorkrem, IFVCC Director will provide expertise in systems work and 
coordinated community response. She will assist in development of team 
products, staff sub-committees as needed, and provide a linkage to local 
community efforts. 

f) 
Illinois Voices will be represented by Amy Walker, Self-Advocate. She will 
provide expert consultation on the planning team and assist in the development 
of written products and educational materials. Amy will provide training 
and staff development support for team members. Illinois Voices has direct 
access to a network of self-advocates across the state and will facilitate 
linkages to women with disabilities to serve on state roll out teams. 

5. 
Commitment to Achieve Stated Goals. The commitment to the Illinois 
ImaginesÕ mission has been demonstrated for the past 3 years as MOU partners 
have dedicated staff and agency resources, shared expertise, and worked side 
by side to accomplish goals. WeÕve wrestled with the tough issues that 
sometimes divide the disability and sexual assault communities. WeÕve learned 
to have tolerance and more importantly respect for the experiences and 
perspective of government, advocacy groups, and service providers which may 
differ from our own. 
It is with this 3 year experience that we stand committed to continue what we 
have started as we believe it is our responsibility to make a difference in the lives 

Memorandum of Understanding 
Page 4 of 6 


of women with disabilities who experience sexual violence. By signing this MOU, 
all partners assert their commitment to achieving the goals as described in the 
grant proposal and following the established collaboration charter. 
nce sexual violence. By signing this MOU, 
all partners assert their commitment to achieving the goals as described in the 
grant proposal and following the established collaboration charter. 

6. 
Budget. The proposed budget was designed to support the success of grant 
activities and direct the monies toward facilitating systems level change (not 
agency compensation). All MOU partners agree with the budget as proposed. 
7. 
Resources. 
Time: All MOU partners agree to commit staff time to the planning team which 
will meet at a minimum one half day per month. Each agency will support 
subcommittee work, product development, and plan activities with staff as 
needed. Each agency will chair or lead in one specific activity/initiative. 
Additionally, IDHS will commit staff as Project Director; each program division will 
have staff on planning committee, policy committee and any other relevant 
committees which may be developed as a result of the grant. 

Space: ICASA will provide space for monthly planning team meetings and subcommittees. 
Meeting/training space is also provided by IFVCC and IDHS as 
needed. 

Communications: IDHS will support teleconference meetings through a 
dedicated teleconference call number. This will allow participation in monthly 
meetings or other events from participants across the state. Videoconference 
capability will also be provided through DHS as needed. 

Training: IDHS, ICASA, Blue Tower, and Illinois Voices have training staff 
available to assist in design and implementation of cross-training modules, staff 
development activities for new team members or consultants, and review of grant 
products. 

Memorandum of Understanding 
Page 5 of 6 


Should the proposal to OVW be accepted and awarded a grant, the project partners 
would agree to implement the activities as described in the grant proposal. Accordingly, 
the partners have entered into the following Memorandum of Understanding. The 
proposal to OVW be accepted and awarded a grant, the project partners 
would agree to implement the activities as described in the grant proposal. Accordingly, 
the partners have entered into the following Memorandum of Understanding. The 

partners stipulate as follows: 

Carol L. Adams, Ph.D. 
Secretary 
Illinois Department of Human Services 
401 South Clinton 
Chicago, IL 60607 

Polly Poskin 
Executive Director 
Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault 
100 North 16th Street 
Springfield, IL 62703 

Ann Ford 
Executive Director 
Illinois Network of Centers for 
Independent Living 
One West Old State Capitol Plaza, Suite 
501 
Springfield, IL 62701 

Shirley Paceley 
Director 
Blue Tower Training Center 
2121 Hubbard Ave. 
PO Box 2760 
Decatur, Illinois 62524 

Vernie Beorkrem 
Director 
Illinois Family Violence Coordinating 
Council (State Council) 
528 S 5th St, Suite 200 
Springfield, IL 62701 

Dreux Lewandowski 
Illinois Voices 
2121 Hubbard Ave. 
PO Box 2760 
Decatur, Illinois 62524 

Memorandum of Understanding 
Page 6 of 6