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Task force warns of gaps in outreach to immigrants with disabilities, urges CIL connections
Summary
The Disability & Immigration Task Force told the Statewide Independent Living Council on Nov. 12 that language and outreach gaps — especially in central and southern Illinois — are limiting access to Independent Living services for immigrants, refugees and asylees.
Jae Jin Pak, joined by Michelle Garcia and Claudia Castillo, presented an overview of the Disability and Immigration Task Force of Illinois, describing Know Your Rights trainings and multilingual rights cards combining disability and immigration information. The presenters said outreach to immigrant communities is uneven across the state and highlighted limited interpreter access in rural areas as a persistent barrier.
Council members discussed practical steps to strengthen links between Centers for Independent Living (CILs) and immigrant communities, suggesting presentations to the INCIL board, additional webinars, and expanded communications channels. The presentation emphasized culturally and linguistically appropriate services as central to the task force’s mission to support immigrants, refugees and asylees with disabilities.
