Community
IARF was founded on the knowledge and expertise of its members - in essence our members are a community of practice. We have an active structure that involves members in developing our positions on key issues. The Association is also fortunate to have a strong staff that maintains contact with members, seeks their advice and brings collective input to committee and Board discussion. Policy decisions are based on thoughtful consideration of the short- and long-term impact on the delivery of supports and services in the community. 

​Policy
The Association maintains strong relationships with state agencies that regulate and oversee the delivery of community services. These relationships facilitate input and comment on issues that directly or indirectly impact the effectiveness of our members in delivering quality services. Good public policy is at the foundation of successful outcomes for individuals. For that reason, IARF maintains a sharp focus on ensuring our collective membership's voice is heard.​

​Advocacy
Perhaps the most significant contribution which the Association makes to the membership is its work with the General Assembly. During session, Association staff monitor thousands of bills and select those which may affect members. Those selected pieces of legislation are followed with special attention devoted to monitoring the impact of the bills. Staff are then prepared to notify members about advocacy efforts.

Additionally, IARF provides input to the Administration during the development of its annual budget bringing forward the priorities of our membership. Once the budget is introduced, our attention turns to the process of passing a budget during which we provide analysis and testimony and engage our members in active advocacy. Our goal is simple - work hard to make sure there are adequate resources to support individuals in the community and allow our member organizations to provide those supports with qualified, well trained staff.​
As a member, you receive...
NewsNotes: a "hot sheet" that synthesizes information from the week in a quick, easy-to-read format emailed to members every Thursday. Newsnotes covers the latest news from the Capitol and reports from meetings with state agency personnel, committees and departments and to alert members to upcoming meetings and events.

Members Only Information & Advocacy: While the work of IARF serves to benefit all service provider organizations in Illinois – not just members  - we ensure IARF members are at the forefront of receiving updates and guidance from our team.  IARF members will receive exclusive updates on policy and advocacy activity and receive a seat at the table in representing the field on key workgroups and committees.

Education & Training: IARF hosts an annual conference as well as many other learning opportunities for all levels of staff in community organizations. With IARF membership, you and your staff receive discounted or even complimentary rates for all educational events. IARF educational offerings provide members with new skills and continuing education to maintain state regulatory and licensing requirements.
Individual Agency Advocacy:  While effectively representing the collective of our members, we work hard to assist our members as individual entities. Over the years, staff have facilitated countless meetings on behalf of members that resulted in resolution of seemingly insurmountable odds. It's the additional benefit of building good relationships with people in key positions.

Information & Research: IARF understands the importance of data driven decision-making and use of data in our advocacy efforts.  As such, we frequently gather data from our members, analyze that data, and make use of that data in our advocacy efforts to government.  We also understand how data may drive decisions at member organizations, and are actively looking at ways we can facilitate sharing of data and best practices.
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Partnership with Supporting Members: Through our growing Supporting Membership service, IARF is constantly looking to partner with organizations to bring value to members – whether it is educational material for organizational staff, software and services that can help advance your mission, or group purchasing models to help reduce the cost of needed commodities and services.

BECOME A SUPPORTING MEMBER!

Commitment 
Demonstrate your company’s commitment to community-based services and supports for children and adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities and serious mental illnesses.
Awareness 
Recognition at the educational conference, on the IARF website, and in our weekly Newsnotes publication provides exposure ID/DD and SMI professionals. The IARF website receives over 30,000 views annually and over 300 professionals participate in the annual educational conference.
Support 
Membership helps support continuing education and training programs, the educational conference and Dialogue to Decision policy discussions.

Supporting Membership

One exhibit booth in premier location at the Annual Conference
Company logo in NewsNotes, IARF’s weekly newsletter
Recognition as a supporting member at the Annual Conference
Company logo on IARF Website Homepage
10% off one conference sponsorship package
​One 15-minute presentation at prearranged Meeting of the Membership
One digital advertisement in NewsNotes
IARF Member contact list
Access to members' only privileges and information
Questions?
Maggie Henley, Director of Member Services
mhenley@iarf.org.

Contact Us.

Our staff is always willing to help. Please reach out if you have any questions or concerns.

Email
mhenley@iarf.org
jevans@iarf.org​

Phone
217.801.9303

Address
206 South 6th Street
​Springfield, Illinois 62701