Division of Developmental Disabilities

The Answer Inc. will use the $250,000 funding from the IDHS Developmental Disability Fund to operate the Spectrum Socialite Program. This program is a structured empowerment program for girls and young women with autism and other developmental and intellectual differences. The Answer will support weekly cohort sessions focused on individualized training. Individualized Training: Leadership Etiquette Social communication Self-advocacy Safe/healthy relationships Community/Caregiver Support: Community participation Caregiver engagement Individualized supports Transportation stipends Funding for this program ensures equitable access to a gender-responsive, culturally attuned program not typically available through school or clinic settings. During the grant period, participants will gain tangible skills (e.g., conversation turn-taking, conflict navigation, public etiquette, workplace readiness), and after the grant period, the program's trained cohort leaders, adapted curriculum, and community partnerships will remain in place-expanding ongoing access, referrals, and sustainability for future cycles. Provide services to girls and young women with autism/IDD facing persistent barriers to social inclusion, self-advocacy, and safe community participation; gender-responsive programming is limited, particularly in the Chicago's West Side and Southland communities, served by The Answer Inc. State funding closes an access gap by underwriting staffing, accessible curriculum, caregiver training, and assisting with transportation support, that families cannot shoulder alone.

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PA 104-0003 Section 1290 - FY26 Legislative Add-On

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Funding for this program ensures equitable access to a gender-responsive, culturally attuned program not typically available through school or clinic settings. During the grant period, participants will gain tangible skills (e.g., conversation turn-taking, conflict navigation, public etiquette, workplace readiness), and after the grant period, the program's trained cohort leaders, adapted curriculum, and community partnerships will remain in place-expanding ongoing access, referrals, and sustainability for future cycles.

Yes

Named Appropriations

For-Profit Organizations;

Organizations specifically named in legislation: Aspire: $250,000 Participants served must have an intellectual/developmental disability and their families.

Eligibility is grantee specific and must be included in approved program proposal.

Non-competitive

Human Services

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Applicant must be prequalified and registered in the Illinois GATA Grantee Portal.

Applicants must submit a Program Narrative/Plan and required attachments.

Organizations specifically named in legislation.

Award amounts support indicated funding levels in state budget and program proposal.

DHS staff send application packet to named entities and notification of due date.

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Renewals contingent upon inclusions of organization in approved state budget.

This grant does not require in-kind or financial match requirement.

1. All applicants will use grant funds according to the guidelines, conditions, and parameters set forth in this funding notice and in compliance with federal statutes, regulations and the terms and conditions of any applicable federal awards. 2. Please refer to 2 CFR 200 - Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, Part 200 Subpart E - Cost Principles to determine the appropriateness of costs. 3. Allowable costs are those that are necessary and reasonable based on the activities contained in the Scope of Work, are justified in the Budget Narrative, and are allowable under Subpart E of 2 CFR 200. It is expected that administrative costs, both direct and indirect, will represent a small portion of the overall program budget. Any budget deemed to include inappropriate or excessive administrative costs will not be approved. Program budgets and narratives must detail how all proposed expenditures are necessary for program implementation. 4. Unallowable costs: Please refer to 2 CFR 200 - Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, Part 200 Subpart E - Cost Principles to determine the appropriateness of costs. In addition, and specific to this grant, the following costs will be unallowable without specific prior written approval from IDHS: a. Entertainment costs, except where specific costs that might otherwise be considered entertainment have a programmatic purpose and are authorized in the approved budget (2 CFR 200.438). b. Capital expenditures for general purpose equipment, including any vehicle regardless of cost, buildings, and land (2 CFR 200.439). c. Capital expenditures for improvements to land, buildings, or equipment which materially increase their value or useful life (2 CFR 200.439). d. Food, and other goods or services for personal use of the grantee's employees, contractors, or consultants of the grantee unless authorized as per diem under the State of Illinois Governor's Travel Control Board (2 CFR 200.445). e. Deposits for items, services, or space. f. That the grantee agency, prior to making a subaward with a total amount of funds greater than the simplified acquisition threshold, is required to review and consider any information about the applicant that is in the designated integrity and performance system accessible through SAM (currently FAPIIS) (see 41 U.S.C. 2313). Refer to website below for Indirect Costs Restrictions https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=151738

Time Period for Required Periodic Financial Reports. Unless a different reporting requirement is specified in Exhibit E, Grantee shall submit financial reports to Grantor pursuant to Paragraph 10.1 and reports must be submitted no later than 30 days after the quarter ends. B. Time Period for Close-out Reports. Grantee shall submit a Close-out Report pursuant to Paragraph 10.2 and no later than 30 days after this Agreement's end of the period of performance or termination. C. Time Period for Required Periodic Performance Reports. Unless a different reporting requirement is specified in Exhibit E, Grantee shall submit Performance Reports to Grantor pursuant to Paragraph 11.1 and such reports must be submitted no later than 30 days after the quarter ends. D. Time Period for Close-out Performance Reports. Grantee agrees to submit a Close-out Performance Report, pursuant to Paragraph 11.2 and no later than 30 days after this Agreement's end of the period of performance or termination. The Providers will submit reporting to the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) on a quarterly basis, utilizing the Periodic Performance Report (GOMBGATU-4001). Quarterly reports will be submitted no later than 15 days after end of each report period. 1st Quarter Reports are due No Later Than (NLT) October 15th, 2nd Quarter Reports are due NLT January 15th, 3rd Quarter Reports are due NLT April 15th, 4th Quarter Reports are due NLT July 15th.

Grantee shall be subject to the audit requirements contained in the Single Audit Act Amendments of 1996 (31 USC 7501-7507) and Subpart F of 2 CFR Part 200, and the audit rules and policies set forth by the Governor's Office of Management and Budget. See 30 ILCS 708/65(c); 44 Ill. Admin. Code 7000.90

Grantee shall maintain for three (3) years from the date of submission of the final expenditure report, adequate books, all financial records and, supporting documents, statistical records, and all other records pertinent to this Award, adequate to comply with 2 CFR 200.334, unless a different retention period is specified in 2 CFR 200.334 or 44 Ill. Admin. Code 7000.430(a) and (b). If any litigation, claim or audit is started before the expiration of the retention period, the records must be retained until all litigation, claims or audit exceptions involving the records have been resolved and final action taken.

General Revenue Funds, Legislative Add-on

Estimated FY26 amount = $250,000

This is a Legislative Add-on. The award was issued FY26 for $250,000

Named Appropriations

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600 E Ash, Bldg. 400, Springfield, IL 62703

600 E Ash, Bldg. 400, Springfield, IL 62703

The Division of Developmental Disabilities Hotline 1-888-DD-PLANS (1-888-337-5267) (TTY: 1-866-376-8446) is available to persons and the family of people with developmental disabilities to answer questions on community programs, respite care, and other state services available to persons with a disability. More information is also available visit the Developmental Disabilities Web site.

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Appropriated from the Fund for Illinois Future to the Department of Human Services for a grant to Aspire for costs associated with operational expenses.

FY 2026 : $250,000