Intersect for Ability is a collaborative network of agencies serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities of all ages. Our collaborating Intersect agencies come together to move the industry and community services forward by developing, implementing, and sustaining cutting-edge programs that increase opportunities and improve the quality of life for the people they serve.
Autism
The Autism CoP has focused on training for Intersect agency staff. This group has hosted virtual trainings, including Autism 101, Proactive Behavior Supports, Dos & Don’ts for Working with People with Autism, Visual Supports, and ABA Basics. They share evidence-based training on autism support strategies, include self-advocates in CoP discussions and work, and network and collaborate in support of autistic people or people with autism.
Clinical
Clinical CoP members share resources, network, train, and solve problems to enhance clinical practices across the Intersect Network. Together, they address challenges related to IMPACT and trauma-informed care, and explore topics and initiatives in licensing, clinical staff training, sex education, and BIC/HRC committee makeup and processes. They aim to educate non-I/DD clinical students about their work and plan to establish a work group to discuss internship recruitment for ABA and other disciplines. The CoP continues its ABA Colloquium to provide CEU opportunities to BCBAs on topics related to the applied work of BCBAs at I/DD agencies. They endeavor to focus on topics related to dementia and grief, meet the needs of other clinical disciplines, and monitor the political climate for changing needs.
Community Day
Committee members engage in joint activities and share resources. They discuss experiences to improve best practices within community day services. The group helps individuals build confidence, explore employment and volunteering, navigate and enjoy the community, and receive consistent, high-quality services.
Development
The Development CoP gathers to share ideas and best practices. Topics include planned giving, donor retention, stewardship, relationship building, and family involvement. They also focus on year-end giving, marketing, and public relations. They emphasize social media engagement and better communication with first-time donors. The group seeks to diversify funding streams and keep up with technology and AI. Every year, the team plans an Intersect-wide Developmental Disabilities Awareness Night with the Chicago White Sox.
Employment
The Employment CoP shares best practices and addresses challenges. Their goal is to improve employment services across Intersect organizations and the State. They work to modernize job-search tactics for individuals and the current economy. The group also continues to advocate for efficiency in the DRS process and to create standardized documents for DRS/Agency use.
Home-Based
The HBS CoP helps individuals and families fully use waiver service benefits. It optimizes communication and collaboration among employers, workers, families, and service coordination. The CoP discusses online ABE accounts with families, ensures employers and personal support workers complete Aces$’s annual EVV forms together, collaborates on billable SDA tasks, and explores ways to improve how ISCs share Personal Plans.
Human Resources
This CoP provides a safe, collaborative environment for HR leaders. Members share insights, grow professional awareness, and develop supportive strategies. The group focuses on organizational resilience and workforce well-being. They share best practices and resources on policy, regulations, training, and development. The group also tracks the political climate to assess its impact on services and culture. By strengthening engagement, clarifying expectations, and creating opportunities, the HR CoP grows as a trusted space for innovation and success.
Quality Assurance
This group shares resources and ideas to ensure compliance. They stay current on changes to rules and regulatory requirements. The group aims to provide quality initiatives, practices, and systems within Intersect Network organizations. Discussions often cover licensing, accreditation, BQM, Rule 116, and OSFM. Members promote learning and consistent understanding. They work to increase transparency in quality assurance and support responsive problem-solving. The group allows space for real-time questions, technical tips, and knowledge exchange as needs arise.
Residential
The Residential CoP shares information on recruitment and retention. The group focuses on regulatory compliance, HCBS compliance, and survey preparation. They address staff shortages, educate new members about group living, and increase participation by sharing resources to improve service delivery. Together, they review relevant DHS bulletins, CILA rate hours, the Guidehouse survey, and the challenges of supporting individuals with mental illness in the I/DD system.
Training
The Training CoP supports each other in creating sustainable practices for ongoing staff development initiatives and to help trainers meet and exceed best practices. Group members support and guide one another in implementing new training initiatives and systems.