Kathy Carmody Email and Phone Number

The Institute on Public Policy for People with Disabilities is a statewide membership organization that provides leadership in advancing the Illinois service delivery system toward a more person-centered, community-based model. We work collaboratively with stakeholders across the state to design, implement and promote best practices; advance public policy and enhance organizational capacity that benefits the lives of people with disabilities and their families.

Chief of Staff at internationally-recognized community agency that provides a holistic array of services and supports to 2,000 people with disabilities and their families, with annual operating budget in excess of $21 million. Position directly supervises executive-level personnel responsible for programmatic, operational, clinical and budgetary activities across the agency. Accountable for regulatory compliance, quality enhancement, and execution of agency policy and procedures across 50 program sites employing 400+ staff. Primary responsibility for program development, monitoring and enhancement across multiple dimensions including vocational and employment; residential and daily life supports; meaningful engagement and recreational programming. Represent organization on numerous external efforts focusing on system design, service delivery and compliance with state and federal regulations.

Provided training and consultation services to agencies throughout the state in developing and improving community-based services for people with developmental disabilities. Developed and implemented quality-enhancement plans addressing program development, implementation and monitoring. Designed and presented staff training curricula. Developed policy and procedures related to project services. Independently wrote grant proposal to secure funding for project.

Successfully directed the first pilot project in Illinois to develop community based support services for persons with severe disabilities. Project services became the model for state funded community based support services (CILA). Directed activities of 5 agencies throughout the state in designing, implementing and evaluating community based residential support services for people with severe disabilities. Interacted directly with state agency personnel to secure funding for services; develop regulations governing service delivery; and select community agencies for participation in program. Project was awarded the Governor's Award for Excellence in Long Term Care, 1990. Independently wrote grant proposal to secure ongoing funding for project administration activities.

Participated in statewide program evaluation, policy analysis and program development activities. Participated in proposal writing to secure state and federal grant funds. Participated in the evaluation of statewide Medicaid-funded day and residential services for individuals with developmental disabilities. Institute projects resulted in the re-direction of state funds to community based services for target population. Supervised and conducted field testing and research activities, data analysis and participated in the development of final project products.