Toro autism sensitivity training initiative takes effect Jan. 1

SPRINGFIELD — People with disabilities will soon be protected from unnecessarily hostile encounters with police thanks to an initiative spearheaded by State Senator Natalie Toro that takes effect Jan. 1.

“Law enforcement have the responsibility to be educated about the community that they serve—including the unique communication methods of people with autism,” said Toro (D-Chicago). “This law will ensure they are up to date with training on how to best engage with people with disabilities, in turn preventing tragic misunderstandings.”

Without proper training on how some people with autism communicate, some members of law enforcement have interpreted their behavior as being noncompliant with questioning or instructions. This has caused several interactions between law enforcement and individuals with autism to escalate quickly, resulting in unnecessary use of force, trauma or death.

Read more: Toro autism sensitivity training initiative takes effect Jan. 1

Toro to host “Know Your Rights” Workshop for Immigrant Adults on Dec. 21

CHICAGO — As fears of potential changes to federal immigration policy are growing, State Senator Natalie Toro is hosting a “Know Your Rights” Workshop for immigrant adults in Chicago to spread awareness of the protections offered to new arrivals by Chicago and the state.

“Despite the fearmongering rhetoric used by some elected officials, immigrants in Illinois have protections against unfair treatment by border control agents,” said Toro (D-Chicago). “This workshop will give immigrant adults beneficial tools so they can protect themselves from exploitation, as they are entitled to many rights under Illinois law and Chicago mandates.”

The “Know Your Rights” Workshop will take place on Dec. 21 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Portage Cragin branch of the Chicago Public Library, located at 5108 W. Belmont Ave. Attendees will hear from immigration law experts and receive handouts outlining how to best respond if an agent approaches their property, with or without a valid judicial warrant.

• New arrivals
• Immigration
• In the District

Read more: Toro to host “Know Your Rights” Workshop for Immigrant Adults on Dec. 21

Toro, Guzzardi to host job fair Dec. 6

CHICAGO — To assist residents in their search for employment opportunities, State Senator Natalie Toro and State Representative Will Guzzardi are hosting a job fair Dec. 6 at Portage-Cragin Library.

“In today’s job market, it can be difficult for prospective employees to stand out, or get a sense of a company culture from fully remote communications,” said Toro (D-Chicago). “This job fair will give residents the opportunity to make in-person connections with organizations who are hiring, and help them find work that is fulfilling.”

• In the District
• Job Fair

Read more: Toro, Guzzardi to host job fair Dec. 6

Toro celebrates $66,000 library grant coming to the HANA Center

CHICAGO — The HANA Center has been awarded a $66,000 grant to enhance their adult volunteer literacy program thanks to support from State Senator Natalie Toro.  

“As a former kindergarten teacher who taught basic reading comprehension, I know firsthand how important this skill is for lifelong success, and how difficult it can be to learn, especially as we get older,” said Toro (D-Chicago). “Organizations like the HANA Center who provide literacy courses are helping empower people to learn more at any age and will utilize this grant funding to continue to support people in our community on their journey of personal development.”

The grants were awarded by Illinois Secretary of State and State Librarian Alexi Giannoulias, who has provided nearly $22 million for library services and $6 million for literacy programs throughout the state.

• In the District
• Literacy
• Grant funds

Read more: Toro celebrates $66,000 library grant coming to the HANA Center