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.

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.”

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.

CHICAGO — To make the process of applying for professional licenses more accessible to constituents, State Senator Natalie Toro and State Representative Jaime Andrade are working with the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation to offer mobile office hours at Rincon Family Services.

“From hairstylists to chiropractors to roofers, many of us need to renew our professional licenses to continue working under state law,” said Toro (D-Chicago). “IDFPR’s mobile office hours will make this necessary process more straightforward and efficient, saving residents time and stress so work can continue without any hiccups.” 

The mobile office hours will be held at Rincon Family Services, located at 3710 N. Kedzie Avenue in Chicago, from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 28.