In a statement released Friday, IARF President and CEO Josh Evans praised Governor JB Pritzker and Illinois Department of Human Services Secretary Dulce Quintero for advancing what the organization described as a commitment to civil rights, community integration and quality care for Illinoisans with disabilities.

“The leadership shown by Governor Pritzker and DHS Secretary Quintero in closing the remaining I/DD beds at Choate Developmental Center stands in stark contrast to the message being sent from Washington, D.C.,” Evans said. “In Illinois, we will advance equity, the civil rights of persons with developmental disabilities, and the opportunity for Illinoisans with disabilities to reside in communities of their choice.”