Trailblazers: Possibility in Every Direction Honorees

Trailblazers: Possibility in Every Direction will be held on Thursday, June 4th, at Sarabande Chicago, celebrating the possibilities that are unfolding in every direction for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). 

This year’s Trailblazer Award honorees have helped bring these possibilities to life by dreaming bigger for people with I/DD. These partners have uplifted and embraced the idea of a full life for people with I/DD through their support and advocacy, moving our field into the next generation of services. 

Learn more about our honorees below!   

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Illinois Association of Rehabilitation Facilities (IARF), under the leadership of Josh Evans 

The Illinois Association of Rehabilitation Facilities (IARF), led by Josh Evans, advocates for over 80 human service organizations like Search360 (Search) throughout Illinois, representing their interests to legislators. Illinois has faced historic underfunding of I/DD services, ranking near the bottom nationally and putting the system of care for people with I/DD in crisis. 

In recent years, this historic disinvestment took a positive turn, with unprecedented investment in I/DD services. This shift was largely due to the tireless advocacy of IARF, under Josh’s leadership, and its partners to make this a legislative priority in Illinois. These investments are actively making the future of Search possible, pushing us towards a truly person-centered system in the State of Illinois. 

Josh’s leadership during this period was instrumental in making this possible. Before assuming the role of CEO in 2018, Josh spent 15 years advancing IARF’s policy initiatives. As CEO, he has developed critical partnerships with legislators, increased visibility for people with I/DD and made addressing the situation in Illinois a top priority for the current leadership. Since FY18, when he took on the role of CEO at IARF, Illinois has increased funding to the department overseeing I/DD agencies by 64%. His work has positively impacted all 350 people supported by Search, as well as the 30,000 people statewide who receive state funded I/DD programming. 

We are thrilled to honor IARF under Josh’s leadership with the John Lipscomb Trailblazer Award, in recognition of his visionary leadership and advocacy, which drive investment in Illinois’ system of care and strengthen a more person-centered future for people with I/DD. 

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Rivers Casino Des Plaines 

At our 2026 Trailblazers event, we are proud to honor Rivers Casino Des Plaines for being far more than a corporate partner. They have shown up as true champions of our mission and for people with I/DD. Over the years, Rivers has consistently invested their time, talent and resources to strengthen Search and expand opportunities for adults with disabilities. The partnership began with a placement in their bakery and has since led to eight placements through Search’s Career Services. 

Rivers is unique in how its employees show up to support our mission. They have been flexible in the hiring process, allowing for truly successful and meaningful employment for the people we support. They ensure people are placed in roles that fit their unique goals and interests, making them leaders in inclusive employment in Cook County. 

Beyond our partnership through Career Services, Rivers has approached this partnership with generosity and intention and has shown a continuous commitment to involvement beyond employment. One example is their support for our Mount Prospect Day Services site, which helped us revive and reimagine the gardening space there. They have supported Trailblazers over the last three years, growing the event’s impact and providing us with critical support for our overall mission. Partners like Rivers allow us to go above and beyond, providing beautiful homes, impactful careers, enriching community activities and wrap-around health support. 

In recognition of our longstanding partnership with Rivers Casino through inclusive employment and collaborative support, expanding opportunities and possibilities for people with I/DD, we are thrilled to honor them with our 2026 Trailblazers award. 

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Join us on June 4th to celebrate our honorees in person with our emcee, Erin McElroy of WGN News! On our event page, you can purchase tickets and learn more about our Trailblazers 2026 event. Many thanks to our Diamond Sponsors this year – Rivers Casino Des Plaines, Toad&Co., the Wesselink Family Foundation and Wintrust!