Little City, Big Voices

On this episode of Little City, Big Voices, we continue our conversation with Kathy Carmody, CEO of the Institute on Public Policy for People with Disabilities. With more than 40 years of advocacy experience, Kathy shares her insights on Medicaid cuts, new federal requirements, and the policy issues shaping the future of Illinois’ IDD community. In this second part of our two-part conversation, we continue to dive into why these issues matter and why advocacy is more important than ever.

On this episode of Little City, Big Voices, we’re joined by Kathy Carmody, CEO of the Institute on Public Policy for People with Disabilities. With more than 40 years of advocacy experience, Kathy shares her insights on Medicaid cuts, new federal requirements, and the policy issues shaping the future of Illinois’ IDD community. In this first part of our two-part conversation, we dive into why these issues matter and why advocacy is more important than ever.

Todd Mrowice of IKEA Schaumburg joins Little City, Big Voices to share how a simple campus visit grew into a meaningful partnership that helped transform the new Bell Family Arts Center. Todd talks about community engagement, corporate partnerships, and IKEA’s role in furnishing and designing a space built to support creativity, connection, and skill-building.

The conversation comes just ahead of the Bell Family Arts Center ribbon cutting on August 15, celebrating the many partners who helped bring the new space to life.

In this episode, we sit down with Mike Cusick, Director of Recreation Services, and Nick D., a Little City resident and Special Olympics athlete, to talk about the importance of recreation, connection, and community. Nick shares his experiences, interests, and the role meaningful activities and relationships play in building confidence, independence, and a sense of belonging.

Andrea Biwer has spent 30 years building relationships across the Chicagoland business community, and in this episode she talks with host Rich Bobby about why those connections matter beyond the bottom line. As president of the Schaumburg Business Association, she shares how partnerships between local businesses and nonprofits like Little City create real, lasting impact.

On this episode of Little City Big Voices, Julie Bell shares a personal perspective on the power of creativity and connection. Inspired by her sister Andy, she reflects on her belief that art can open doors, creating opportunities for expression, learning, and meaningful social engagement for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Julie also recognizes the people who make that impact possible every day, expressing gratitude for DSPs and staff whose compassion and commitment help create fuller, more vibrant lives. It is a conversation rooted in love, advocacy, and the idea that when we invest in creativity and care, everyone benefits.

Little City, Big Voices welcomes Samantha Alloway, Executive Director of the Arc of Illinois, to the podcast this week. A former Director of Government Relations at Little City, Samantha now advocates for Illinois families supporting loved ones with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). She shares her powerful personal story—including her cancer journey and her son’s Autism Spectrum Disorder diagnosis at age 3—and how those experiences fuel her work today. Under Samantha’s leadership, the Arc of Illinois gives families a place to turn, take a breath, and know they are not alone.

Quinette Hobson-Robb, Executive Director of the Township of Schaumburg Mental Health Board, highlights the importance of human connection, prevention, and community support in mental health advocacy.

Little City resident Howard and Sarah Sanariz, Employee Development Operations Manager, talk about Howard’s journey, his work history, his involvement in Special Olympics, and the support that helped him succeed. An inspiring look at what a meaningful life can look like at Little City.

Jenny Boland, Director of Employment Services shares how her team helps people with disabilities build job skills and connect with inclusive employers across the community.