Staff Announcement from Secretary Dimas
2/2/17
Shared by John Gordon, Bureau Chief- BBS
Subject: Staff Announcement from Secretary Dimas
I am pleased to announce Quinetta Wade has been named the new Acting Director for the Division of Rehabilitation Services. Quinetta brings 18 years of experience with IDHS to the position. Quinetta will oversee the IDHS Division of Rehabilitation Services which partners with people with disabilities and their families to assist them in making informed choices to achieve full community participation through employment, education, and independent living opportunities.
She brings a wealth of experience to the position, having served most recently as Deputy Director for DRS responsible for the Bureau of Disability Determination Services. In this role she earned the 2016 Social Security Administration Commissioner’s Award for Disability Program Leadership in recognition of her exceptional leadership and dedication to the disability program in Illinois. She began her career with the division in 1999 and has held multiple positions throughout her tenure with the agency.
She also serves on the Springfield Disability Commission which is charged with educating the public on issues concerning people with disabilities, monitoring accessibility of public and private facilities, and advocating for increased opportunities for people with disabilities in the areas of education, employment, housing, health, transportation, recreation and social and cultural programs through legislative, financial and other appropriate means.
Prior to state service, Quinetta served the United States in the United States Army Reserve for 6 years. She is a graduate of the University of Illinois at Springfield.
I am confident that Quinetta not only has the knowledge and ability to build upon the great work already being done with rehabilitation services in Illinois, but also the vision that will further improve outcomes for Illinois residents with disabilities for years to come. Please join me in congratulating Quinetta Wade as she takes on her new role as Acting Director for the Division of Rehabilitation Services.
Sincerely,
James T. Dimas
Secretary
Illinois Department of Human Services