Neighbor News
Sen. Adriane Johnson Receives 2025 IARF Champion Award
Legislators from here and across Illinois are honored by the top voice for developmental disability supports.
Bloomington, IL — State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Waukegan) has been honored with the 2025 IARF Champion Award for her advocacy on behalf of Illinoisans with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and mental illnesses. The award was presented by IARF President Josh Evans at the organization’s annual Educational Conference & Expo in Bloomington-Normal.
The IARF Champion Award highlights leaders who make significant contributions toward improving community-based services. Evans noted that Johnson’s leadership on the Senate Appropriations Committee was key to securing this year’s wage increase for Direct Support Professionals (DSPs). “Senator Johnson led the charge in the Illinois Senate. Her support helped translate into major wins for DSPs, persons with I/DD, and disability services statewide,” Evans said.
Johnson, first appointed to the Senate in 2020, brings a long record of civic service. She has served as President of the Buffalo Grove Park District Board of Commissioners, chaired the Illinois Association of Park Districts, and held leadership roles in the Buffalo Grove Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce. She also served on the Buffalo Grove Board of Fire and Police Commissioners and remains active in the Rotary Club of Buffalo Grove. Johnson holds a Master of Jurisprudence from Loyola University Chicago School of Law. She and her husband Bruce are the parents of an adult daughter.
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“The work that DSPs do is necessary, important, and life-changing,” Johnson said. “I am honored to be recognized with the Legislative Champion Award from IARF. The association provides a vital voice in our state for so many people. I look forward to continuing to partner with IARF and other advocates to ensure the I/DD community has the resources to deliver the care our family members, friends, and neighbors deserve.”
The conference drew more than 350 leaders, clinicians, and professionals from across Illinois, reflecting the broad coalition supporting disability services.
