The Arc of Illinois advocates for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), their families and community organizations to ensure that people with IDD can live, work, learn, and play in communities across the state in many different ways.
The Arc of Ilinois continues to support changes in Healthcare, Employment and Community Services in Illinois that greatly affect our community.
As advocates, together we are a collective force. Our greatest strength is unity. Alone, we may be a drop, but together, we can create a tidal wave of change. Let’s break down the barriers that divide us, and march forward united.
Healthcare Access
Affordable health insurance options are needed to cover the unique needs of individuals with disabilities, including assistive devices, therapies, and specialized medical care.
The Arc of Illinois will continue to support increase in Medical and Dental healthcare access.
Employment
Workers with disabilities have been paid much less than the state’s minimum wage for many years and it is time to for lawmakers to eliminate the sub-minimum wage.
The Arc of Illinois will continue to be an advocate for equal pay for people with disabilities through the Dignity in Pay Act. If passed, Illinois would be among those states recognizing that all persons, regardless of disability, will earn at least a minimum wage for work by eliminating the payment of sub-minimum wages.
Community Services
- DSP workforce: The Illinois Department of Human Services, Division of Developmental Disabilities has proposed an overhaul in how they calculate state funding for the hours DSPs provide care. This is the time to take action! The Arc of Illinois will continue to support the They Deserve More Act until wages are increased.
- Respite System: Respite care is critical for the well-being of both the caregiver and the individual with a disability. The Arc of Illinois will continue to support improvements in the respite system.
- Law Enforcement Training: People with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) should not experience discrimination or mistreatment in any justice system. The Arc of Illinois advocates for people with disabilities by calling Legislators to support the following:
- Data collection at time of arrest or reporting of crime (part of the Governor’s Task force report)
- Individuals with disabilities to work through the criminal justice system (part of the Governor’s Task force report)
- Certified Intervention Professionals to have experience working with people with disabilities.
- Disability Court being added to mental health Court (part of the Governor’s Task force report)