We are a statewide coalition of families and friends of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, nonprofit community providers, advocacy organizations and more.

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We believe that all people, regardless of their level of ability, deserve to lead safe, happy and meaningful lives in their communities. Hundreds of community providers across Illinois make this possible through a wide range of services and supports, including residential, in-home, educational, vocational, therapeutic and much, much more.

None of these services would exist without compassionate and committed direct support professionals (DSPs), who provide care to children and adults with disabilities day in and day out. DSPs are the lifeblood of community providers and they are heroes to families throughout the state. And yet, the state provides wages to these caregivers that are below the poverty level, and these good workers are leaving jobs they love and people who need them just to make ends meet.

We hope you will join us in our campaign to end a devastating crisis that threatens our entire service sector. It is time to make a stand for Illinoisans with developmental disabilities and those who serve them. They both deserve more.

If you have any questions or comments, please email us at info@theydeservemore.com. 


 

COALITION MEMBERS