Equip for Equality

Equip for Equality is dedicated to advancing the human and civil rights of people with disabilities, recognizing disability as a shared human experience that touches every family and community. The organization emphasizes that expanding access, choice, and opportunity not only empowers individuals with disabilities and their families but also strengthens entire communities by fostering inclusivity and engagement. By positioning disability rights as integral to diverse societies, Equip for Equality underscores the importance of building a world where all people can live fully self-directed lives.

Through a broad range of strategies, the organization has achieved major systemic reforms and provided direct support. Their work includes securing individualized education services for children, launching a Pro Bono Initiative with top law firms, helping more than 12,000 individuals with disabilities transition from institutions into community settings, improving Chicago’s public transit accessibility, and pioneering national models to address abuse and neglect. By collaborating with civil rights groups, service providers, and government leaders, Equip for Equality has built consensus for change and advanced significant policy and legislative reforms that improve the lives of people with disabilities.

To achieve its mission, Equip for Equality focuses on five priorities: eliminating discrimination, promoting community inclusion, ensuring quality care and safety, protecting autonomy in personal decision-making, and guaranteeing access to strong special education. These goals are pursued through a comprehensive agenda that combines disability rights education, direct legal representation, and oversight of abuse and neglect systems. With this multi-pronged approach, the organization not only addresses immediate needs but also drives long-term social change to create a more equitable and inclusive society.