They Deserve More: Advocacy Continues to Protect Illinois Disability Services

They Deserve More (TDM) — a statewide coalition of advocates, families, and providers — is leading efforts to prevent harmful cuts to essential services. A proposed 35% rollback of the CILA Rate Adjustment Factor, set to take effect on January 1, 2026, would eliminate more than 600,000 hours of direct support — services that are Medicaid-matched and essential for individuals with disabilities to live independently and thrive in their communities.

While the initial call-in days and letter campaigns have passed, advocacy must continue. Lawmakers still need to hear how these cuts would impact the people and families they represent.

Here’s how you can help:

1. Share Your Story
   Continue encouraging families, providers, and self-advocates to share what these cuts would mean. Personal stories remain the most powerful way to influence lawmakers. You can still send letters or emails to your legislators — every message counts.
2. Support HJR44
   Ask your Representative to co-sponsor House Joint Resolution 44 (HJR44), which helps protect community living programs. Watch for new opportunities to submit witness slips and show your support.
3. Spread the Word
   Share They Deserve More’s video messages and advocacy tools within your networks and social channels to amplify the campaign.
4. Stay Engaged
   Join upcoming They Deserve More Zoom strategy sessions and meetings to stay informed and keep the momentum going.

Together, we can ensure that legislators hear one message loud and clear:
Illinoisans with disabilities deserve more — not less.

👉 Learn more and access the advocacy toolkit at www.theydeservemore.com
👉 Explore IDD Navigator resources at www.iddnavigator.org/resources/