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Access Living is advocating for state legislation that impacts the lives of disabled Illinoisans, and we need your help! These legislative priorities are deeply rooted in disability rights and justice, shaped by the lived experiences of people with disabilities, and designed to address systemic inequalities. Many of these bills will support the most marginalized members of the disability community, including incarcerated individuals within the Illinois Department of Corrections. The bills will ensure that all disabled Illinoisans — regardless of income, setting, or circumstance — have access to the rights, services, and dignity we deserve.
Take action today by pledging your organization’s support for Access Living’s Legislative Agenda using this form: Sign-on here! If you are not authorized to sign on to a policy platform for your organization, please share this email with your organization’s leadership and ask them to consider signing on. Local, state and national organizations are welcome.
Our Legislative Agenda includes the following bills we currently lead/co-lead as part of our legislative work:
✅ HB 2364/SB 270 – Funding for Centers for Independent Living (CILs): Provides a $10 million increase in funding for Illinois CILs, which have been underfunded for decades.
✅ SB 2471/HB 1568 – Eliminating Income & Asset Limits for HBWD: Removes financial barriers for disabled workers in Illinois to access Medicaid services.
✅ HB 3853 – Preventing Mask Bans: Ensures Illinoisans with disabilities are not forced to remove protective medical equipment.
✅ SB 1395/HB 1810 – Equitable Education & Employment for Incarcerated Individuals with Disabilities: Exempts Illinoisans with intellectual disabilities from restrictive testing requirements in prison programs.
✅ SB 2524/HB 2398 – Hospice Data Collection: Requires data collection on hospice and end-of-life care for incarcerated individuals in Illinois.
✅ HB 2337 – Outlawing FAPE Waivers in Settlements: Prevents Illinois families from waiving students’ future special education rights in settlement agreements.
✅ HB 1783 – LEAD-K: Language Access for Deaf Children Under 6: Ensures that D/deaf and hard-of-hearing children in Illinois receive early language development assessments.
Bills We Oppose:
❌ SB 9/HB 1328 – Medical Aid in Dying (Assisted Suicide): Poses risks for Illinoisans with disabilities who may face coercion to take lethal medication.
Your voice matters! Submit your organization’s support now to ensure Illinois prioritizes people with disabilities and access to services. Take Action Today! Thank you for being an advocate for disability justice! 💜