They Deserve More

They Deserve More We believe that all people, regardless of their level of ability, deserve to lead safe, happy and meaningful lives in their communities. They both deserve more.

They Deserve More is a statewide coalition of nearly 90 community provider agencies, trade and advocacy organizations, and friends and family of people with disabilities. 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 wo

uld 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.

06/05/2026
A win for Illinoisans with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and the Direct Support Professionals (DSPs)...
06/01/2026

A win for Illinoisans with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and the Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) who support them every day.

Early this morning, the Illinois General Assembly passed the FY27 state budget, which includes important investments to help prioritize, strengthen and stabilize IDD services across the state, including:

✅ A $0.60/hour DSP wage increase to help providers recruit and retain essential frontline staff
✅ New “zero-hour” staffing model, in which the state will fund CILA staffing 24 hours per day, 7 days per week
✅ A commitment from IDHS-DDD to propose another $0.60/hour DSP wage increase next year, reaching the Guidehouse Rate Study goal of funding DSP wages at 150% of Illinois minimum wage in FY2028

These investments are the result of years of advocacy by self-advocates, families, DSPs, providers, and other members of the They Deserve More Coalition. While there is still more work ahead to meet growing the need for IDD services, this budget continues progress toward a stronger, more sustainable system of support.

Read our full recap of the FY27 budget: https://www.theydeservemore.com/take-action

TAKE ACTION Download our fact sheet Download our fact sheet We are mobilizing supporters like you across the state to call the offices of six key State Senators and tell them to raise DSP wages!1) Fill out your contact information in the form below 2) Click “Make a Call” 3) You’ll receive a ...

05/30/2026

Session may be winding down, but advocacy never takes a summer break.�
Thank you to State Senator Seth Lewis, Republican Senate Co-Chair of the Neurodiversity Caucus, for recognizing the power of grassroots advocacy and bipartisan collaboration. The budget may be nearing the finish line, but our fight for meaningful support and resources continues all summer long.

05/29/2026

Sue Adams-Nelson of MRI shares how insufficient Direct Support Professional wages affect both DSPs and the people they support.

DSPs do essential work, helping people with disabilities live meaningful, independent lives. But when they need to stretch their wages just to cover basic needs like childcare, transportation and healthcare, these experienced staff are forced to leave for higher-paying jobs.

That turnover affects everyone. It’s time to fully support DSPs and the people with disabilities who depend on them.

Take Action: https://www.theydeservemore.com/join-tdm

05/28/2026

“Advocacy at its core is probably one of the most important things we can do, not only for ourselves, but those we care about.”

A reminder from State Representative Natalie Manley, Co-Chair of the Illinois Legislative Neurodiversity Caucus, that telling our stories and contacting our legislators makes a real difference.

05/28/2026

Consistency isn’t a luxury for people with disabilities, it’s essential.

James Gould shares why stable, well-paid Direct Support Professionals matter for his son David, who relies on trusted relationships to feel safe and understood.
Illinois made a promise. Seventeen years later, families are still waiting.

DSPs are professionals. They deserve professional wages.
🔗: https://www.theydeservemore.com/join-tdm

05/27/2026

Carl from MRI is speaking up for increased funding for people with disabilities and the DSPs who support them every day.

He’s calling for stronger investment in group homes like his, and more opportunities for people with disabilities to work and thrive in their communities.

To take action and learn more, visit theydeservemore.com/take-action

05/26/2026

“Now it’s go time.”

State Representative State Representative Laura Faver Dias is urging advocates to stay engaged as final budget decisions are made in Springfield between now and May 31. Funding services and raising DSP wages are critical priorities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and the workers who support them every day.

🔗 Keep speaking up and make your voice heard: https://www.theydeservemore.com/take-action

05/26/2026

DSPs do more than provide services. They help empower people with disabilities with independence, dignity, and belonging. Brittany from UCP Seguin of Greater Chicago shares why this work matters and why DSPs deserve more. 💙

05/22/2026

Matt is ready to see a wage increase for the DSPs who support people with disabilities like him — because they deserve more.

To take action and learn more, visit https://www.theydeservemore.com/join-tdm

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Springfield, IL
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