They Deserve More

06/23/2026

Thank you to Congressman Sean Casten for visiting UCP Seguin of Greater Chicago and taking the time to learn more about how nonprofit IDD providers deliver crucial services to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

During his visit, they discussed the importance of maintaining SNAP benefits, the challenges posed by an aging population, lengthy service waitlists, and the need to expand both community and home-based services so more people can receive support wherever they live and thrive.

They Deserve More is grateful for Rep. Casten’s continued support and commitment to strengthening opportunities for individuals with disabilities and the organizations that serve them.

06/18/2026

This legislative session brought important progress for Illinoisans with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including a Direct Support Professional wage increase and improvements to state funding for 24/7 staffing in Community Integrated Living Arrangements.

When state senators and representatives hear from their own voters, it tells them their actions are making a difference and they need to keep going in future sessions! Click the link below to send a “thank you” email to your legislators in just a few seconds.

🔗 Send your message: https://actionnetwork.org/letters/thank-your-legislators-for-supporting-people-with-idd-during-this-years-session?source=direct_link

06/17/2026

Thank you, State Representative Camille Y. Lilly, for joining They Deserve More Coalition member UCP Seguin of Greater Chicago at their 5th Annual Stroll & Roll and for your continued support of all Illinoisans with intellectual and developmental disabilities across the state.

06/15/2026

Illinois lawmakers delivered wins for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities this legislative session, even in a challenging budget year.

✅ A $0.60/hour Direct Support Professional (DSP) wage increase, raising the state reimbursement rate to $21.90/hour, or 146% of Illinois' minimum wage.
✅ A transition to a "zero-hour" staffing model in Community Integrated Living Arrangements (CILAs). State leaders committed to implementing this change in a way that maintains service hours for at-home day programs and other daytime CILA supports.

These results are thanks to your advocacy to state legislators throughout the spring. Now, it’s important to thank them for responding. They Deserve More is sending a group thank you letter to all state legislators, and we want you to be part of it! Click the link below to add your name.

⏰The deadline to sign is Wednesday.

🔗 Sign the letter: https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/thank-the-illinois-state-legislators-for-prioritizing-people-with-idd-this-budget-season?source=direct_link

06/05/2026

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