We envision a world in which people with disabilities enjoy equal rights for self-determination, economic freedom and full participation in community life. In order to achieve this vision, staff advocate for the removal of barriers that hinder equal access. ILCHV has taken a leadership role, for example, in advocating for: accessible transportation (fixed route buses, paratransit, trains and Uber/Lyft); enforcement of the Americans with Disability Act; blockage of a bill to decriminalize assisted suicide; the rights of children to receive an education with supports that meets their learning needs; and restoration of proposed cuts to Medicaid, the public health insurance program that finances medical care for people with disabilities who are poor, without which many people would need nursing home care rather than living in the community.
In addition to direct advocacy, ILCHV Systems Advocates work with consumers and their families and supporters to teach them how to take information to those creating laws and policies so that they can consider how they may affect people with disabilities. Systems advocates participate in annual legislative awareness days, testify at Legislative hearings, write letters to the editor, and make calls to elected officials. People who have personal experience with disability are always welcome to join in our advocacy efforts.
If you want more information about or want to participate in our systems advocacy efforts, call ILCHV and speak to Cliff Perez, Systems Advocate at (518) 274-0701.