Our Work

Our job is to create a strong, unified voice for families and individuals living with disabilities who want to live self-directed, strength-based lives in their home communities.

The State of Illinois does not have a funding model to support the creation of a meaningful, self-directed community life.

Most of us are trying to create a life for our loved one in the community using Home-Based funding. This funding is not sufficient to support a community-based, person-centered life. We do not believe our loved ones should be forced to choose a more restrictive environment to access more funding.

We are actively working to transform the way the State of Illinois supports community-based living.

We need your help.

Educational Outreach

Invite us to visit your town and meet with your family and self-advocate groups about Engage IL and Supported Living. Send us an email if you are interested in an educational outreach session.

Advocacy and Lobbying

We are meeting with state legislators to educate them about Engage IL, the demand for Supported Living options, and the possibility of legislation to change how community-based support is funded. Let us know if you would like us to meet with your local state representative or congressperson.

Coalition and Leadership Development

We strive to have the Coalition represent the interests of families across the entire state. We believe that the family voice should be at the forefront in developing policy and programming for individuals with developmental disabilities. To achieve this, we require strong coalition leadership in every region. Email [email protected] if you are interested in leading a coalition chapter.

What You
Can Do

The more unified our voice, the stronger it will be in creating change. Join Engage IL and become a part of the movement to improve Illinois’ community-based supports and services.

How you can make an impact

When you contribute to Engage IL you're helping fuel our volunteer-driven movement for more progressive community supports for individuals with disabilities.

Make a Connection

Help us build the coalition by connecting us to a parent group or organization interested in hearing about Engage IL.