Yesterday, L’Arche Chicago packed up signs, snacks, and a whole lot of spirit to join the They Deserve More movement at the Illinois Capitol. With hearts full of purpose (and backpacks full of pamphlets), we set out to advocate for something simple yet vital: dignity, independence, and proper support for people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD).
An estimated 300,000 Illinois residents live with IDD. Behind every one of them is a story—and often, a dedicated Direct Support Professional (DSP) helping to make each day meaningful. DSPs are everyday heroes who provide around-the-clock care, supporting adults with IDD in everything from morning routines to bedtime rituals.
This year, the Governor’s proposed Fiscal Year 2026 budget includes a $0.50/hour wage increase for DSPs. However, that same budget also slashes funding for DSP hours by nearly 1 million hours (886,420). That’s a projected loss of 425 DSPs statewide and a $32 million cut in essential support funding.
Here at L’Arche Chicago, the state reimbursement rate for DSP hours doesn’t cover the full amount needed to sustain our model of care. The current flat rate also fails to account for overtime, holiday hours, or emergency coverage. The proposed Fiscal Year 2026 cuts would result in the loss of 1,350 hours per year for L’Arche alone.
So, we did what any determined group would do: we took our message straight to Springfield.
On Tuesday night, a crew of ten core members and assistants hit the road. We shared a meal, discussed strategy, made colorful signs, and enjoyed our stay at a cozy hotel. Another group of five joined us early Wednesday morning—just in time to take on the Capitol.
There were protests in the grand hall, thoughtful conversations with legislators, and more pamphlets handed out than we could count. We even had an unexpected celebrity moment—Miss Illinois herself made an appearance! Iggy was over the moon to snag a photo with her.
Before heading back to Chicago, we made one final stop: Abraham Lincoln’s home. The sun came out just in time for us to stroll through history, feeling proud of the small piece of advocacy we added to Illinois’s long legacy of standing up for what’s right.
Our message to the Capitol was clear: They Deserve More. Our community, our DSPs, and every person with IDD deserves support that’s dignified, dependable, and deeply human.
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