Welcome to the Equip for Equality Homepage
Find answers to a variety of disability related concerns, including information on how to seek individual assistance with disability-related rights issues, information on legislation and public policy that impacts the disability community, training to help you advocate for your own disability rights in a variety of circumstances, and information on ensuring that people with disabilities remain safe in the wide variety of settings where they live and work. This site also maintains a wealth of links and documents related to disability rights issues in its Resource Center.
Find out more about Equip for Equality in the About Us Section.
SAVE THE DATE!
An Evening of Equality, Celebrating 25 Years of Service
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Renaissance Chicago Hotel
One West Wacker Drive
5:00 Reception and Silent Auction
6:30 Program and Dinner
Join Equip for Equality and our supporters, friends and colleagues, for an evening of dinner, drinks, a silent auction, and an awards ceremony celebrating those who have provided outstanding service to the disability community. Awardees include the barrier-breaking deaf actress Marlee Matlin, who will be receiving the 2010 Disability Rights Leadership Award for her outstanding work on television, stage and film, as well as her compelling leadership in the disability community.
This year we are also celebrating our 25th anniversary. We are proud to have advocated for the human and civil rights of children and adults with physical and mental disabilities in Illinois since 1985.
Precedent Setting Decision in Equip for Equality Service Animal Case
An Illinois Appellate Court issued a precedent setting decision regarding the rights of students with disabilities who use service animals in their schools. This decision, which provides the first appellate interpretation of the service animal provision of the Illinois School Code, will allow K.D., a seven year old child with autism, to continue to attend school with his service animal. To review the appellate court decision, click here.
Please Provide Input on Equip for Equality's Proposed Priorities and Plan for Coming Year
Based on public comment and staff input, Equip for Equality has drafted its proposed priorities and plan for the upcoming year. If you would like to review the proposed plan, click here. If you would like to comment on the proposed plan, click here.
Equip for Equality Files Federal Discrimination Suit So Carol Stream Girl Can Participate in Sporting Competitions
A Carol Stream family has initiated a federal lawsuit against Special Olympics Illinois and Community High School District 94 for denying their 17-year-old daughter, Jenny Youngwith, a full and equal opportunity to participate in basketball and track programs administered by the two organizations. Click here for a copy of the Complaint and click here for a copy of the press release.
Governor Quinn Signs Brian's Law
Governor Quinn signs Brian's law to prevent injuries and deaths of people with disabilities. The new mortality review process advances Equip for Equality's recommendations following an in-depth investigation of 13 deaths, including the death of Brian Kent.
Williams v. Quinn
Court Grants Preliminary Approval to Modified Proposed Consent Decree
A federal judge granted preliminary approval to a Modified Proposed Consent Decree on May 27, 2010, which represents a landmark agreement between the State of Illinois and attorneys representing thousands of persons with mental illnesses and will result in significant reforms of Illinois’ outmoded, overcrowded and scandalized nursing home system. The Consent Decree, if finally ordered, will begin a systemic process of giving approximately 4,000 persons with mental illnesses the choice to move out of large nursing homes known as “Institutions for Mentally Diseases” (IMDs) and into community-based settings with the supports they need to be successful. The next step in the process is a fairness hearing, scheduled for September 7, 2010. Further details about this case, including a Fact Sheet, the Modified Proposed Consent Decree, and the Notice Plan issued by the Court, can be accessed by clicking on the case name above.
Ligas v. Maram
This case was filed in 2005 by nine people with developmental disabilities (plaintiffs) who reside in large private State-funded facilities (ICF-DDs) or who are at risk of being placed in such facilities. Plaintiffs wanted to receive community services, but their requests were denied by the State of Illinois. In 2009, plaintiffs filed an Amended Complaint seeking relief only for people with developmental disabilities who requested community services. Recently, the parties reached a proposed Consent Decree. Click here for a copy of the Decree. In order to ensure membership in the proposed class, people with developmental disabilities or their legal guardians must have a current record confirming their desire for community services. Click here for a form that can be completed and submitted to the State. Also, the U.S. Department of Justice recently filed a brief supporting approval of the proposed Consent Decree. Click here for a copy of the DOJ brief and click here for documents related to the case.
Equality for Kids Campaign
Equip for Equality is currently in the middle of the second year of the Equality for Kids Campaign. The Campaign secures critical funding for Equip for Equality's Special Education Clinic and other disability rights initiatives, and will allow the organization to increase its pro bono efforts on behalf of kids with disabilities.
Click here for more information.
Scathing Reports by U. S. Department of Justice Find Two State-Run Developmental Disability Institutions Guilty of Broad Constitutional Rights Violations
In response to complaints by Equip for Equality, the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) has issued two reports sharply criticizing the treatment of people with disabilities living at two Illinois state-run institutions, the Howe Developmental Center in Tinley Park and the Choate Developmental Center in Anna. DOJ found egregious violations of the Constitutional and federal statutory rights of people living in the institutions as did Equip for Equality’s Abuse Investigation Unit, including the right to be safe and free from harm and unlawful restraint, to receive adequate medical and psychological care, habilitation services and transition planning, and the right to live in the most integrated setting. Click here to be linked to the Justice Department report on Howe Developmental Center. Click here to be linked to the Justice Department report on Choate Developmental Center. Click here to review the Abuse Investigation Unit Reports related to state-run institutions. Click here for Equip for Equality press releases regarding Howe.
Fact Sheet: Transitioning People with Disabilities to New Residential Settings
This fact sheet is intended to assist you and your family member with a disability in making decisions and plans to transition to another residential setting.
PDF Format
Medigap Coverage for Medicare Beneficiaries under 65
People under 65 who are Medicare beneficiaries may need to purchase supplemental insurance in order to help pay for gaps in Medicare coverage. “Medigap” policies are a certain type of supplemental insurance available to Medicare beneficiaries. These Medigap policies are standardized and regulated by both Federal and State law.
Rules regarding Medigap policies for those under 65 differ from state to state. In Illinois, as of June 1, 2008, all Medigap plans must provide coverage to Illinois Medicare beneficiaries under 65 at a rate no higher than the highest rate charged to Medicare beneficiaries over 65. In other words, people under 65 seeking these Medigap policies cannot be charged a higher rate than people over 65.
Generally, a person under 65 who qualifies for Medicare can enroll in these plans for the first six months after they enroll in Medicare Part B. For more information on Medigap plans and Medicare in general, please go to the website of Health and Disability Advocates: www.hdadvocates.org/index.asp
Governor Quinn Signs Law to End the Unauthorized Sterilization of Adults With Disabilities
Equip for Equality?s Judicial Victory Leads to Legislative Reform for Adults with Disabilities Under Guardianship. On August 11, 2009, Governor Quinn signed HB 2290 into law by enacting Public Act 96-272 which bans the sterilization of adults with disabilities under guardianship without due process. Click here for the press release. Click here for a documents related to the case.
Illinois School District Invests Millions to Remedy Longstanding ADA Violations That Prevented Access for Disabled Dad
District 211 Implements Systemic Accessibility Changes After Equip for Equality Files Complaint with U.S. Department of Education
Illinois Township High School District 211 has signed an Agreement with the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights resolving a Complaint filed by Michael Lyons, his wife Christine, their daughter Becky, and Equip for Equality for violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Rehabilitation Act. After Equip for Equality raised concerns, District 211 began to address accessibility issues and completed most of the renovations by the time the Agreement was finalized last month. Major accessibility improvements were made, or will be made, at Conant High School, Schaumburg High School, and the District’s Administration Building. Click here for a documents related to the case.
TCF Bank to Install Talking ATMS and Enhance Other Services for Customers with Visual Impairments - Bank Announces Collaboration with the Illinois Council of the Blind and Equip for Equality
TCF Bank, the Illinois Council of the Blind, an affiliate of the American Council of the Blind, and Equip for Equality announced today that TCF has launched a major initiative intended to provide easier access to its banking services for individuals with visual impairments. The program will include the installation of Talking ATMs and greater accessibility to printed materials.
Announcing the 2010 Legal Issues Webinar Series: Employment and the ADA
The DBTAC-Great Lakes ADA Center is pleased to announce an educational opportunity for 2010. This program will focus on employment issues and disability discrimination under the ADA.
Cost: All sessions are free.
TIME: Each session is 90 minutes in length. They are held from 1:00-2:30 p.m. Central Time Zone (CT) on dates specified.
This webinar series will utilize an on line conferencing system. The Online Conferencing System is a fully accessible integrated data and voice medium that enables users to conduct workshops over the Internet from just about any computer with a high speed network connection and web browser. Participation is enhanced with use of a personal microphone.
REGISTRATION IS OPEN at www.ada-audio.org (choose the ADA Legal Issues Webinar Link)
Click here for more information (Word Document).
Update: On September 5, 2008, following repeated calls for the closure of the decertified Howe Developmental Center by Equip for Equality and a number of advocacy groups along with people with disabilities, the Department of Human Services announced closure of Howe and the Tinley Park Mental Health Hospital.
The doors of the Howe Developmental Center will close following repeated calls for the closure of the institution based on numerous reports detailing abysmal conditions leading to the injuries and deaths, millions of dollars wasted as a result of Howe’s decertification from the federal Medicaid program, and an ongoing investigation by the United States Department of Justice.
To download/view the press release related to the closure announce, visit Abuse Investigation Unit reports and booklets page under publications. (posted September 12, 2008) Also available in PDF format.
Young Man with Severe Disabilities Wins Right to Services from State Enabling Him to Live at Home.
Equip for Equality Obtains Federal Injunction Against the State for Violation of the ADA's Integration Mandate.
Following two years of federal court litigation under the ADA's "integration mandate," Equip for Equality has obtained a permanent injunction to enable its client, David Grooms, to receive services he needs to remain in his home. The order overturned a decision by the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (“HFS”) to cut more than half of David’s Medicaid benefits when he turned twenty-one-years old. U.S. District Judge Rebecca R. Pallmeyer ordered the agency's Director, Barry Maram, to restore "immediately" the level of skilled nursing services provided to David prior to his 21st birthday.
- Press Release (Word document)
- Federal Complaint (PDF format)
- Judge Pallmeyer's Memorandum Opinion and Order (PDF format)
Review reveals that Illinois’ Investigatory system does not provide basic protections to people with disabilities of all ages and in all settings.
Equip for Equality Equip for Equality has released a special report from its Abuse Investigation Unit entitled Ensuring the Safety of Children and Adults with Disabilities: Filing the Gaps in Illinois' System that Investigates Allegations of Abuse and Neglect.
The prevalence of violence against people with disabilities highlights the critical need for an effective investigatory structure, which will ensure that children and adults with disabilities have basic protections against abuse, neglect and exploitation wherever they live or receive services. This report provides an overview of Illinois' investigatory system, identifying critical gaps and inadequacies in the structure by which abuse, neglect and exploitation are dealt with in Illinois. It also offers clear recommendations to address the identified problems in order to ensure basic protections for people with disabilities.
Life and Death in State-Operated Developmental Disability Institutions
Chicago (June 6, 2008)- Equip for Equality’s Abuse and Investigation Unit just released a special report: Life and Death In State-operated Developmental Disability Institutions. Included are the shocking details connected to the needless death of a young person at the Ann M. Kiley Development Center. Additionally, there’s a disturbing summary of 12 more deaths at three other state-run institutions, highlighting the dangers endemic to Illinois’ state-operated system of institutional care.
In response to these deaths, Equip for Equality calls for the State to immediately enhance the scrutiny of state-run institutions by establishing teams of independent observers and medical experts to insure safety and quality of care and to examine all deaths in an effort to prevent further tragedies. EFE also strongly recommends that Illinois give up its over-reliance on large, state-run institutions and expand community-based services for people with disabilities.
Appellate Court Issues Precedent-Setting Decision on Involuntary Sterilization
Equip for Equality Wins Reproductive Rights Victory for Woman with Disabilities
In a precedent setting case, the Illinois Appellate Court upheld a trial court’s denial of a petition for involuntary sterilization of a woman with traumatic brain injury and other disabilities. The appellate court also upheld the decision to deny attorney’s fee for the guardian on appeal and orderd that the trial court review the original award of over $100,000 in attorney’s fees paid out of the estate. Click here for a copy of the Appellate Court's decision.
United State Department of Justice Investigates EFE's Complaints of Unconstitutional Conditions At the Choate and Howe Developmental Centers
Following submission of two complaints detailing the findings of the Abuse Investigation Unit as a result of in depth investigations at the Choate and Howe Developmental Centers, two of Illinois' nine state fun institutions for people with developmental disabilities, the Justice Department has opened investigations at each institution under the Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act. In each complaint, Equip for Equality documented longstanding histories of significant problems resulting in deaths and serious injuries. The complaints also documented serious deprivations of statutory and constitutional rights guaranteed to people in state operated facilities including the right to be free from abuse and neglect, and unlawful restraint as well as the right appropriate services and programs. Equip for Equality continues to call upon the State to close each institution. Download/view relevant files and links on the Choate and Howe Developmental Center Files page. (Posted APRIL 25, 2008)
Illinois Residents Sue State for Failing to Provide Community Services
Today, a class action lawsuit was filed against Illinois state officials under the Americans with Disabilities Act for failing to provide community services to people with disabilities living in nursing homes. This is the third class action filed by Equip for Equality, Access Living and the American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois seeking to increase the choices of people with all disabilities to live in the community. Download/view the complaint along with other relevant files on the Colbert v. Blagojevich Case Files page. (Posted August 22, 2007)
Update: Equip for Equality Urgently Calls for Closure of Dangerous State-Run Institution for People with Disabilities Following Additional Deaths
Citing further evidence of substandard care and critical errors by staff at Howe Developmental Center in connection with 3 more deaths at the state-run institution, Equip for Equality is now calling for the State to take urgent action to close the institution, ensure the safety of the individuals living there and prevent further deaths.
For more information, read today's full press release as well as the original press release. (Updated March 8, 2007)
Update: LaSalle Bank Expands Number of Talking ATMs
After a structured agreement with Equip for Equality in May 2005 to provide more accessible services to people who are blind or sight impaired, LaSalle Bank has installed Talking ATMs in locations in Illinois, Indiana and Michigan. All of the Illinois installations have been completed. Talking ATMs allow for users with sight impairments to follow audio commands through headphones.
View an alphabetical list by city of all LaSalle Talking ATM locations to date. (Posted January 30, 2007)
