General Programs & Services
Equip for Equality engages in five major programs:
The Legal Advocacy Program provides free, individual self-advocacy and legal services for people with disabilities and their family members.
The Training Institute on Disability Rights provides free training seminars to people with disabilities and family members on a variety of disability rights related topics. For a fee, the Institute also conducts seminars for business and nonprofit staff. Some seminars are available in Spanish.
The Public Policy Program pursues public policy research and advocacy through active involvment in the state's legislative and executive policy-making processes.
The Abuse Investigation Unit investigates and monitors public and private facilities and programs to uncover dangerous conditions and practices affecting people with disabilities. The Unit also issues alerts and recommendations to prevent future tragedies.
The Special Education Clinic/Helpline provides a helpline, individual self-advocacy, training and legal representation for people with disabilities and their families in securing an appropriate education and related services.
Specialized Advocacy, Outreach & Education Services
Several specialized services address the needs of specific populations or circumstances and frequently combine the disciplines of Equip for Equality's general programs and services.
For Americans with Disabilities Act information, the Illinois ADA Project educates, enriches, and enlightens the people, businesses, and organizations of Illinois regarding the ADA.
For assistive technology, the Assistive Technology Project assists individuals with disabilities in Illinois to obtain assistive technology (AT) devices and services to increase, maintain and/or improve their functional capabilities.
For beneficiaries of Social Security, the Ticket to Work Project assists with information and advice regarding vocational rehabilitation and employment services, as well as provides advocacy or other services that beneficiaries with disabilities may need to secure, regain, or retain employment.
For Latinos with disabilities and their families, the Latinos with Disabilities Advocacy Project provides free individual advocacy services, education and outreach in Spanish at several host community centers in neighborhoods with high Latino populations.
For people with disabilities and their family members who have been affected by Hurricane Katrina, Equip for Equality offers a wide range of assistance and referrals, including assistance in obtaining financial and other benefits, as well as services, that are offered by government and community organizations.
For people with mental illness, the PAIMI Council advises Equip for Equality on policies and priorities to be carried out in protecting and advocating for the rights of individuals with mental illness.
For people with traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and their families, the Traumatic Brain Injury Project provides free individual advocacy services, trainings, and other community support.
For transportation rights, the Transportation Rights Project provides information about the legal rights of people with all types of disabilities when using many types of transportation.
For voting rights, the Voting Rights Project works to eliminate barriers to voting, including barriers to privacy and independence in voting.
