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Advancing the human and civil rights of people with disabilities in Illinois

Equip for Equality works to empower people with disabilities to advocate for themselves and their families. We break down barriers for people with disabilities through legal services, public policy, monitoring, and training.

Start here to find ways to help yourself or someone close to you

Find resources to solve your problems

Choose a topic that matches your needs and find the tools you need to move forward.

A man with Down syndrome with his arm around a friend

Speak up for yourself and others

Whether advocating for yourself or others, we have the information you need to do it effectively.

A man and a woman using ASL while on a video call

Get the help you need

You’re not alone. We’re here to help remove barriers and provide the support you deserve.

Dad and daughter smiling as daughter writes something on a pad of paper on Dad's leg. Dad is in a wheelchair.

Report abuse or neglect

If you think someone is being abused, it’s very important to tell the right people in Illinois who can look into it and help right away.

Find solutions and take action

Explore our resources to get the help you’re looking for. Select a topic to start your journey.

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School and education rights

Learn how to get the right school help for kids with disabilities and find out about extra support.

Living in the Community & Fighting Discrimination

Find ways to live on your own with the right help and support in your neighborhood and stop discrimination.

Leaving residential facilities

Know your rights when leaving facilities and looking for help to live in the community.

Employment rights

Find out how to get and keep good jobs, and learn what rights you have at work.

Your right to support and services

Learn how to stay safe from harm or unfair treatment.

Stop abuse, neglect, & poor-quality services

Find out how to get the help you need and how to ask for good care where you live or get services.

Police, courts, prisons & re-entry

Learn about your disability-related rights in the court system.

Get involved with us

There are so many ways to make a difference. From volunteering to donating, your support today can change lives. By getting involved, you work towards building a more inclusive society.

Do you have ideas? We would love to hear from you!

Talk to us

Advocate for policy reform or legislation

You can help improve rules and laws for people with disabilities by learning to speak up and make a difference.

Become a volunteer attorney

You can make a big difference in the lives of people with disabilities. If you're a lawyer, law school grad, or law student, you can volunteer and help someone who really needs it.

Donate to support our mission

By giving to Equip for Equality, you support efforts to improve the lives of people with disabilities.

A woman with Downs syndrome standing next to her coworker, smiling and wearing aprons
A woman helping a boy in a wheelchair
A young Black boy in a wheelchair, in front of a shelf of books
A Black man in a wheelchair, doing work at his desk
A person in a wheelchair operating a computer in a factory

Resources for professionals

Stay up to date on disability rights and systemic litigation with our information and resources. Whether you’re building cases or advising clients, we offer what you need to make your job easier and provide better support for people with disabilities.

Explore resources

About Equip for Equality

Started in 1985, our organization is a legal advocate for people with disabilities.

Equip for Equality helps people with disabilities in Illinois advocate for their rights. We teach people how to speak up for themselves, fight for them in court, and work to change laws to improve everyone’s lives.

Even though laws like the ADA have made things better for people with disabilities, many are still treated unfairly and not given their rights in school, work, housing, and other important parts of life.

Equip for Equality works hard every day to address these issues and ensure that everyone with a disability is treated fairly.

Learn more about Equip for Equality

Left to right - A young Hispanic woman, a child in a wheelchair, and an African American woman. They are holding hands and smiling on a sidewalk
A group of school friends sitting on steps, smiling

Not sure where to begin?

We’re here to help you find the support, services, and resources you need to protect your rights or the rights of someone you love.

Start Here