Dear Illinois Partners and Friends,
The Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities (ICDD), Institute on Disability and Human Development (IDHD), and Equip for Equality (EFE) are reaching out together to share important news: you might lose services because of federal budget cuts.
You may know us from the work we do to support people with developmental disabilities in Illinois. What you may not know is that our work is made possible by important federal laws and funding that is in danger of being taken out of the federal budget.
In 1975, Congress passed a law called the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act. This law made:
- State Councils on Developmental Disabilities (DD Councils), like the Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities (ICDD)
- University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDDs), like the Institute on Disability and Human Development (IDHD) at the University of Illinois Chicago
- Protection and Advocacy (P&A) Systems, like Equip for Equality (EFE)
Together, we form the DD Network. We work to protect rights, create better services, train future professionals, and make positive change for people with developmental disabilities.
What’s Happening Now
A draft document was leaked from the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB). It suggests cutting all the programs that pay for our work in the next federal budget.
If these cuts happen, it could mean:
- ICDD would lose funding for projects that support independent living, employment, and self-advocacy for people with disabilities.
- IDHD would lose funding for training health providers, creating better services, and doing important research.
- EFE would lose federal funding to protect and advocate for people with developmental disabilities and their rights.
What You Need to Know
- People with developmental disabilities all over the country could lose the help and support they rely on.
- Nothing is final yet — this is just a proposal right now.
- Congress has to vote on budget changes.
- There is time to make a difference.
How You Can Help
- Stay connected and look for updates from us
- Raise awareness of the issue by educating the people you know
Educate policymakers by letting them know how DD Act programs have helped you
Thank you for standing with us to protect the rights and opportunities of people with disabilities in Illinois and across the country.
—
Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities (ICDD)
Institute on Disability and Human Development (IDHD)
Equip for Equality (EFE)
