Equip for Equality is an independent, private, not-for-profit organization designated by the Governor in 1985 to implement the federally mandated Protection and Advocacy (P&A) System in Illinois. The mission of Equip for Equality is to advance the human and civil rights of children and adults with disabilities in Illinois. It is the only statewide, cross-disability, comprehensive advocacy organization providing self-advocacy assistance, legal services, and disability rights education while also engaging in public policy and legislative advocacy and conducting abuse investigations and other oversight activities. Equip for Equality provides free legal services and self-advocacy assistance to people with disabilities in the areas of discrimination, assistive technology, special education, guardianship defense, abuse and neglect, and community integration. Equip for Equality provides self-advocacy training to people with disabilities and family members on topics including the Americans with Disabilities Act, employment, transportation, voting, Ticket to Work, special education and guardianship.
To report abuse, neglect or exploitation to authorities, click here.