Search360 Advocates for Disability Services in Springfield 

In May, Search360 made two trips to Springfield to advocate for stronger disability services and increased wages for Direct Support Professionals (DSPs). Alongside statewide partners, staff and people supported by Search360 met with legislators to share why these investments matter and how they impact everyday life for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). 

On May 5, Search360 joined hundreds of advocates from the They Deserve More coalition at the Illinois State Capitol for an Advocacy Action Day. Search360 brought a group of 10, including staff and people supported, to meet directly with legislators and share their experiences. 

One of the most impactful parts of the day was hearing from self-advocates. People supported by Search360 spoke about the important role DSPs play in their daily lives and how staffing levels directly affect their independence and opportunities in the community. They shared that when providers can recruit and retain more DSPs, it creates more flexibility for individualized activities, community outings and personal goals. Stronger staffing means people have more opportunities to participate in the activities they choose and build the lives they want. 

The group advocated for increased investment in the DSP workforce, including support for a proposed wage increase. Higher wages help providers attract and retain qualified staff, strengthening the support system that people with disabilities rely on every day. 

A week later, on May 14, Search360 returned to Springfield alongside the Illinois Association of Rehabilitation Facilities (IARF) to continue those conversations with legislators. 

During those meetings, advocates continued to share impact stories and urged additional investments in disability services. A key priority was supporting Governor Pritzker’s proposed $0.60 per-hour DSP wage increase and encouraging lawmakers to go even further with an additional $0.60 increase. A total increase of $1.20 per hour would raise DSP wages to at least 150% of minimum wage, a longstanding goal for disability service providers and advocates across the state. 

Search360 also advocated for improvements to Community Day Services, including removing the current five-hour billing cap, updating transportation supports and allowing for more individualized service hours. These changes would provide greater flexibility and help ensure services can better meet the needs and goals of each person. 

Both advocacy days highlighted an important message: investing in DSPs means investing in people with disabilities. Higher wages help build a stronger workforce, reduce staffing shortages and create more opportunities for people to live independently, participate in their communities and pursue their goals. 

Search360 is proud to stand alongside self-advocates, families, providers and coalition partners across Illinois to ensure the voices of people with disabilities are heard where decisions are made. Through continued advocacy, we can help create a stronger and more inclusive future for everyone. 

Become an advocate! 

Call your legislator and urge their support for DSP wage increases through the IARF Action Policy Center here.  

Stay up to date on ongoing legislation and advocacy opportunities by subscribing to our Advocacy Alert emails.