[The following is a paid advertisement.]

Illinois’ disability service system has come too far to go backward.

In 2026, Illinois will face deep federal Medicaid cuts coming from Washington under the Trump administration — reductions that will threaten critical health and disability supports used by thousands of families across our state.

That storm may be unavoidable.

But creating a second storm at home is not.

The state’s planned January 1 cuts to Direct Support Professional (DSP) service hours would immediately reduce care for more than 10,000 people with intellectual and developmental disabilities living in 24-hour residential homes. These individuals rely on DSPs for medication support, personal care, health monitoring, and access to their communities.

When you cut hours, you cut access.
You cut independence.
You cut safety.

Illinois has spent years rebuilding a more stable, person-centered system that allows people with disabilities to live with dignity in their communities — not institutions. Stacking state cuts on top of looming federal reductions would undo that progress and cause real harm.

There is a better path forward: delay the January 1 cuts.

Allow Illinois to transition to the “Zero Hour” staffing model — a long-term improvement everyone supports — without punishing the people the system exists to protect.

No more pain.
No unnecessary cuts.
No double disasters.

Delay the cuts. Protect the workforce. Keep Illinois moving forward.

Paid for by the Illinois Association of Rehabilitation Facilities (IARF)