Equip for Equality
Illinois' federally designated protection and advocacy organization for people with disabilities. Free legal advocacy, special education help line, and rights information.
Resources
Plain-language help, and the people who provide it.
A starting list of trusted organizations across Illinois, plus answers to the questions families ask us most. If you cannot find what you need here, email us and we will make the introduction ourselves.
Illinois Organizations We Trust
We are not the only people who can help. These are the organizations we point families toward, and several are partners we work with directly.
Family Matters PTIC
Illinois' Parent Training and Information Center. Free support and training for families of children with disabilities, birth through 26.
The Arc of Illinois
Statewide advocacy for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. SIP Arts Foundation is a proud affiliate.
Illinois State Board of Education
Special education rules, the parent guide to IDEA rights, and the state complaint and due process procedures.
Illinois DHS, Developmental Disabilities
PUNS registration, waiver services, and adult developmental disability supports. Start PUNS early, not at the point of crisis.
Illinois Early Intervention
Services and evaluations for children birth to age three. If you have a concern about development, you can refer your own child.
What We Provide
All free. No intake process, no waiting list, no diagnosis required.
The Advocacy Binder
A four-session Saturday series where you build a personalized advocacy binder you keep and use for years.
See the seriesFamily navigation
One-on-one help understanding a diagnosis, finding services, or preparing for a meeting.
Get helpPathways Self-Advocates
A youth leadership cohort for self-advocates ages 14 to 22, led by a self-advocate.
Learn morePathways to Expression
A sensory-inclusive studio where artists of every ability make real work and show it publicly.
Visit the studioFrequently Asked Questions
The questions families ask us most.
How much does it cost?
Nothing. Every program we run is free to families. Workshop materials, binders, meals at our family gatherings, and studio supplies are included.
Do we need a diagnosis to get help?
No. A suspicion is enough. Many of the families we work with are still trying to figure out what is going on, and that is exactly when clear information helps most.
Who do you serve?
Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities from birth to age 22 and their families, and adults of all abilities who want to use their voice through advocacy and the arts. We serve all nine Southwestern Illinois counties.
Is there an intake process or a waiting list?
No. Email us and a real person answers. You can also simply show up at a workshop and tell us as much or as little as you want.
Can you represent us legally at an IEP meeting?
We are not attorneys and we do not provide legal representation. We help you prepare, understand your rights under IDEA, organize your documentation, and know what to ask for. When a situation needs legal help, we refer families to Equip for Equality, Illinois' protection and advocacy organization.
How do I get on the calendar for a workshop?
Check the events calendar and come. Most sessions do not require registration. When one does, the listing will say so and tell you how.
Can our school, church, or organization request a workshop?
Yes. We regularly present for schools, districts, congregations, libraries, and community partners across Southwestern Illinois. Email us with your audience, your date range, and what you want covered.
How can I support the work?
Donate, volunteer, join the SIP Circle, or invite us to present to your community. Every dollar goes toward keeping programming free.
Are donations tax-deductible?
SIP Arts Foundation, Inc. is an Illinois nonprofit corporation, EIN 41-5162632. Email info@sipartsfoundation.org for a receipt and current tax status documentation for your records.
If we cannot help, we know who can.