Organization
Equip for Equality, Inc.(EFE)
Illinois's federally designated Protection and Advocacy organisation — the only statewide, cross-disability, comprehensive advocacy organisation in the state — providing free legal representation, abuse investigation, and self-advocacy assistance to Illinoisans with disabilities. EFE operates a Civil Rights Team, a Special Education Clinic, and an Abuse Investigation Unit from its Chicago headquarters.
About
Equip for Equality (EFE) is Illinois's federally mandated Protection and Advocacy system, established in 1985 and headquartered in Chicago. EFE holds federal authority under the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act, PAIMI, and related statutes to monitor facilities, investigate abuse, and pursue legal and administrative remedies on behalf of people with disabilities across Illinois.
What They Do
EFE's Civil Rights Team provides free legal representation for Illinoisans with disabilities facing discrimination, housing barriers, employment violations, and community integration issues. The Special Education Clinic helps families navigate IEP disputes, and the Abuse Investigation Unit investigates reports of abuse and neglect in care settings. EFE also administers the ADA Illinois project, offering free ADA technical assistance and training statewide.
Who They Serve
Illinoisans of any age with any disability — physical, cognitive, psychiatric, or sensory — at all income levels, with priority for those experiencing the most critical rights violations or abuse in institutional settings.
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