Advocate
We need your voice to advocate for the rights and needs of people with disabilities. We can help each other connect with lawmakers, media, and community leaders.
Our Advocacy Efforts
Ray Graham Association (RGA) was born from the grassroots efforts of a few families over 70 years ago. We still prioritize advancing public policy to positively impact people with disabilities.
People with disabilities depend on government spending for their health, education, and living needs. Did you know that over 15,000 Illinoisans with disabilities are waiting for the opportunities they deserve—opportunities to foster great days filled with joy and purpose? Thanks to your advocacy, RGA is changing that statistic one person at a time
At RGA, your civic partnership is essential for the well-being and dignity of those we support.
Our Wage Campaign
As a founding leader of the They Deserve More coalition, RGA is one of over 80 agencies fighting for higher wages for our dedicated Direct Support Professionals (DSPs). Before 2017’s budget, there was no wage increase for over a decade. Since the start of the campaign, wages for DSPs have increased by $2.50. We hoped for more, but it is a significant step forward. We continually advocate for further DSP wage increases.
Our Advocacy Committee
RGA’s Advocacy Committee consists of people who receive services, families, Board members, and RGA Team members. We focus on issues important to the people we support and act as champions to make our voices heard and preserve quality services for people with disabilities at all levels.
Stand with us and get involved. Join the Advocacy Committee by emailing Info@RayGraham.org.
Advocacy Resources
- Self Advocates Becoming Empowered (SABE): A national self-advocacy organization working for the full inclusion of people with developmental disabilities in the community.
- Equip for Equality (EFE): An organization promoting human and civil rights of people with disabilities in Illinois.
- Americans Disabled Attendant Programs Today (ADAPT): A national grass-roots community advocating for disability rights.
- Achieving Change Together (ACT): A project with supportive services for single adults.
- Families USA: A national non-profit organization dedicated to the achievement of high-quality, affordable health care for all Americans.
- People First: An international organization promoting self-advocacy for people with learning difficulties.
Civic Resources
- Find Your Legislator: A tool to help you identify and contact your local legislative representative.
- Department of Health & Human Services (HHS): The U.S. government’s principal agency for protecting the health of all Americans and providing essential human services.