Know Your Rights

We provide valuable information to help people with disabilities understand their rights. We offer guidance on how to exercise these rights and provide support to help you navigate reporting.

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Your Rights and How to Use Them

If you have disabilities, this page is here to help you understand your special rights. Rights are like promises that keep you safe, respected, and happy. We believe in you and want to make sure you know all about these promises. Let's learn about your rights together, because you are important and deserve the best care!

At RGA, your team will spend a lot of time with you to help you learn about your rights, identify which rights are most important to you and what supports you may need to exercise those rights.

Resource Library

There are many resources available to help you understand your rights:

Universal Declaration of Human Rights

A special document that says everyone has rights, like the right to be treated fairly and with respect. It helps protect people all around the world.

“What is the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities” video

A video that explains rules to make sure people with disabilities are treated well and have the same rights as everyone else. It helps make the world a better place for people with disabilities.

Rights of Individuals in Medicaid Home and Community-Based Developmental Disability Waivers

A guide that talks about the rights of people who get help from Medicaid in Illinois. It helps people know their rights and how to speak up if something isn’t right.

Human Rights Education

A free online course that teaches young people about their rights. It empowers you to stand up for your rights and treat others fairly.

“Supported Decision Making is a Human Right” video

A short video that says everyone has the right to make their own decisions, with help if needed. It reminds us to respect each other’s choices.

HCBS Guide: Your Right to A Community Life

A guide about the rights of people who get services to live in their community. It helps you know what you deserve and how to live a good life.

“Your Services Should Be All About You” video

A video that talks about how support should focus on what you need and want. It reminds us that services should be helpful and centered around you.

Illinois Self Advocacy Alliance

A group that supports people with disabilities to speak up for themselves. It helps you learn how to be strong and have a say in your life.

Self Advocacy Resource and Technical Assistance Center

A place that gives resources and help to people who want to speak up for their rights. It helps you learn how to stand up for what’s right.

Reporting

If you feel your rights are being ignored, you can tell your QIDP, a trusted RGA team member, email the RGA Human Rights Committee, or contact any of these organizations:

DHS Office of Developmental Disabilities

✉ 100 W. Randolph, Chicago, IL 60601
☎ 1-800-843-6154
⌨ TTY: 1-866-376-8446

Equip for Equality

✉ 20 N. Michigan, #300, Chicago, IL 60602
☎ 1-800-537-2632
⌨ TTY: 1-800-610-2779
@ ContactUs@EquipForEquality.org

Office of Inspector General

✉ 100 W. Randolph, #4-750, Chicago, IL 60601
☎ 312-814-2718

Illinois Department of Children and Family Services

☎ 1-800-252-2873

Guardianship and Advocacy

✉ 160 N. LaSalle, #S-500, Chicago, IL 60641
☎ 312-793-5900
⌨ TTY: 1-866-333-3362

Illinois Department of Aging Adult Protective Services

☎ 1-866-800-1409

Illinois Department of Public Health

☎ 1-800-252-4343
⌨ TTY: 1-800-547-0466

Your Rights Include

Fair Treatment: Experience no discrimination based on personal attributes.
Freedom of Worship: Practice religion without restriction.
Right to Vote: Acquire knowledge about elections and participate in voting.
Choose Providers: Have the freedom to select and change service providers.
Protection from Abuse: Stand against any form of abuse or neglect.
Privacy: Ensure the confidentiality of personal information.
Communication: Communicate without hindrance via mail, calls, and visits.
Personal Property: Possess and utilize personal belongings.
Financial Freedom: Take charge of personal finances and banking.
Work Rights: Receive appropriate compensation for work.
Healthcare Choices: Make decisions regarding medical and dental services.
Plan Your Support: Take the lead in formulating support plans.
Voice Concerns: Express grievances and challenge decisions.

RGA Council Hub

Connect, engage, and thrive alongside fellow advocates and leaders at RGA!

Who We Are

In 2011, a group of self-advocate leaders were supported by RGA to take their Advisory Committees to the next level. We partnered with the Illinois Self Advocacy Alliance and created the RGA Council. We address and advocate for issues that are important to us and others supported by RGA.

Our Mission

To empower advocates to be agents for positive change.

What We Do

We work together on important issues.
We speak together with one loud voice about our services.
We make change happen where and when it is needed.
We support each other to promote the rights of all people with disabilities.
We advocate for choices, competitive employment, better funding, and other important issues that affect our lives.
We make a difference in our own lives, our communities, and across our State by working together.

We Support You By

Representing you and your concerns to RGA team members and leadership.
Celebrating your successes and the team members that helped you.

You Can Help Out By

Joining the RGA Council or RGA Advocacy Committee.
Sharing your hopes, dreams, and concerns by emailing RGACouncil@RayGraham.org
Contacting any RGA Council member.