“We can grumble and groan. We can shake our fists at the priorities of the State of Illinois. But, if we don’t take time to tell our stories, who do we have to blame? Only ourselves!"

The State of Illinois is considering historic budget cuts that will translate into devastating reductions in disability services that allow people with disabilities to Live with Independence Fairness & Equality. Would your legislators recognize you and your family in the grocery store? They need to know your faces. They need to know who they are voting to support or ignore as the budget debate heats up. MAKE AN APPOINTMENT…. Make a phone call… Write a letter… Call others…

Here are five simple steps to stay informed and to make sure our voices are heard…

1. Call your State Representative and Senator and request an in person meeting in their district offices. Don’t know who they are? Use the State Board of Elections Website at: http://www.elections.il.gov/DistrictLocator/DistrictOfficialSearchByAddress.aspx. Just type in your address. It’s a miracle. If you know who your legislator is, a great website is www.ilga.gov.  Here are fact sheets to help you LIFE! Campaign Fact Sheet and LIFE! FAQ.  

2. Share the word with other advocates in your communities and organizations.  

o    Contact us at fsn@familysupportnetwork.org to make sure you’re receiving our e-mails.

o    Forward our e-mails

o    Like us on Facebook: : LIFE-Fund-Critical-Services-for-People-with-Disabilities.

3. Become a “Key Communicator,” fancy language for a phone tree captain. We’ll provide you with contact info for others (usually about a dozen) in your community, asking you to make sure they are receiving up to date information and have made those critical phone calls to your legislators. LIFE! Key Communicator Info   

 4. Write a letter to your local newspaper editor. Need someone to help you jump start the letter? We can provide templates…

5. Record your story in two to three minutes and share it with us… We’ll post it on our Facebook page: LIFE-Fund-Critical-Services-for-People-with-Disabilities. Let us know how state funded disability services impact your life. Each video should show what “A Day in My Life” is like and how disability services are your lifeline to work, friends, family and other activities. Each video should explain:  

o    The programs you or your family member participate in

o    How these programs allow you to continue Living with Independence Fairness & Equality

o    What your life would be like if these programs were not funded or…

o    What your life is without services.

Contact the Family Support Network at ShirleyFSN@att.net