CCDSN

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 17, 2026

GOVERNOR PRITZKER SIGNS LANDMARK LEGISLATION CREATING A DEDICATED DEPARTMENT ON DISABILITY RIGHTS AND ADVOCACY IN ILLINOIS

House Bill 862 transforms the Illinois Guardianship and Advocacy Commission into the Department of Disability Advocacy and Guardianship, effective July 1, 2027

CHICAGO — Yesterday, Governor JB Pritzker signed House Bill 862 into law, creating the Illinois Department of Disability Advocacy and Guardianship (IDAG). This landmark legislation positions Illinois as a national leader in disability advocacy and guardianship by elevating the Illinois Guardianship and Advocacy Commission (IGAC) to a cabinet-level department. "By establishing the Department of Disability Advocacy and Guardianship, we are making it crystal clear that disability rights are a priority in Illinois," said Governor JB Pritzker. "I am proud to establish this agency, and I will continue to fight hard to empower people with disabilities and their families all across our state.”

Through its three primary divisions, the department will continue to provide critical support to thousands of individuals with disabilities across Illinois. The Division of State Guardian will serve as guardian of last resort for nearly 5,000 adults with disabilities.

The Division of Legal Advocacy will continue to provide legal counsel to thousands of Illinoisians each year in cases of involuntary treatment and related court proceedings, and the Division of Disability Rights and Protections will continue to investigate disability rights violations impacting thousands of Illinois Citizens with Disabilities. A newly established Advisory Council consisting of leaders from across Illinois will provide valuable ongoing input into the department's work.

"People with disabilities matter. I am honored to serve in an agency—and soon a department—whose staff leans forward every day to advocate for solutions that prioritize self-determination and independence, together with our colleagues in Illinois government, direct service providers, families and advocates statewide, " said IGAC Director Tracey B. Fleming.

“The Guardianship and Advocacy Commission has done critical, life-changing work for decades, standing as guardian for thousands of adults with disabilities, fighting for their rights in court, and investigating violations when institutions fail them. Elevating this to a cabinet-level department sends a clear message: disability rights are a state priority, and Illinois is committed to giving this mission the standing it deserves," said Leader Bob Morgan (D-58th District), House Sponsor of HB 862.

“This new department will build on a nearly fifty-year legacy of investment by Illinois in people with disabilities. I am honored to have served as a champion for this agency, and now, to help position Illinois as a national leader in this work for the next fifty," said Leader Julie Morrison (D-29th District), Sponsor of HB 862 in the Senate.

"Disability rights require institutional commitment. Elevating this mission to a full department sends a clear message that Illinois is serious about protecting the people who depend on these services most," said Kimberly Mercer-Schleider, Director, Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities.

The new department will begin operations on July 1, 2027.

About the Illinois Guardianship and Advocacy Commission

Created in 1979, the Illinois Guardianship and Advocacy Commission has built a legacy of safeguarding and promoting the welfare and rights of people with disabilities: providing legal representation, investigating rights violations, and serving as guardian of last resort for thousands of Illinoisans who have often gone without a voice. For more information, visit gac.illinois.gov.

Media Contacts

Simon Edelman, Director of Communications

Illinois Guardianship and Advocacy Commission

[email protected]

(217) 361-9296

ATTACHMENTS

• Governor Pritzker Signs Landmark Legislation Creating a Dedicated Department on Disability Rights and Advocacy in Illinois

404 Anyone, 6 months of age and older, is eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Find your nearest vaccination location at vaccines.gov.

🍎🥦🥕 Resource Spotlight: Guides to Healthy Eating and Drinking 🥕🥦🍎

Healthy eating can be an abstract concept with many nuances. For example, we tend to think of salads as healthy. However, salads can vary significantly depending on the vegetables that are included, toppings that are added, and salad dressing that is used. Additionally, nutritional needs vary from person to person depending on a number of factors including allergies, daily level of physical activity, age, goals, etc.

🚦One way to make healthy eating more concrete is by using a stoplight to categorize foods/drinks as those we can consume every day (green), sometimes (yellow), and on special occasions (red). The stoplight can be adjusted to account for an individual's nutrition needs and dietary preferences.

🔗 See the link below for two examples we created.
https://adultdownsyndrome.org/resources/guides-to-healthy-eating-and-drinking/

Pool Party Time :-) Sunday, July 12, 4:30 - 7:00 pm, at Sholem Aquatic Center, Champaign.

Sign up at https://www.champaigndsn.org/pool-party-rsvp

Navigating medical care can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone.

Join our Down Syndrome Medical Support Group Meeting, a welcoming space for families to connect, ask questions, share experiences, and learn from others facing similar medical journeys.

📅 June 17, 2026
🕖 7:00 PM
💻 Zoom

Register: gatewaydsa.org/support-group

Understanding the Down Syndrome Diagnosis by Down Syndrome Indiana & Global Down Syndrome Foundation What if one video could help change the way families experience a D...

💛💙💛💙

Understanding the Down Syndrome Diagnosis by Down Syndrome Indiana & Global Down Syndrome Foundation What if one video could help change the way families experience a D...

There are many reasons why bathing and showering can be a challenging personal hygiene task for some people with Down syndrome including:
▪ having difficulty getting into and out of the bath or shower
▪ not knowing how hot to make the water
▪ lacking the strength or fine motor skills to open/use shampoo and soap bottles
▪ and others

Katie Frank, PhD, OTR/L, the occupational therapist at the Adult Down Syndrome Center, shares tips for supporting people with Down syndrome to become more independent with bathing and showering in the article linked below. She offers suggestions for managing water temperature, increasing safety and accessibility, and improving washing and rinsing.

🔗 https://adultdownsyndrome.org/resources/bathing-and-showering-tips/

Coming Soon :)