Right now, in Illinois, incarcerated people with disabilities are fighting for their right to education, employment, and humanity. We have a chance to support them. Two critical bills are moving through the House and Senate, and we need you to file witness slips in support.
The Problem: Illinois prisons systematically fail to provide equitable access to education, job training, and essential support for incarcerated people with disabilities. People in the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) are perpetually denied access and accommodations needed to live with dignity.
The Solution: These bills work together to build access inside the IDOC.
SB1395/HB1810 – The Equitable Access to Education, Employment, and Training for Incarcerated Individuals with Disabilities Act
Requires IDOC to provide equal access to educational and vocational programs for incarcerated people with disabilities by providing a TABE Waiver for individuals that have IDD.
Ensures that accommodations are provided—not just promised on paper.
Creates a grievance process so people can challenge discrimination and denials of access.
SB1524/HB2397 – The Eddie Thomas Act
Named for Eddie Thomas, a Black disabled man who died in IDOC custody after years of neglect.
Strengthens oversight and requires IDOC to track and publicly report on the end-of-life care of incarcerated people with disabilities.
THIS IS WHERE YOU COME IN. We need witness slips filed in support of all four bills before their hearings. A witness slip is a simple online form that shows legislators the public supports these laws. It takes 2 minutes—no speaking, no testifying, just clicking a few buttons.
HOW TO FILE A WITNESS SLIP FOR EACH BILL:
SB1395 (Senate) – Submit Your Witness Slip
HB1810 (House) – Submit Your Witness Slip
SB1524 (Senate – Eddie Thomas Act) – Submit Your Witness Slip
HB2397 (House – Eddie Thomas Act) – Submit Your Witness Slip
Instructions for Each Witness Slip:
Identification: Fill in your name and contact info.
Representation: List your organization or type “Self” if you’re filing as an individual.
Position: Select “Proponent” to show support.
Testimony: Select “Record of Appearance Only” unless you want to submit written testimony.
Submit and Repeat for the Next Bill!
This is what collective action looks like. When hundreds of us file witness slips, legislators see that the people of Illinois demand justice for incarcerated people with disabilities.
Spread the word. Be part of the system change advocacy! And, if your organization is interested in signing on to this legislation as a supporter, please fill out this form. Take action now. Spread the word. Be part of the system change advocacy!
If you have any questions, please reach out to our Diversion and reentry Policy Analyst, Yosef Moore: ymoore@accessliving.org.