Who We Are:
Advocacy
Advocacy is a core part of how we live our mission. Drawing from Glenkirk and Search360’s decades of experience in the field, we work to shape the policies, regulations, and funding structures that dictate how I/DD services are delivered across Illinois. Our goal is to help build a stable, sustainable environment where nonprofits and the communities they serve can truly thrive.
The Power of Collective Advocacy
Our advocacy is rooted in the real-time realities of the I/DD sector, from workforce challenges to long-term sustainability.
Because we are embedded in the community-based system of supports, we can identify practical solutions that reflect the actual needs of providers and families. By working together to influence systems and remove barriers, we create a more resilient environment for our own organizations and the broader nonprofit ecosystem.
We maintain a constant presence in Springfield while also engaging our federal leaders on critical issues like Medicaid funding and the national Direct Support Professional (DSP) workforce crisis. From filing witness slips on state legislation to mobilizing community supporters through grassroots campaigns, we ensure the voices of the I/DD community and the staff who support them are heard at every level of government.
29%
of providers nationally have reported being forced to discontinue programs and services
50K+
individuals with I/DD living with caregivers aged 60 or older
44
average wait time for an adult to receive I/DD waiver services through the Illinois PUNS list
Strategic Initiatives
Our advocacy efforts extend beyond policy discussions to active, multi-year initiatives designed to reshape the I/DD landscape in Illinois.
Building a Person-Centered System
Keystone Alliance has been a core participant in the System Redesign initiative since its inception. This three-year initiative brings together a first-of-its-kind coalition, including The Arc of Illinois, IARF and UIC-UCEDD, to build a more responsive, person-centered system.
The current web of agencies and funding streams is often fragmented and difficult to navigate. Keystone’s CEO co-leads the IARF System Redesign Workgroup, helping to organize the data strategy and inter-agency analysis required to bridge these gaps. By centering services on the goals of the individual, we are helping build a seamless, lifelong support system that is easier for families to navigate.
2023
Shaping the Future of Community-Based I/DD Services
Keystone Alliance works through IARF (Illinois Association of Rehabilitation Facilities) to advocate for the full adoption of the 2020 Guidehouse Rate Study. Commissioned by the state to identify the true cost of providing I/DD services after years of underfunding, the study provides a critical roadmap for long-term sustainability.
We focus on advancing key recommendations such as regionalized rate factors to account for higher costs of living and the "Zero-Hour" staffing model to support 24/7 care. Through this collaborative effort, we are helping to build a stable funding foundation for a community-based system that honors the needs and preferences of people with I/DD.
2020
Strengthening the DSP Workforce
Keystone Alliance, Glenkirk, and Search360 are active members of the They Deserve More coalition, a statewide effort to address the Direct Support Professional (DSP) workforce crisis. We advocate for the funding and policy changes necessary to provide competitive wages for the essential staff who support people with I/DD. Strengthening this workforce is critical to the stability and quality of the entire community-based system.
2017
More to Explore:
I/DD Resources
Stay informed on the policies and legislation impacting the I/DD community.
We also recommend these resources from our trusted sector partners:
Comprehensive resources on legislative advocacy and support for individuals with disabilities and their families.
IARF (Illinois Association of Rehabilitation Facilities) →
Insights into state-level policy, regulatory issues and provider advocacy across Illinois.
National perspectives and federal advocacy efforts focused on the diverse needs of I/DD service providers.
A statewide coalition dedicated to addressing the DSP workforce crisis and securing a sustainable future for community-based care.
A statewide I/DD system redesign coalition working to ensure community voices shape the development of services and supports for people with I/DD in Illinois
Want to Learn More?
If you need support to help strengthen and sustain your mission or are interested in exploring collaboration, let’s talk.