Our Mission: People First of Illinois is committed to empowering people with disabilities to make their own decisions and choices and to speak for themselves. We will continue to advocate to improve the lives of people with disabilities in our state, and will work to ensure that persons with disabilities are treated equally and are active members of their community. People First is made up of groups of people with disabilities who work together for justice by helping each other take charge of their lives and fight discrimination. It teaches us how to make decisions about choices that affect our lives so we can achieve our independence. The way we learn to become self-advocates is by supporting one another, and helping each other gain confidence in ourselves to speak out for what we believe. Self-determination requires that only people with disabilities serve as officers on the State Board of Directors and in local chapters of our organization. We embrace those without disabilities who support the goals and beliefs of People First by serving as advisors, support staff, and non-voting members.