Individual service & support advocacy
Advocating and supporting Individuals receiving Medicaid Waiver Services
Support for you & your family
Individual Support and Service Advocate, or ISSA
We are available to advocate for individuals who receive Home and Community Based Services Waiver (HCBS Waiver) such as CILA, HBS, and Day Programs funded by DHS’ Division of Developmental Disabilities.
We work for your Independent Service Coordination (ISC) Agency. This means we are separate from DHS and from the provider that is supporting you.
Individual Service and Support Advocacy or ISSA is a state mandated program so there is no cost for this support to you or your guardian.
We will meet with you at least 4 times per year. Visits are made in person, at your home so you and your guardian can both take part in the visit.
We are responsible for the development of your Person-Centered Service plan. We will conduct the personal planning process with you and the people you choose. Discovery meeting(s) will take place to identify your choices, desired outcomes, and service needs so they can be included in your annual personal plan. You and your guardian will then review and approve the final plan.
We are here to work with you and to help ensure you are satisfied with your services but also to check that you are getting the support you need to be healthy and safe. We help you to advocate for your rights and your choices and work with you to resolve any major conflicts.
We are here to support you and your family when emergencies happen or if you want to change who you are getting your residential or vocational services from.
We will work with you, your family, your provider and DHS DD to figure out what services will work best. When you need us to, we will contact your service provider to be sure everyone understands what you are asking for.
We are responsible for the development of your Person-Centered Service plan. We will conduct the personal planning process with you and the people you choose. Discovery meeting(s) will take place to identify your choices, desired outcomes, and service needs so they can be included in your annual personal plan. You and your guardian will then review and approve the final plan.
Individual Service and Support Advocacy (ISSA)
- Can only be provided by an Independent Service Coordination Agency (ISC)
- For both Children and Adults
- No cost to individuals or families enrolled in a HCBS Waiver program.
- Complete 4 visits per year at your home or another natural setting – all are face to face visits. Your ISC will contact you prior to each visit.
- ISSA facilitates your annual Person-Centered Planning process
- Approves the final service plan along with you and your guardian
- Provide Advocacy and instruction in Self-Advocacy when needed
- Reviews the quality of your services and your satisfaction
- Assistance in emergency situations and with conflict resolution
What are the state guidelines for the ISSA program?
On the DHS DD website you can see the most current state guidelines:
Find your nearest location
Listed below are the locations where you can contact your local ISSA:
Region A
Serving McHenry, Boone, Winnebago, Stephenson, Jo Daviess, Carroll, Ogle, DeKalb, Lee, Marshall, LaSalle, Bureau, Putnam, and Whiteside Counties
3482 Pyramid Dr.
Rockford, IL 61109
Call: 815-339-0740
Region E
Serving DuPage, Kane, and Kendall Counties
1919 S. Highland Ave.
Suite A -230
Lombard, IL 60148
Call: 630-425-2350
Region F
Serving Will, Grundy, Livingston, and Kankakee Counties
2300 Glenwood Ave.
Joliet, IL 60435
Call: 815-741-0800
