When someone with a disability goes missing, every moment matters. But in Illinois, there is no dedicated statewide alert system to notify the public when a person with an intellectual or developmental disability disappears. That puts some of our most vulnerable neighbors at greater risk—and their families at the mercy of a slow or incomplete response.

Illinois currently uses Amber Alerts for children and Silver Alerts for seniors, but these systems often don’t cover people with autism, Down syndrome, traumatic brain injuries, or other cognitive disabilities. Thousands of residents fall into this category.

That’s where a Purple Alert system comes in. Already adopted in five other states—including Florida, Maryland, and Connecticut—Purple Alerts are designed to quickly spread the word when someone with a cognitive disability goes missing. These alerts appear on highway signs, cell phones, news broadcasts, and social media, helping law enforcement and the public work together to bring people home safely.

The tragic death of 6-year-old Aiden Ha in Columbia County, Pennsylvania, shows what can happen when these systems aren’t in place. Aiden, who was nonverbal and autistic, went missing in October 2025. Despite an intensive search effort, he was found dead the next day in a nearby river. His family, like so many others, didn’t have access to a tool that could have mobilized the public immediately.

In response, Pennsylvania lawmakers introduced “Aiden’s Law” to create a Purple Alert system. It’s time for Illinois to do the same.

We call on the Illinois General Assembly and Governor JB Pritzker to establish a Purple Alert system that protects people with disabilities. No family should face a crisis like this without every tool available.

Sign this petition to demand action now. Let’s make sure Illinois is ready—before it’s too late.