Rep. La Ha’s advocacy is lived. Her daughter was born with cerebral palsy, and that experience reshaped how Rep. La Ha sees the world. She’s navigated the health care system, fought for better equipment, and watched her child face barriers that most families never have to think about.
That journey sparked something deeper. Rep. La Ha didn’t just want to make things easier for her own family, she wanted to change the system for others, too. “Most importantly, I just want other families to know that they're not alone,” Rep. La Ha said. “Together we can inspire a message of accessibility and belonging”.
Her time as Mrs. America gave her a national platform to share that message. She used it to advocate for better parks, more accessible buildings, and federal support for families raising children with disabilities. When she testified on Capitol Hill with the Cerebral Palsy Foundation, she brought her daughter’s story with her as a reminder of what’s at stake.
Rep. La Ha’s advocacy began long before she took office. In Homer Glen, she helped launch the Ability Awareness Committee, a local group focused on improving life for residents with disabilities. That effort laid the groundwork for her broader push to make parks, playgrounds, and public spaces more welcoming to everyone.
One of La Ha’s key initiatives is House Bill 1788, which encourages communities to go beyond minimum legal standards when designing outdoor spaces. The bill prioritizes funding for projects that exceed federal ADA requirements, giving an edge to parks and playgrounds that use thoughtful design to bring people together.
“Accessibility is not a luxury, it’s a necessity,” Rep. La Ha said when introducing the bill. “These spaces should work for everyone—kids, parents, grandparents—not just some of us.”
HB1788 also directs the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to update its grant review process, rewarding applicants who embrace innovative materials and layouts that support shared experiences. The goal is connection.
Rep. La Ha’s work extends to mobility devices as well. In the Spring 2025 Legislative Session, she introduced HB3677, known as the Complex Wheelchair Right to Repair Act. The bill requires manufacturers to provide independent repair shops with the tools and documentation needed to fix complex wheelchairs quickly and affordably. It also eliminates prior authorization requirements under health insurance policies, helping users avoid delays that can disrupt daily life.
The legislation covers labor and preventive maintenance, a major step toward reducing out-of-pocket expenses for wheelchair users. Advocates say it could improve health outcomes and restore independence for thousands across the state.
Rep. Nicole La Ha is changing the way Illinois approaches accessibility. Her work is helping families feel seen, supported, and able to participate fully in public life.