The University of Illinois Chicago’s Institute on Disability and Human Development (IDHD) promotes community participation, health, empowerment and advocacy for people with disabilities and their families across all aspects of life. IDHD is part of the University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD) network for the state of Illinois.

UIC’s IDHD supports and services include:

• Webinars
• Services and clinics for individuals with disabilities, their families and professionals
• Research
• Continuing education

 

 

 

Chicago O’Hare and Midway International airports offer videos, social stories, sensory maps, accessibility guides and other resources to help travelers with sensory sensitivities or who are neurodivergent feel more comfortable and confident throughout their journey.

Visit the sensory section of FlyChicago.com to find:

• Short videos that show what to expect at different stages of the airport journey
• Step-by-step guides with visuals to prepare travelers for the airport experience
• Visual guides of O’Hare and Midway that highlight high- and low-sensory areas
• Details about sensory bags available at information desks

The U.S. Vote Foundation’s Illinois Voters with Disabilities Guide offers valuable resources, including information on accessible voting options, voter rights and guidance on the voting process. This Illinois guide empowers individuals to exercise their right to vote in a private, independent and accessible way.

The U.S. Vote Foundation is a private, nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that provides voter information for each state.

For more information, you can also contact the help desk team for individual, personalized answers to your voting questions.

Governors State University’s Self-Help Legal Assistance Clinic (GSU-LC) provides free self-help legal assistance and non-legal resources to low-income Illinois residents navigating the court system without legal representation. The clinic’s team of attorneys, social workers and volunteers works under the supervision of a licensed attorney and social worker to increase access to legal services in underrepresented communities. GSU-LC offers pro se and free legal assistance in the areas of family law, immigration, housing and expungement, and can help with:

• Understanding legal rights and laws
• Filing depositions, settlement negotiations and court appearances
• Reviewing and explaining court orders and filings

Protected Tomorrows is an advocacy and financial advisory organization supporting families of individuals with special needs and disabilities. The organization provides compassionate guidance to help individuals and caregivers navigate government benefits, legal considerations, future care planning and financial strategies for a more fulfilling future for everyone. Protected Tomorrows’ resources include:

• Monthly Protected Tomorrows Parent University online classes
• Step-by-step, comprehensive planning tools
• Individual and family services
• A Resource Hub with information, articles and videos

For questions, please contact Protected Tomorrows using the online contact form.

Reach Out and Read provides resources for families as well as information and training for pediatricians and clinicians working with children with disabilities. The nationwide program focuses on increasing literacy by helping all families learn how to build literacy skills by talking, reading, and singing with their babies from birth.

Reach Out and Read offers resources for families, pediatricians and clinicians, including:

• Tips for reading, booklists and more for families with young children
• Training opportunities for clinicians on building connections, understanding disabilities and more
• Current research and podcast

The Discovery Center Museum is a fully accessible, nationally recognized children’s museum in Rockford, featuring over 300 hands-on exhibits. It follows the Smithsonian Institute’s accessibility guidelines, providing ramps, accessible restrooms, an elevator, and ample space around exhibits. An adult changing table and wheelchairs are also available. Guests can explore ways to make bubbles, a calm space, a giant soft brick playland, and a multi-sensory space to discover the science of optics and light.

To learn more, contact information@discoverycentermuseum.org or call (815) 963-6769.

Lifeway Mobility offers a comprehensive list of various accessibility funding sources in Chicagoland, northwest Indiana and southeast Wisconsin. The guide provides information on organizations and other resources that may be able to help you pay for a stair lift, ramp or other accessibility solution.

You must contact the individual organizations directly for specific details. Please use the information provided to contact the organization/option listed.

YMCA of Metro Chicago provides a wide range of day, overnight, family and winter camping activities for all abilities. YMCA’s Camp MacLean and YMCA Camp Duncan offer campers endless adventures, joy and an opportunity to build confidence, leadership skills and independence. YMCA camps offer activities that challenge both the mind and body, supportive staff and a welcoming community where campers connect and feel empowered. Overnight summer camps registration usually opens in late November. Day camp registration usually opens in early January.

Learn about YMCA of Metro Chicago camps, including:

• YMCA Camp Duncan
• YMCA Camp MacLean
• YMCA Camp Independence
• YMCA Summer Day Camp
• YMCA Family Camp Nawakwa – A year-round family place
• YMCA Camp Pinewood

Mercy Housing is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to providing affordable housing. Mercy Housing offers affordable rental properties in the Chicago area to low- and moderate-income families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities. Its programs include:

• Supportive housing for the formerly unhoused
• Transitional housing
• Permanent rental
• Affordable homeownership

Each Mercy Housing community has its own leasing office and its own application process. Use the search tool to find a list of communities and search by city. If you have general questions about low-income assistance, please contact the corporate office at (866) 338-0557.