Easterseals has a Voting Checklist for People with Disabilities to help people with disabilities make sure their voice is heard at the polls. The checklist explains how to learn about elections in your area, your rights as a voter with a disability,  what to do if your rights are being violated and more. You can also download a voting resource card to take with you to the polls.

Beautiful Lives Project gives people with disabilities the opportunity to actively participate in activities and events that may not have been available to them previously due to physical or facility limitations.

The project creates immersive events aimed at defeating isolation within the disabled community and sparking deeper conversations about the value of integrating individuals with disabilities into the workforce. The organization works with companies, sports teams and community organizations to host free community events for individuals with disabilities of all ages throughout Illinois and beyond.

These events aim to help to defeat isolation today, break down social biases tomorrow and generate long-term actions that will create a better quality of life for people with disabilities and special needs in the future. Each unique event provides the opportunity to experience sports, performing arts, visual arts, nature or wellness in an inclusive environment.

Holly’s House of Hope helps young adults with disabilities who had an Individualized Education Program (IEP) and are on the PUNS (Prioritization of Urgency of Needs) waiting list build job skills, socialize and engage in their community. It offers skill assessment, vocational training, life skills, employment placement in inclusive environments and social interaction.

Holly’s House of Hope partners with local ministries and agencies to help participants gain skills, find joy and serve others in need throughout the community.

Project Sweet Peas is a national non-profit organization providing support to families and caregivers of premature or sick infants and families impacted by pregnancy and infant loss. Programs include neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) care packages, remembrance memory boxes, peer-to-peer support groups and NICU family financial aid, hospital events, remembrance vigils and educational materials.

Project Sweet Peas also offers:

• A NICU Family Navigation & Support (Project Sweet Peas) group on Facebook
• Journal workshop for NICU and bereaved parents
• Downloadable mental health worksheets
• A list of area locations nationwide

The Illinois FAIR Plan Association offers property insurance to qualified applicants in Illinois who are unable to buy insurance through the standard insurance market for reasons beyond their control. The FAIR Plan may be an answer for responsible property owners or homeowners who are having a problem obtaining property insurance in the standard market.

Many insured individuals use the FAIR Plan as a temporary market for a year or two until they qualify for coverage in the standard market.

The FAIR Plan offers Dwelling Property, Commercial Property and a broad range of Homeowners coverage for property owners, renters and condominium owners. Please visit the Illinois FAIR Plan Association website or call (312) 861-0385 for more details.

Every child is unique, and some children face extra physical or learning challenges. Parents often have questions about sources of information and support. This Finding Help for Young Children With Disabilities and Developmental Delays resource list from the Illinois Early Learning Project shares information for parents on how to get your child evaluated, how to get special education services for your child and where to find more information to support children with autism, Down syndrome, hearing loss and vision loss.

The Illinois Early Learning Project provides this Special Education and Inclusion in Early Care and Education resource list for early childhood special education and inclusive childcare for children ages 3 to 5 years old. The resources include tip sheets on choosing child care for infants and toddlers, choosing a preschool, inclusion in preschool classrooms and special education assessment for preschool-aged children.

The Autism Society Quad Cities aims to create connections, empowering everyone in the autism community with the resources they need to live fully. Its programs include educational workshops, grants, support groups for moms, support groups for young adults and the “Friendship Island” group for adolescents with autism spectrum disorder who are ages 12 to 18.

The Autism Society Quad Cities serves Rock Island and Henry counties in Illinois.

The Autism Society Greater Chicago’s mission is to create connections and empower the autism community with the resources they need to live fully. It provides information and support to individuals with autism and their families.

The Autism Society Greater Chicago’s website includes sensory-friendly programs and recreation opportunities in Chicago as well as resources focused on health and wellness, employment, housing, legal rights, interventions and therapies.

 

The Autism Society Southern Illinois promotes individual choices and self-determination for those living with autism by providing supportive programs designed to help maximize opportunities and quality of life.

It is based in Carbondale and provides support groups, education and training on autism-related topics, advocacy and recreation opportunities for families and adults with autism.