Rockin’ the Spectrum is a non-profit helping families and their loved ones with autism and other developmental disabilities. The organization works to promote autism acceptance and inclusion for all ages, and provides a space where loved one can be themselves and families can learn together in a judgment-free environment.

Located in McHenry County, Rockin The Spectrum provides:

• The Clubhouse, an indoor sensory play area
• Support, resources and advocacy
• A day program for youth 18 and older

Loving Bottoms Diaper Bank works with 26 partner agencies in Fulton, Hancock, Henderson, Henry, Knox, McDonough, Mercer, Peoria, Tazewell, Stark, and Warren counties. In addition to diapers, they provide period supplies and incontinence products.

For help, use this list to contact the partner agency closest to you. You can also visit the Loving Bottoms Diaper Bank FAQ page on their website for more information.

Specialized Equine Services and Therapeutic Riding (SES) at Giant City Stables provides opportunities for people with physical and/or emotional disabilities to improve their well-being through riding and working with horses. Children age 4 and up and adults are welcome.

SES at Giant City Stables is a non-profit organization. Scholarships and grants are available for eligible families. For more information, please call (618) 529-4110 or email rachelle@sestherapy.com.

The Illinois Center for Transition and Work (ICTW) provides support to special educators, related services personnel and administrators by providing statewide training and technical assistance. ICTW strives to improve employment outcomes by focusing on preparing students with extensive support needs for the transition from high school to employment.

The ICTW website offers information and webinars on a wide range of resources, including:

• Customized employment
• Pathways to employment
• Building self-determination skills
• Transition assessment tools
• The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act
• Work-based learning experiences

The Illinois School-to-Work Transition Guide is a comprehensive resource for transition-age students and their families as they plan for the transition from school to adult life. This user-friendly guide provides clear, up-to-date information about the transition process with a focus on the transition from school to work. The guide is designed to be a key resource for Illinois students, parents/guardians, teachers, school administrators, guidance and vocational rehabilitation counselors, and other school-based and adult services providers.

The guide includes information specific to Illinois for the school-to-work (STW) transition, such as:

• Key individuals and their roles and responsibilities
• Important steps and stages in the STW transition process
• Key terms and definitions
• Legal aspects
• Helpful guidelines and resources

NeuroJourney is an educational resource for parents, caregivers and clinicians navigating the ever-evolving needs of children with severe neurological impairment (SNI).

You can find both practical and medical information and insights from parents and clinicians about the social and emotional experiences common to having a child with SNI. Resources include a Caregiver Worksheet as well as guidance to help build the care team, prompts for conversations with specialists and more.

Caregivers needing support can find a variety of help at AgeGuide Northeastern Illinois.  Several programs offer respite, legal services, counseling, financial help, training programs and more.

Caregivers in DuPage, Grundy, Kane, Kankakee, Kendall, Lake, McHenry and Will counties may be eligible.

The Heart of Illinois Down Syndrome Association offers support and information to help families adjust to the special needs of a child with Down syndrome. Its programs and resources for families and caregivers include Individual Education Program (IEP) resource providers, conference and classroom stipends, and events to increase inclusion and understanding of people with Down syndrome.

The association’s service area in central Illinois includes Peoria, Marshall, Tazewell and Woodford counties.

The Tengelsen Family Foundation Sports for Kids program promotes fitness, independence, friendship and fun for kids ages 7 to 17 with a diagnosed physical impairment. Kids can try a wide range of year-round adaptive sports and arts, social, and cultural recreation and camp programs.

Opportunities include:

•  Year-round programs
• Junior competitive sports
• Weekend programs

The National Association for Down Syndrome (NADS) serves individuals with Down syndrome and their families. NADS’ website provides a variety of webinars, publications and resources for the Chicago metropolitan area and beyond.

NADS also offers a “Congratulations Basket and Referral Program.” Please note that the organization can only deliver baskets to specific Chicago-area hospitals.