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

For questions, please the Illinois Center for Transition and Work at (217) 333-2202 or contact-ictw@illinois.edu.

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.

For questions, please use the online form to contact the Courageous Family Network.

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 (HOIDSA) 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.

For questions, visit HOIDSA’s website contact page, call (309) 363-3125, or email info@hoidsa.org.

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

For questions and registration, please contact Kelsey LeFevour at klefevour02@sralab.org or (312) 238-6824. To participate in adaptive sports, participants must fill out Shirley Ryan AbilityLab’s intake form.

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.

For questions, contact NADS at (630) 325-9112 or info@nads.org.

Jack’s Basket supports new parents of a child with Down syndrome by providing information, a support system and a welcome basket to let them know they’re not alone. Baskets are available from the time of diagnosis (prenatal or at birth) up to the baby’s first birthday. Parents, friends, family members, healthcare providers, or Down syndrome organizations can request baskets.

The website also includes local and national resources to support people with Down syndrome and their families.

For questions, please contact Jack’s Basket at (651) 456-8321 or info@jacksbasket.org.

The Champaign County Down Syndrome Network (DSN) provides information and support to families who have members with Down syndrome in Champaign County and east-central Illinois.

DSN serves new parents, professionals and the general public to promote Down syndrome awareness and acceptance year-round.

Lincoln Land Down Syndrome Society (LLDSS) provides a support network for families residing in and around Sangamon County. LLDSS programs and events promote awareness, inclusion and education of people with Down syndrome.

LLDSS activities include monthly meetings, social gatherings and recreational opportunities.

For questions, please use the online form to contact LLDSS.

The Central Illinois Down Syndrome Organization (CIDSO) offers support, events and educational resources for families in McLean County who have loved ones with Down syndrome.

For questions, please visit CIDSO’s Contact Us page.