Chicago Resources
Least Restrictive Environment Inclusion Toolkit for Families of Young Children With Disabilities
Early CHOICES’ Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) Inclusion Toolkit aims to help families of children with disabilities navigate the early childhood system to ensure their child is included in the LRE. Whether you’re just beginning your journey or looking for specific support, this toolkit will empower you to champion inclusion for your child.
The LRE Inclusion Toolkit includes:
- Evidence for the benefits of inclusion
- Federal guidance for inclusion
- Resources with links and guidance to help you understand and use the tools effectively
- Bolded keywords throughout the document that you can easily find in the “Glossary” at the end of the toolkit
- QR codes for each of the embedded links
DSCC’s Transdev Transportation Prior Approval Tip Sheet
Medicaid will pay for transportation to and from appointments that Medicaid covers. For example, Medicaid will pay the cost for a trip to see a specialist.
This tip sheet from the Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) explains how to use Transdev to submit prior approvals for transportation.
EngineerGirl focuses on diversity of thought and the many opportunities engineering represents for girls and women. The EngineerGirl website includes inspiration, information about women engineers and their achievements, “Try This” design challenges, a writing contest, summer study programs for high school students and more. EngineerGirl offers girls interested in problem-solving and engineering.
Visit its website for information about engineering scholarships and the EngineeringGirl annual writing contest.
Aspire partners with people with disabilities to explore new possibilities in living, learning and working. Programs focus on furthering diversity, inclusion, and life and career skills for adults with developmental disabilities throughout Chicagoland and surrounding suburbs, southeast Wisconsin and virtually. Aspire services and programs include:
- Community homes
- Independent living support
- Life enrichment
- Virtual life coaching
- Job training and support
Independent Living Radio/Radio Vida Independiente
Independent Living Radio/Radio Vida Independiente broadcasts 24 hours a day, seven days a week via the internet. The station aims to promote inclusion and awareness about issues related to disability. In addition to music, the station provides programs in English and Spanish on topics including:
- Adaptive technology
- Disability programs and services
- Employment
- Laws
- Activities around the world
Progress Center for Independent Living Serving Suburban Cook County
The Progress Center for Independent Living serves over 133 municipalities throughout suburban Cook County. It is a community-based, non-profit, non-residential service and advocacy organization operated for people with disabilities, by people with disabilities. Progress Center provides a variety of training and education services, housing assistance, and tools and resources for people with disabilities to live independently in their own homes. These include:
- Youth transition to adulthood program
- Independent living skills training
- Peer counseling
- Housing assistance
- Deaf services
- Braille classes
- Radio Independent Living 24/7
The United Spinal Association empowers and advocates for wheelchair users and people with spinal cord injuries and disorders (SCI/D) nationwide. The organization provides local chapters, disability resources, peer support, a manual wheelchair guide and app, a health equity checklist and toolkit and more. Its resources include:
- The United Spinal Association of Illinois
- Peer support groups and mentorship programs (in-person or virtual)
- Equipment or supply closet/loan program
- Regular social events and activities
- Individual grants to members
- The Disability Etiquette Guide to download and share
The High Fives Foundation focuses on preventing life-changing injuries and providing resources for outdoor adventure sports athletes if they happen. High Fives provides community support, inspiration and grants to help athletes and veterans with spinal cord injuries (SCI), traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and others get back to their outdoor physical activity of choice from snowboarding and skiing to surfing and mountain biking and beyond.
The High Fives Foundation Empowerment Fund grants are primarily need-based. Recipients can use the grant funds for adaptive sports equipment, healing network, medical equipment, programs, living expenses and emergency care/injury expenses. Athletes living in the United States or Canada and meeting the criteria for each grant cycle can apply each year.
Bryon Riesch Paralysis Foundation
The Bryon Riesch Paralysis Foundation provides financial assistance to people of all ages with spinal cord injury and neurological disorders. It also offers funding for medical research. Financial assistance includes post-high school education scholarships and charitable grants to help pay for items such as van modifications, wheelchairs and ramps.
The foundation awards scholarships annually. It reviews charitable grants quarterly in January, March, June, and September. Wisconsin residents receive priority. Individuals anywhere in the United States may receive financial assistance depending on available funds. For program applications and more information, visit:
Access Living is the Center for Independent Living (CIL) that serves the city of Chicago. All of its programs and services revolve around one central belief: that people with disabilities have the right to live the lives they choose for themselves in an accessible, integrated world.
Its five core services include:
- Advocacy
- Independent living skills
- Transition support
- Peer support
- Information and referral