Resource Directory /

Peoria Resources

  • Disability Resource Center in Joliet

    The Disability Resource Center provides advocacy, peer support groups, S.K.I.L.L.S. independent living classes, visual impairment services, seminars, workshops and more for people with disabilities in Will and Grundy counties.

    Programs also include:

    • Deaf and hard of hearing services
    • Information and referral (I&R) for accessible housing, where to buy assistive devices, how to secure a sign language interpreter and more
    • Assistive technology for children up to age 23
    • Personal assistance program and information

  • Illinois Disability Benefits 101

    Illinois Disability Benefits 101 is a free, user-friendly, Illinois-specific website that helps work through the myths and confusion of Social Security benefits, health care, employment and more. It is a one-stop shop for information, resources, and tools to motivate and support employment and community inclusion for individuals with disabilities, their families and professionals.

  • Warm Neighbors, Cool Friends Energy Assistance Foundation Program

    Warm Neighbors Cool Friends (WNCF) Energy Assistance Foundation provides year-round help with energy bills and making homes more energy efficient for income-qualified families.  The program helps low-to-moderate-income individuals and families who don’t qualify for federal assistance.  Visit the WNCF website to learn about:

    • Income and eligibility guidelines
    • Program coverage areas
    • Help for weatherizing your home
    • Energy bill payment programs

  • Achieving Independence and Mobility Center for Independent Living (AIM-CIL)

    Achieving Independence and Mobility Center for Independent Living (AIM-CIL) provides training, peer support, information and referrals, community development and advocacy services to help individuals with disabilities participate in all aspects of family, social and community life. AIM-CIL serves residents with disabilities and their families in DuPage, Kane and Kendall counties. 

    Other AIM-CIL programs include:

    • Assistive Technology Program – Individuals/families can apply to receive up to $500 for an authorized device(s). Only one device per person/per household.
    • Educational Scholarship Program – Students can get up to $1,000 for college or trade school registration/application/lab fees, books and/or class tuition. Only one scholarship per student/household. Please refer AIM-CIL’s website for specific requirements and deadline dates.

  • Swann Center in Champaign

    Swann Special Care Center is a non-profit organization located in Champaign that offers residential and educational programs for people with severe and profound intellectual disabilities.  Its programs serve residents from throughout Illinois and include residential nursing care, adult day training and an accredited year-round school. Swann Special Care Center also offers:

    • Restorative and long-term habilitation
    • Palliative and end-of-life care
    • Evaluation on an individual and ongoing basis
    • Physical, occupational and speech therapies

  • RCADD Back-to-School Resources / Recursos para el regreso a clases

    The Resource Center for Autism & Developmental Delays’ (RCADD) Virtual Resource Room offers back-to-school resources for parents/caregivers and their children with autism and/or neurodiversity. Resources in English and Spanish to help with a new school year include:

    • Tip sheets- Hojas de consejos
    • Schedules and routines materials- Horarios & rutinas
    • Social stories- Historias sociales
    • Visual supports – Apoyos visuales
    • Structured activities- Actividades estructuradas

  • Illinois Student Records Keeper: For Parents of Students Who Receive Special Education Services

    The Illinois Student Records Keeper booklet from the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) is for parents to use to keep important information about their child and their special education and related services. It is a companion to A Parent’s Guide – Educational Rights and Responsibilities: Understanding Special Education in Illinois.​​​​​​​

    Records play an important role as you plan your child’s education. Dates, people, meetings and reports are important throughout your child’s educational career. ISBE developed the records keeper to help parents prepare for Individualized Education Program (IEP) and transition meetings; get ready for evaluations and reevaluations; and keep track of paperwork and other materials.

  • Special Education Assessment Tip Sheet and Resource List

    Family members and early care and education providers are adults who notice when the children in their care may have disabilities or developmental delays and would benefit from special education services.

    The Illinois Early Learning Project’s Special Education Assessment tip sheet series is a helpful tool for learning more about the steps in that process. The IEL also provides an Assessment for Special Education resource list.

  • “Camp Free to Be” Day Camp in Peoria

    The Heart of Illinois Special Recreation Association’s (HISRA) “Camp Free to Be” is for children with multiple and/or severe disabilities ages 4 to 21.  This day camp runs Monday through Friday, providing eight weeks of fun and exciting activities.

    Camp Free to Be matches campers with staff members to ensure their success and can also accommodate a 1:1 ratio. A typical camp day runs from 8:30 am. to 4 p.m. Registration usually opens in February and closes on May 1.

    The Heart of Illinois Special Recreation Association (HISRA) is a cooperative extension of the Chilicothe, Morton, Peoria and Washington park districts to provide quality recreation programming and inclusion services.