Resource Directory /

Rockford Resources

  • Pace Transportation Services for People with Disabilities in the Chicago Area

    Pace provides a range of inclusive transportation services throughout Chicago and the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) region (Cook, DuPage, Lake, Kane, McHenry and Will counties). Pace services include free fixed route bus rides for Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-certified riders, the Rideshare Access Program (RAP), ADA paratransit options and the Dial-a-Ride program throughout the suburbs.

    You must reserve ADA paratransit options in advance. These options are for riders whose health condition or disability prevents them from using fixed route services.

    Visit the Pace website for more information about its transportation services and training programs for people with disabilities in Chicago and the suburbs.

  • The Kids Equipment Network

    The Kids Equipment Network (TKEN) is a non-profit organization connecting children with disabilities with new and gently-used durable, adaptive equipment at no cost. Illinois families with children from birth to 21 can fill out an application to request equipment. TKEN then seeks equipment matching the child’s needs. The family is invited to a fitting clinic when the equipment becomes available.

    Volunteers provide free monthly clinics for custom-fitting equipment in Chicago and the suburbs. Families can request items including:

    • Strollers
    • Wheelchairs
    • Bath and toilet systems
    • Crutches
    • Canes and more

  • Ariana Rye Foundation

    The Ariana Rye Foundation helps children up to age 18 with developmental disabilities and complex medical medical needs get equipment to foster their social, mental and physical development. Families in need, from anywhere in the United States, can apply for help. Requests for equipment can include feeding or bath chairs, car seats, adaptive strollers, mats, wedges, specialty swings, sensory equipment and more.

    The application, requirements for applying, and the annual application deadline are posted on its website.

    Families can apply once per year. The one-time equipment grant provides up to $1000 per child.

  • Brave Health Online Mental Health Services

    Brave Health provides online mental health services and accepts more than 200 insurance plans, including Medicaid and Medicare. Physicians, nurse practitioners, therapists and counselors with specialized training in mental health care provide care virtually in English and Spanish. Services include one-on-one and group therapy sessions, medication management, specialized programs and help managing complex medical and behavioral health challenges for adults and youth ages 13 and up.

    Brave Health has a closed-loop referral process and also accepts patients who do not have insurance. Patients, referrers and providers can visit Brave Health’s website for information on how to get started and other resources.

  • Kids in Need of McHenry County

    Kids in Need of McHenry County (KINMC) helps foster families with clothing, school supplies, playdates, birthdays and more. KINMC also provides a variety of supports and services for intact families, kinship placements and other families who are referred by case workers, social workers and other service agencies. Its programs include:

    • The Second Bridge resource program and distribution center where families can shop for clothing and supplies for free
    • A safe space for children to visit with their biological families and receive therapy, and caregivers can receive parent coaching
    • Back-to-school and holidays events

    Families can register for help on KINMC’s website.

  • United Leukodystrophy Foundation

    The United Leukodystrophy Foundation (ULF) is a nonprofit providing leukodystrophy patients and their families with support and resources. ULF can help families with finding medical care, genetic counseling, networking and financial assistance. It also provides funding for medical research each year.

    ULF is based in Dekalb, Ill. Its Services and supports also include:

  • Autism Speaks Transition to Adulthood Resources

    Autism Speaks offers autistic teens and their families inspiration, information, toolkits and support for creating a roadmap for their transition to adulthood journey. Its transition planning tools for individuals and their families include:

  • Charting the LifeCourse Nexus Training and Technical Resource Center

    Charting the LifeCourse Nexus or LifeCourse Nexus framework was developed by families to help individuals with disabilities at any age or stage of life and their families develop a vision for a good life. LifeCourse Nexus provides free infographics, YouTube videos and step-by-step tip sheets to help people of all ages and abilities with identifying their dreams and desires, thinking about what they need to know and do, identifying how to find or develop supports, and discovering what it takes to live the lives they want to live.

    The LifeCourse Nexus Library features a wide range of downloadable materials to help with the transition from school to community, including:

    • Person-centered tools for exploring your desires and unique needs
    • The family perspective booklet and tip sheets
    • Kits (The Life Domains) focusing on life stages and exploring employment, healthy living, housing options and other areas
    • Videos and step-by-step tip sheets on using the Integrated Supports Star tools to bring everything together