Rockford Resources
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
Illinois Center for Transition and Work
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
Illinois School-to-Work Transition Guide
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.
AgeGuide Northeastern Illinois – Caregiver Support
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.
Sports for Kids Recreation and Camp Programs
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
National Association for Down Syndrome
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.
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.
Increasing Community Access to Testing (ICATT) for COVID-19
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Increasing Community Access to Testing (ICATT) testing locator can help you find no-cost COVID-19 testing locations and contact information for the providers.
Every provider handles appointments differently. Please be sure to schedule your appointment directly with the provider you choose.
The Test to Treat site can help you be tested, treated and prescribed treatment for COVID-19 at little to no cost. The site provides information on accessing lifesaving treatments for COVID nationwide and contacting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) COVID-19 hotline and the Disability Information and Access Line (DIAL).