Accessibility Resources
Lifespan Disability Clinic in Chicago
UI Health’s Lifespan Disability Clinic provides one-stop, comprehensive primary care for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Lifespan Disability Clinic is a welcoming space that aims to collaborate with each individual to achieve their personal goals, such as obtaining appropriate accommodations, coordinating care and supporting the transition to adulthood.
The Lifespan Disability Clinic has two locations. Services include:
- Primary care (routine health exams)
- Support for the transition to adulthood
- Care coordination
- Education and resources
The Lions of Illinois Foundation is a nonprofit charitable organization that serves people throughout Illinois with vision and hearing needs. Programs and services include Camp Lions, children’s vision screenings, and help with accessing vision and hearing services and equipment.
See the Lions Club Programs and Services brochure for more details.
Visit the Lions of Illinois Foundation Social Services page to learn more about how Lions Clubs statewide can help provide vision and hearing services or to fill out an application.
For questions, please contact the Lions Club of Illinois Foundation at (815) 756-5633 or (815) 756-5633 V/TTY RELAY.
Little Friends, Inc. provides programs and supports to empower children and adults with autism and developmental disabilities, and their families, to live, learn, work and thrive in their communities. Little Friends serves individuals and families throughout ten counties and more than 50 school districts across Illinois. Programs include:
- Schools, educational and vocational training programs
- Respite family services
- Community-based residential living
- The Center for Autism
- Inklude Studio
- The Fun Club
- Family Support Network
For questions, visit Little Friend’s Contact Us page or call (630) 355.6533.
Living Independently Now Center Incorporated of Southern Illinois (LINC Inc.)
The Living Independently Now Center of Southern Illinois Incorporated (LINC Inc.) provides support and resources for individuals with disabilities and their families in St. Clair, Monroe and Randolph counties. LINC Inc. has offices in Swansea and Red Bud. Its resources and programs include:
- Deaf and hard-of-hearing services
- Assistive technology equipment loan program
- Community reintegration
- Computer literacy
- Mental health resources
- Peer-to-peer counseling and support groups
- Respite care program for active duty Air Force and Navy families
For questions, please contact LINC Inc. at (618) 282-2123 or support@lincinc.org.
Lyft Wheelchair-Accessible Ride Share Service in Chicago
In Chicago, Lyft can provide a wheelchair-accessible vehicle (WAV) that will fit a fixed-frame wheelchair. Through the Lyft app, riders can choose the ride type called “Wheelchair.” This option will pair riders with available drivers who can accommodate a non-folding or motorized wheelchair or scooter. Pickup and drop-off locations must be within Chicago city limits.
Wheelchair rides aren’t available in every market yet. Please visit Lyft’s website to learn more about using their app and wheelchair service areas.
Magic Wheelchair is a nonprofit organization that builds costumes for children and youth in wheelchairs at no cost to families.
To be eligible for a Magic Wheelchair costume, a child must be between 5 and 17 years old and primarily use a wheelchair for mobility.
Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities (MOPD) – City of Chicago
The Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities (MOPD) provides education and training, benefits counseling, information and referral, direct services and more to help foster accessibility, full participation and equal opportunities for people with disabilities.
MOPD services and programs include:
- The HomeMod accessibility modifications program
- Independent living supports
- Accessibility requests and compliance
- Youth services
- A career center
- Transportation, emergency preparedness and more
Misericordia is a not-for-profit corporation providing a community of support, employment and living options for people with mild to profound developmental and physical disabilities. It currently provides residential services for more than 600 children and adults on its 37-acre Chicago campus and in the community. Programs focus on helping residents live as independently as possible and explore their interests, including:
- Building life and employment skills
- Art classes and studio time
- Gardening and greenhouse management
- Recreational opportunities and more
Misericordia residential settings include:
- CILAs (Community Integrated Living Arrangements for small groups in neighborhood homes outside Misericordia’s main campus)
- On-campus apartments
- Group homes on campus
- A skilled nursing residence
For questions, please see Misericordia’s Contact Us page or call (773) 973-6300.
National Center on Deafblindness
The National Center on Deafblindness (NCDB) is part of a network of projects for children and youth with deaf-blindness (birth through 21), providing information and learning and development tools for families and educators. NCDB resources include:
- An overview of deaf-blindness
- Practice guides and professional development
- Spanish resources
NCDB includes state deaf-blind projects in every state, Puerto Rico, the District of Columbia, the Pacific Basin and the Virgin Islands. For questions regarding Illinois, visit the Illinois Deafblind Project website for more details.
The National Disability Institute (NDI) collaborates with organizations nationwide to empower people with disabilities and their families to make informed financial decisions and build a better future. NDI offers a wide variety of webinars, tip sheets, information and resources to help people with disabilities achieve employment, financial stability and independence.
NDI resources include:
- The Financial Resilience Center (FRC)
- Guides on funding and selecting accessible transportation
- Financial wellness worksheets and quick reference guides
- Live and on-demand webinars and training
If you have questions, please email info@ndi-inc.org or call (202) 296-2040.

