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Accessibility Resources

  • Project LEAP – Launching Equity in Access to Preschool

    Equip for Equality’s Project LEAP (Launching Equity in Access to Preschool) helps children with disabilities from birth to 6 get Early Intervention and early childhood special education services so that they’re ready to succeed in school. Project LEAP can help your child:

    • Move from Early Intervention to early childhood education
    • Receive the tests needed for special education services
    • Access behavior supports and assistive technology

    Project LEAP can also go to your child’s Individual Education Program (IEP) meetings, mediation and due process hearings in select cases.

    For more information or to schedule a time to talk, please contact:

  • Project Mobility

    Project Mobility is a nonprofit organization that offers recreational events using specialized bicycles for people with disabilities. Its professional staff works with families, rehabilitative professionals and organizations to promote better health, independence, and most of all the freedom of mobility for people with physical disabilities.

    Project Mobility also does an Adaptive Bike Giveaway.  Please fill out Project Mobility’s Adaptive Bike Giveaway form to receive information and be added to the waitlist.

  • RAMP Disability Resources and Services – Center for Independent Living (CIL)

    RAMP (RAMP-CIL) is a non-profit, non-residential Center for Independent Living (CIL). It welcomes anyone with a disability, regardless of the type of disability, age, or economic status. The organization serves Boone, DeKalb, Stephenson and Winnebago counties. RAMP-CIL services for youth and adults include:
    • Information and referral
    • Youth education and advocacy
    • Portable ramp loans
    • Independent living skills training
    • Bus training and public transportation skills
    • Employment services
    • Fast Track Transition services for youth
    • Project SEARCH school-to-work program transition program

    For questions, please see RAMP’s website for specific contact information and office hours.

  • Rebuilding Together

    Rebuilding Together is a nationwide nonprofit providing critical, high-impact home repair and renovation services at no cost to eligible homeowners in need. Organization affiliates focus on community projects aimed at improving safety, quality of life and independence for all people. Illinois affiliates are located in Aurora, Henry County, Metro Chicago, North Suburban Chicago, Peoria, Southwest Illinois, and Stephenson County.

    Use the Rebuilding Together locator to get up-to-date information for each location. Rebuilding Together services may include:

    • Ramps and home repair services targeting significant safety and health hazards
    • Minor repairs and modifications such as installing grab bars and securing or installing interior and exterior railings
    • Community projects based on input from residents and other stakeholders

  • Regional Transportation Authority’s Accessible Transit Information

    The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) coordinates the Chicago region’s transportation system. The RTA website’s Accessible Transit page includes information about how the transit system is accessible, how to apply for certification for Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Paratransit services, and how to learn to use the system and achieve travel independence.

    You can also visit the RTA’s Travel Assistance Digital Library to access documents about these programs in English and Spanish.

    RTA’s Mobility Outreach Program also works with organizations that serve and offer programs to people with disabilities and older adults to ensure they are aware of their transit options.

  • Resources for Inclusion in Physical Activity for Youth with Disabilities

    The National Center on Health, Physical Activity, and Disability (NCHPAD), at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) School of Health Professions, provides individuals with disabilities, families and caregivers, professionals and communities with information, research and the tools needed to promote health and create inclusive environments for all.

    NCHPAD offers videos and resources for children and adults with disabilities and mobility limitations on topics including:

    • Fun and leisure
    • Physical activity
    • Healthy eating and nutrition
    • Mindfulness and more

    For questions, please email nchpad@uab.edu or call (866) 866-8896.

  • Resources for Voters With Disabilities

    The U.S. Election Assistance Commission created this comprehensive list of resources for voters with disabilities, which includes links to voting accessibility laws and regulations and the latest best practices and research pertaining to voters with disabilities.

  • Resources on Sexual Violence Against People With Disabilities for Self-Advocates, Families and Health Care Professionals

    The Arc’s Talk About Sexual Violence project provides materials and practical tools to help health care professionals, people with disabilities, and their families and supporters learn about the depth of the problem, support victims and work to prevent it.

    Talk About Sexual Violence seeks to empower survivors with disabilities in the reporting process and give health care professionals the tools to more effectively identify victims, connect them to appropriate services, help build their self-advocacy skills and better prevent sexual violence.

    In addition to the “Starting the Conversation Toolkit for Self-Advocates,”  put together by Self-Advocacy Resource and Technical Assistance Center (SARTAC), resources include short training videos for healthcare professionals, tools to help guide conversations and more.

  • Rising Lights Project

    Rising Lights Project is dedicated to creating environments for individuals affected by disability to learn, laugh, thrive and engage with the Fox Valley Community.

    Rising Lights Project provides opportunities that engage, encourage, educate and empower people from all areas of the community to change the way disability is viewed and create new opportunities to keep those with disability engaged and connected. The project hosts inclusive events that are accessible and sensory-friendly for all ages.

    For questions about events or programs, visit the Rising Lights Project contact us page.

  • Sensory-Friendly Travel at Chicago’s Airports

    Chicago O’Hare and Midway International airports offer videos, social stories, sensory maps, accessibility guides and other resources to help travelers with sensory sensitivities or who are neurodivergent feel more comfortable and confident throughout their journey.

    Visit the sensory section of FlyChicago.com to find:

    • Short videos that show what to expect at different stages of the airport journey
    • Step-by-step guides with visuals to prepare travelers for the airport experience
    • Visual guides of O’Hare and Midway that highlight high- and low-sensory areas
    • Details about sensory bags available at information desks