Resource Directory /

Accessibility Resources

  • The KASE Project

    The KASE Project aims to raise awareness and support for autism through community outreach in the Springfield area. Its programs include:

    • PECS (Picture Exchange Communication) at the Park – an initiative to install picture communication boards at local parks and playgrounds.
    • PALS (Parent Autism Life Support) – a caregiver support initiative for parents, siblings and caregivers of children and adults with autism in Sangamon County. PALS currently hosts a support group for moms.
    • FLASH (Friends Learning and Sharing Hope) – an effort to bring adaptive sports to the Chatham community and beyond.
    • SIBS – A Sibshops program for siblings of children with health, mental health and developmental needs.

    For questions, please contact the KASE Project at info@thekaseproject.org.

  • The Kids Equipment Network

    The Kids Equipment Network (TKEN) is a non-profit organization that connects children with disabilities to 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

    For questions, please contact TKEN at (630) 766-0505, Ext. 6 or info@tken.org.

  • Thumbuddy Special

    Thumbuddy Special is a non-profit organization founded by a group of special education teachers and therapists to raise funds to provide adaptive equipment for children with special needs.

    Thumbuddy Special supplies equipment such as wheelchairs, walkers, bath chairs, adapted bikes, ramps and computers. In addition, the nonprofit offers scholarships to children to attend local special recreation camps in the summer.

    For questions, please call Thumbuddy Special at (630) 212-3419.

  • Thunder Adaptive Sports

    Thunder Adaptive Sports, based in McLean County, is a volunteer-driven, non-profit organization that offers adaptive sports for youth and adults with physical disabilities and/or medical diagnoses. The group strives to help everyone participate in sports, including sled hockey, cycling, and track and field. There is no cost to participate at the recreational level.

    The Thunder Adaptive Sports “family” includes:

    • The Central Illinois Sled Hockey Association (CISHA) – a volunteer, non-profit organization offering recreational and competitive sled hockey for youth and adult players with physical disabilities throughout the central Illinois region. Families do not pay to participate. CISHA provides sleds, hockey equipment, team jerseys and ice time.

    For questions, updates and more information:

  • Timber Pointe Outdoor Center in Hudson

    Timber Pointe Outdoor Center (TPOC) offers specialized lodging, staff and programming modified to accommodate kids and adults of all abilities. The center provides year-round opportunities for individuals with disabilities and illnesses to experience a fun, safe and accessible environment with family and friends.

    Owned and operated by Easterseals Central Illinois, Timber Pointe Outdoor Center programs include:

    • Day and overnight summer camps
    • Partner group camps
    • Weekend family retreats
    • Facility rentals

    For more information, please contact TPOC at (309) 365-8021 or TPOC@eastersealsci.com.

  • U.S. Department of Education

    The U.S. Department of Education is America’s education agency. Its website includes guidance, resources and technical assistance related to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

    IDEA is a law that makes available a free appropriate public education to eligible children with disabilities throughout the nation and ensures special education and related services to those children, supports early intervention services for infants and toddlers and their families, and awards competitive discretionary grants.

  • Uber WAV (Wheelchair Accessible Van) Ride Service in Chicago

    Uber WAV provides affordable rides in wheelchair accessible vehicles to individuals using motorized wheelchairs or scooters in Chicago. Uber WAV driver-partners complete training courses covering driver safety and how to help riders with assistive devices as they enter and exit the vehicle. Drivers must also provide service to riders with service animals.

    Uber WAV is not available everywhere. Riders with folding wheelchairs can request a ride using other options available through the Uber app. Learn more about Uber’s accessibility programs on its website.

  • UCP – Center for Disability Services

    UCP – Center for Disability Services (UCP-CDS) in Joliet serves individuals with severe, multiple disabilities including autism, epilepsy, traumatic brain injury, orthopedic impairment and other developmental disabilities. UCP-CDS provides its services in a five-county area including Will, Kankakee, Grundy, Kendall and Iroquois.

    UCP-CDS also provides in-home respite for families of individuals with developmental disabilities.  Participants enrolled in the In-Home Respite Program may receive up to 360 hours per year. The participant cannot be enrolled in a state waiver program. The family must find their own respite provider and be located in Will or Grundy counties. For more information, contact Kassandra Farley at (815) 744-3500, extension 202.

  • UCP Seguin of Greater Chicago

    UCP Seguin of Greater Chicago is a charitable not-for-profit agency serving individuals with disabilities in metropolitan Chicago and beyond.

    Its services include employment and community day services for adults, residential services for adults, children’s foster care, assistive technology and accessibility services, and more.

    For questions, please contact UCP Seguin of Greater Chicago using the online form or call (708) 863-3803.

  • UIC College of Dentistry Inclusive Care Clinic in Chicago

    The Inclusive Care Clinic (ICC) at the University of Illinois Chicago’s College of Dentistry offers comprehensive, preventive and integrated (multidisciplinary) dental treatment for patients 15 years of age or older with a wide range of physical and developmental disabilities. The ICC serves individuals with autism, physical disabilities, intellectual and developmental disabilities, and behavioral and other conditions.

    The clinic includes:

    • A sensory room
    • A wheelchair lift
    • Private treatment rooms
    • Noise-cancelling headphones
    • Personal entertainment tablets
    • Weighted blankets

    For questions, please contact ICC at (312) 355-1641.