Resource Directory /

Accessibility Resources

  • Sunshine Foundation

    The Sunshine Foundation helps make dreams come true for children ages 3 to 18 who have severe or profound illnesses or conditions. Referrals can come from anywhere in the United States for children with severe or profound physical/developmental/intellectual challenges or trauma from physical/sexual abuse and whose families have limited income.

    Dream requests can include:

    • Staying at the Sunshine Foundation Dream Village and visiting area theme parks and attractions
    • Funding towards a special gift or item of interest
    • Funding towards medical or adaptive equipment that insurance may not cover

    For questions, please contact the Sunshine Foundation by emailing dreamvillage@sunshinefoundation.org or info@sunshinefoundation.org.

  • Swift Outdoor Accessible Recreation (S.O.A.R.) Foundation

    The Swift Outdoor Accessible Recreation (S.O.A.R.) Foundation provides outdoor events and financial assistance to organizations and individuals who struggle to afford adaptive equipment or participate in outdoor recreation programs.

    The individual grant is open to people of all ages. It covers specific modifications or equipment needs that will help get you outdoors. Eligible items include:

    • Wheelchair outdoor tires and attachments
    • Vehicle modifications (i.e., hand controls or lifts)
    • Exercise (FES Bike, Standing Frame) or recreational equipment
    • Small home modifications (including a ramp)

    Applicants must reside in the United States. They also must demonstrate financial need and may be required to provide documentation.

    Applications are accepted year-round and reviewed quarterly.

  • Telecommunications Relay Services Information in American Sign Language

    Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS) allow people who are deaf, hard of hearing, deafblind or have speech disabilities to communicate by telephone.

    The Federal Communications Commission’s American Sign Language video walks you through the various TRS systems available.

  • The Arc of Illinois

    The Arc of Illinois advocates for and empowers people with disabilities and their families to reach their goals and fully participate in community life. The Arc of Illinois provides information, resources, family support, and training to help make Illinois a place where people with disabilities can learn, play, work, and live in communities across the state.

    The Arc of Illinois’ services and programs include:

    • The Illinois Life Span program
    • Children’s services and caregiver support
    • Monthly webinars
    • Assistive technology resources
    • The Arc of Illinois fact sheets and more

    For questions, please contact The Arc of Illinois using the online form or call  (815) 464-1832.

  • The Chicago Lighthouse

    The Chicago Lighthouse is a social service organization serving the blind, visually impaired, disabled and veteran communities. It provides vision rehabilitation services, education, employment opportunities and assistive technology for people of all ages throughout Chicagoland. It also provides housing opportunities for income-eligible households for individuals with disabilities. National and statewide resources include help with college, brailler repair, employment, recreation, service animals and more.

    The organization’s Lader Family Scholarship Program is open to Illinois residents who are blind or visually impaired, as well as Chicago Lighthouse employees who are blind, visually impaired, have another disability or are veterans. You can learn more about the Lader Family Scholarship and other scholarship opportunities on the Chicago Lighthouse website.

  • 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.