Accessibility Resources
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:
- Visit Thunder Adaptive Sports’ Contact Page
- Call Tim Kirk at (309) 261-2250
- Email thunderadaptivesports@gmail.com
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.
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 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.
UIC’s Institute on Disability and Human Development
The University of Illinois Chicago’s Institute on Disability and Human Development (IDHD) promotes community participation, health, empowerment and advocacy for people with disabilities and their families across all aspects of life. IDHD is part of the University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD) network for the state of Illinois.
UIC’s IDHD supports and services include:
- Webinars
- Services and clinics for individuals with disabilities, their families and professionals
- Research
- Continuing education
United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) promotes a life of inclusion and provides resources for individuals with cerebral palsy and other disabilities, their families and communities.
The UCP website has resources on topics such as assistive technology, housing and home modification, travel and transportation, education, caregiving, and more. You can also find UCP affiliates in Illinois.
Variety – The Children’s Charity of Illinois
Variety of Illinois helps children with disabilities and their families feel supported and included in their community. Variety provides inclusive and accessible activities, equipment and experiences to help children with disabilities have fun, learn and grow. Its programs include:
- Accessible activities for the whole family
- Providing adaptive and mobility equipment not covered by insurance for children with disabilities
- Encouraging participation in adaptive sports
- The Build-a-Bike program
Visit Variety of Illinois’s website to apply for a grant or sign up for its newsletter.
For questions, please contact Variety of Illinois at (312) 822-0660 or info@varietyofillinois.org.
