Resource Directory /

Accessibility Resources

  • Autism McLean Resource Directory

    Autism McLean offers parent-centered training and support, community events for families, grants and scholarships, and an autism resource directory. The directory includes:

    • Personal stories
    • Local health, education and service providers
    • Transportation contacts
    • Camps and recreation opportunities
    • State and national organizations
    • Books, magazines and newsletters

    For questions, comments, resources, or needs please email Autism McLean at info@autismmclean.org.

  • Autistic Self Advocacy Network

    The Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) is a nonprofit organization run by and for autistic people. ASAN works to promote a more inclusive society for people with autism and to change the way people think about autism. ASAN provides:

    • Information about autism
    • Plain English toolkits
    • Accessibility resources
    • Self-advocacy resources and leadership training

    For questions, please visit ASAN’s Contact Us page for details about who to contact.

  • Blue Envelope Program in McLean County

    The Blue Envelope Program is a free, voluntary statewide initiative offered in partnership with the Normal Police Department in Normal, Ill. The program aims to support safer, less stressful interactions between law enforcement and individuals who may experience communication challenges, disabilities, sensory differences or severe anxiety. Participants can use a Blue Envelope to store identification, vehicle information, emergency contact information and communication preferences.

    The envelope also serves as a visual cue to law enforcement that an individual may benefit from additional communication support or accommodations during an interaction.

    Visit the Normal Police Department’s Blue Envelope Program page for a list of locations where Blue Envelopes are available.

    You can also email Autism McLean at info@autismmclean.org to request an envelope or more information.

     

  • Brenda Holzer Memorial Foundation

    The Brenda Holzer Memorial Foundation is a nonprofit organization that works directly with families, school districts and other organizations to help children with disabilities. It supports children with disabilities by improving accessibility, advocating for understanding and lending a loving hand to those in need in Kendall County and the surrounding areas.

    You can print the Brenda Holzer Memorial Foundation Application for Support or contact the foundation using the Contact Us form.

  • Bryon Riesch Paralysis Foundation

    The Bryon Riesch Paralysis Foundation provides financial assistance to people of all ages with spinal cord injury and neurological disorders. It also offers funding for medical research. Financial assistance includes post-high school education scholarships and charitable grants to help pay for items such as van modifications, wheelchairs and ramps.

    The foundation awards scholarships annually. It reviews charitable grants quarterly in January, March, June, and September. Wisconsin residents receive priority. Individuals anywhere in the United States may receive financial assistance depending on available funds. For program applications and more information, visit:

  • Bus Training from RAMP

    RAMP Center for Independent Living (RAMP CIL) helps people with disabilities learn how to use public transportation in Rockford and Belvidere through a cooperative effort with the Rockford Mass Transit District (RMTD). RAMP CIL can help individuals learn how to navigate fixed-route buses, read schedules and transition from paratransit to regular service. 

    For more information, contact RAMP CIL at (815) 968-7467. Phone hours are:

    • Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 to 4 p.m.
    • Friday, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

  • Center for Accessibility and Neurodiversity at Illinois Valley Community College in Oglesby

    The Center for Accessibility and Neurodiversity (CAN) at Illinois Valley Community College in Oglesby provides a wide range of supports and services to empower diverse learners. CAN services include:

    CAN is on the Oglesby Campus in room C-211. It is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. You can also make an appointment by contacting Tina Hardy at (815) 224-0284 or tina_hardy@ivcc.edu.

  • Center for Parent Information and Resources (formerly NICHCY)

    The Center for Parent Information and Resources (CPIR) is a central “hub” for the network of Parent Centers serving families of children with disabilities nationwide. Materials on CPIR’s website are user-centered and created for and by Parent Centers across the country to support and provide services to the families they serve. Resources include parent guides, training materials, information on special education and transition planning, webinars and more. CPIR also provides information in Spanish to help parents understand specific disabilities, the special education process, and where to find help.

    CPIR also offers:

    • A family-friendly resource library
    • A monthly e-newsletter featuring new resources, upcoming events, and materials to share
    • Native American resources
    • The Office of Special Education Program (OSEP)’s Glossary of Common Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Terms in Spanish and in Korean
    • An events calendar
    • A Parent Center locator tool

    For questions, please visit CPIR’s contact page.

  • Central Illinois Public Transit

    Central Illinois Public Transit (CIPT) provides reliable and timely transportation that is wheelchair-accessible and compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The program serves Christian, Clay, Effingham, Fayette, Montgomery, Moultrie and Shelby counties.

    For rides or more information, call (855) 755-CIPT (2478) or TTY 7-1-1.

  • Challenged Athletes Foundation

    The Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF) believes that involvement in sports at any level increases self-esteem, encourages independence and enhances quality of life. CAF provides several grant programs, events and support to people with physical challenges who are pursuing active lifestyles through physical fitness and competitive athletics. CAF resources include:

    • Grants to help pay for sports prostheses, adaptive sports equipment, coaching and competition expenses
    • Adaptive sports videos
    • A list of adaptive sports organizations and collegiate programs
    • Information about adaptive sports equipment

    For questions, use the contact page on CAF’s website or call (858) 866-0959.