Resource Directory /

Accessibility Resources

  • Illinois State Board of Education

    The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) is state agency providing information and resources on all aspects of education, including early childhood, general education, special education and assistive technology.

  • Illinois Student Assistance Commission

    The Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) provides Illinois students with information and assistance to help make education beyond high school accessible and affordable.

    ISAC offers free comprehensive, objective, and timely information on education and financial aid for students and their families. Help includes:

    • The ISAC Student Portal with free online tools, events and resources for students, as well as short videos about college planning and financial aid.
    • State scholarship and grant programs
    • ISAC College Q&A, a free texting service that allows any student to submit their financial aid and college planning questions and receive a response from ISAC staff.

    ISAC also offers assistance through the agency’s call center at (800) 899-4722 (ISAC).

  • Illinois Valley Center for Independent Living (IVCIL) in Spring Valley

    The Illinois Valley Center for Independent Living (IVCIL) serves individuals with disabilities and their families living in LaSalle, Marshall, Bureau, Putnam, and Stark counties. Located in Spring Valley, IVCIL provides services and advocates for the rights of people with disabilities to choose what is best for themselves and their families.

    IVCIL also provides community grants. Individuals and agencies can apply year-round. Other IVCIL programs and services include:

    • Independent living and community services
    • Youth and transition services
    • Peer counseling
    • Personal assistant program
    • Site accessibility assessments

    For questions, call IVCIL at (815) 224 – 3126.

  • Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)

    The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is a law that makes a free appropriate public education available to eligible children with disabilities nationwide and ensures special education and related services for those children.

    The U.S. Department of Education’s IDEA website has information for parents, students, educators, service providers and more on resources for infants, toddlers, children and youth with disabilities. The site includes the IDEA Parents and Families Resource page.

  • Infinite Potential Through Technology (Infinitec)

    Infinite Potential Through Technology (Infinitec) brings assistive technology to people with disabilities in Illinois. Infinitec provides information about assistive technology as well as training, equipment and access to specialists and resources.

    Infinitec includes information about mobility devices, home modifications, independent living, orthotics and prosthetics, adaptive toys, adaptive sports, hearing resource guides, vision resource guides and more.

  • iTaalk Autism Foundation

    iTaalk (Interactive Technology Assisting Autistic Little Kids) Autism Foundation is a non-profit organization that provides resources, training and assistive technology to help individuals with autism and other disabilities develop greater independence at all stages of life.

    iTaalk’s App Facilitator Program provides grants to individuals of all ages and with all disabilities (not just autism) to help them access apps that are key to their communication. Applicants must own the device for which they are requesting apps.

    iTaalk also provides a searchable list of grants and resources for families of children with special needs.

    For questions, please contact iTaalk.

  • Job Accommodation Network

    The Job Accommodation Network (JAN) provides free consulting services for all employees, regardless of the condition. Services include one-on-one consultation about all aspects of job accommodations, including the accommodation process, accommodation ideas, product vendors, referral to other resources and Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance assistance.

  • Kelly Brush Foundation

    The Kelly Brush Foundation (KBF) inspires and empowers individuals with spinal cord injuries to live active and engaged lives. KBF programs include Active Fund grants, scholarships, camps and the Active Project connecting adaptive organizations and athletes nationwide.

    For questions, please call (802) 846-5298 or email info@kellybrushfoundation.org.

  • Lake County Center for Independent Living

    Lake County Center for Independent Living (LCCIL) is a non-residential, cross-disability organization governed and staffed by a majority of people with disabilities. The center advocates for a fully accessible society that is inclusive of everyone. LCCIL serves Lake and McHenry counties.

    LCCIL offers transition services to adults who want to live independently in their homes in the community and youth who seek a fully productive, independent life as they transition into adulthood. Programs include community transition services, pre-employment transition services and youth transition services.

  • LIFE Center for Independent Living

    Living Independence for Everyone (LIFE) Center for Independent Living (LIFE CIL) operates a wide variety of programs to support, mentor and advocate for disability rights and independent living for residents in DeWitt, Ford, Livingston and McLean counties.

    Centers for Independent Living (CILs) are nonprofit, nonresidential organizations that provide advocacy, peer support, information and referral, independent living skills training and transition services. Illinois has 22 CILs across the state. At least 51% of board and staff members at each CIL must be individuals with disabilities who are strong mentors and advocates for disability rights and independent living.

    LIFE CIL has two locations:

    • 2201 Eastland Drive, Suite 1, Bloomington, IL 61704
      Phone: (309) 663-5433 or (888) 543-3245
    • 216 N. Main St., Pontiac, IL 61764
      Phone: (815) 844-1132