Resource Directory /

Education Resources

  • Easterseals Serving Chicagoland and Greater Rockford

    Easterseals Serving Chicagoland and Greater Rockford offers community-based, comprehensive services and supports to individuals in the city of Chicago, surrounding suburban Cook County, and the Rockford area. Programs focusing on early learning and disability services include autism services and supports, diagnostic services, early intervention and education programs, teen and young parent services, respite care, employment opportunities, and additional support services.

    Easterseals Serving Chicagoland and Greater Rockford services and programs include:

    For more information, visit the Easterseals Serving Chicagoland and Greater Rockford’s website contact page.

  • El Valor

    El Valor is a non-profit, community-based organization serving children, people with disabilities and their families in the Chicagoland area. El Valor offers education programs focusing on early education, inclusion, employment and self-sufficiency for individuals of all ages with different abilities.

    It also provides families a variety of enrichment opportunities including certification classes, first aid, parenting seminars and family support groups. Services are available in English and Spanish.

    For questions, please contact El Valor at (312) 666-4511, TTY at (312) 666-3361 or info@elvalor.net.

  • Elmhurst Learning and Success Academy (ELSA)

    Elmhurst Learning and Success Academy (ELSA) is a four-year, post-secondary certificate program for young adults aged 18-28 with disabilities. Elsa students can live on campus or commute and participate in on-campus activities alongside their degree-seeking peers.

    If you have any questions, please call (630) 617-3752 or email elsa@elmhurst.edu.

  • EngineerGirl

    EngineerGirl focuses on diversity of thought and the many opportunities engineering represents for girls and women. The EngineerGirl website includes inspiration, information about women engineers and their achievements, “Try This” design challenges, a writing contest, summer study programs for high school students and more.

    Visit its website for information about engineering scholarships and the EngineeringGirl annual writing contest.

    For questions, please email EngineerGirl@nae.edu.

  • Equip for Equality

    Equip for Equality‘s mission is to advance the human and civil rights of children and adults with disabilities. It is the federally mandated, governor-appointed protection and advocacy organization for the state of Illinois. It works to remove barriers in education, employment, housing, transportation and government services for Illinois residents and create model programs for other organizations around the country.

    Equip for Equality offers assistance in areas including:

    • School and education rights
    • Employment rights
    • Fully participating in the community and discrimination
    • Leaving residential facilities
    • Legal services and more

    For more information or to request help, call (312) 341-0022 or (800) 537-2632. You can also complete Equip for Equality’s Online Intake Form.

  • Equip for Equality’s IEP Guide and Special Education Rights Parents Helpline

    Equip for Equality provides information and resources to help parents and caregivers understand special education rights in Illinois and requirements under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Printable guides in a frequently asked questions format are available on a wide range of topics.

    Equip for Equality’s online Individual Education Program (IEP) guide can help caregivers understand what an IEP is, why it’s helpful, and how and when to get one for your child.

    Have more questions? Call Equip for Equality’s free Special Education Rights Parent Helpline at (866) KIDS-046 (1-866-543-7046) or fill out the Online Intake Form.

    Equip for Equality’s attorneys can:

    • Explain special education and answer questions about your child’s rights
    • Give you sample letters and help you write letters to your school
    • Go to IEP meetings, mediations and due process hearings in some cases
    • Help with school discipline, expulsion hearings and more

     

  • ERIC: Education Resources Information Center

    ERIC is an online library of education research and information, sponsored by the Institute of Education Sciences of the U.S. Department of Education.

  • Erie House

    Erie House is a social services nonprofit organization that aims to provide the most comprehensive support immigrant and low-income families in Chicago need to thrive. Its services include:

    • Legal service: Its in-house team of attorneys and legal representatives helps clients navigate the U.S. citizenship and immigration system, keeping families together, and allowing them to achieve a greater sense of security.
    • Mental health: Clinical therapists provide free, individual, social-emotional and behavioral counseling services to support children, teens, adults and families when they need it most. 
    • Children and youth: Erie House works with young people from infancy through high school graduation to equip them with tools and resources to build a bright future, including educational programs and activities, mentoring and family support. 
    • Adult education and training: Through foundational academic and professional programs like ESL (English as a Second Language), civics education, workforce development and more, Erie House aims to provide the tools adults need for long-term success. 
    •  Community wellness and support services: Erie House offers workshops, support groups and counseling, all through a trauma-informed and culturally-sensitive lens. 

    Visit the Erie House website for a list of its locations throughout Chicago and the contact form.

  • Exceptional Learners Collaborative

    The Exceptional Learners’ Collaborative (ELC) is a special education cooperative and joint agreement between four school districts in Vernon Hills, Ill. (Lake County). The ELC provides services to students with special needs, ages 3 through 22. Its website offers information and resources on transition, employment, housing, mental health, parent advocacy and empowerment, the One Community parent-to-parent support group and more.

    ELC provides services and support in communities including Buffalo Grove, Kildeer, Long Grove, Lincolnshire, Riverwoods, Prairie View, Hawthorn Woods, Vernon Hills, Mundelein, Lake Zurich, Mettawa, Fox Lake, and Spring Grove.

    If you have any questions, please call (224) 513-6444.

  • Family Matters Parent Training and Information Center

    Family Matters Parent Training and Information Center (Family Matters PTIC) empowers parents and professionals to achieve the strongest possible outcomes and enhance the quality of life for children and young adults with disabilities. Family Matters PTIC offers coaching, referral, parent-to-parent support, Educational Surrogate Parent training and more.

    Family Matters PTIC services and programs include: