Education Resources
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 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‘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.
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:
- A monthly event calendar highlighting webinars and training opportunities
- Self-advocacy resources
- Videos
- Educational coaching and support for families and self-advocates
Find Help Southern Illinois connects people to area programs and services, including:
- Food and basic needs, such as food pantries, baby supplies, clothing and home goods
- Housing and shelter options
- Healthcare services, including medical, dental and vision care and transportation to health care
- Addiction and recovery support
- Mental well-being services
- Financial assistance for child care, transportation, medical supplies and more
- Education and employment programs
- Legal assistance
Use the search filter to find the help you need in your community—sort by “closest” to receive the local information first.
The resource hub is an initiative of Southern Illinois Healthcare, Healthy Southern Illinois Delta Network and the Southern Illinois Coalition for Children and Families. The hub also receives support from the McKinney Vento Program for the Homeless Region V, Carbondale Elementary School District 95, Herrin Community Unit School District 4 Family Outreach Program, and the Carbondale Community Cabinet for Children and Youth with funding provided by Birth to Five Illinois.
Finding Help for Young Children With Disabilities and Developmental Delays
Every child is unique, and some children face extra physical or learning challenges. Parents often have questions about sources of information and support. This Finding Help for Young Children With Disabilities and Developmental Delays resource list from the Illinois Early Learning Project shares information for parents on how to get your child evaluated, how to get special education services for your child and where to find more information to support children with autism, Down syndrome, hearing loss and vision loss.