General Resources
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Special Needs Chicago Transportation Services
Special Needs Chicago provides individuals with physical and/or cognitive challenges throughout Chicago and the suburbs with wheelchair-accessible transportation.
Special Opportunities Available in Recreation (SOAR)
SOAR is a community-based therapeutic recreation program. Leisure, social and developmental skills are emphasized to promote the highest level of recreation participation possible.
Check the website for eligibility, transportation options, and the calendar of events.
Special Recreation Associations in Illinois
The Special Recreation Associations Network of Illinois (SRANI) is a network of therapeutic recreation agencies. Special Recreation Associations provide community-based special recreation services to children and adults with disabilities. You can see a list of special recreation cooperatives available in Illinois.
For more information, visit the SRANI website.
Springfield Park District – LEAP Program
LEAP offers adaptive recreation programs for individuals with disabilities.
Links to state government and state agencies.
State Title V Program contact information, provided by the Maternal & Child Health Bureau of the Health Resources & Services Administration. Each state has a Title V program that serves children with special health care needs.
Telecommunications Relay Services Information in American Sign Language
Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS) allow people who are deaf, hard of hearing, deafblind or have speech disabilities to communicate by telephone.
The Federal Communications Commission’s American Sign Language video walks you through the various TRS systems available.
The ADA National Network Disability Law Handbook
This handbook is meant to provide basic information about disability rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) as well as resources for finding out more.
Empowers persons with disabilities to achieve full participation in community life.
The Arc of Illinois Consumer Stipend Program
The Arc of Illinois, through a grant from the Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities, administers the Consumer Stipend Program and distributes consumer stipend funds to enable people with developmental disabilities and their family members to attend conferences of their choice that are directly related to developmental disability issues.
Due to the pandemic, there is a need for training, important meetings and conferences to be virtual. This program will now allow stipends to pay for the assistive technology needed to attend virtual events.