Resource Directory /

General Resources

  • Pace Transportation Services for People with Disabilities in the Chicago Area

    Pace provides a range of inclusive transportation services throughout Chicago and the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) region (Cook, DuPage, Lake, Kane, McHenry and Will counties). Pace services include free fixed route bus rides for Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-certified riders, the Rideshare Access Program (RAP), ADA paratransit options and the Dial-a-Ride program throughout the suburbs.

    You must reserve ADA paratransit options in advance. These options are for riders whose health condition or disability prevents them from using fixed route services.

    Visit the Pace website for more information about its transportation services and training programs for people with disabilities in Chicago and the suburbs.

    For questions, please visit Pace’s Contact Us page. You can also call:

    • (847) 364-7223 for help in English
    • (847) 228-3575 asistencia en español

  • PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center

    PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center provides resources and information regarding the bullying and harassment of students with disabilities.

  • Package of Hope for NICU Families

    Lily’s Hope Foundation offers free customized care packages to families with premature babies either in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) or when they are being discharged.

    Its Package of Hope program provides packages customized to a family’s specific needs. Packages also include a sibling care package and an emergency needs package.

    Packages are shipped throughout the United States based on availability. One Package of Hope per family.

  • Parents Alliance Employment Project

    Parents Alliance Employment Project (PAEP) provides training and resources to help people with disabilities find competitive employment in DuPage, Cook, DeKalb, McHenry, Kane, Kendall, Lake and Will counties.

    PAEP youth training programs provide education, daily living and vocational training. PAEP also provides adult services offering career counseling, job training and preparation, job development, job placement, job coaching, support and follow-up services.

    In addition, PAEP works closely with employers to understand their recruiting, hiring and retention needs and provides information to help them increase diversity and meet their workforce needs.

  • Parents Helping Parents

    Parents Helping Parents (PHP) is a nonprofit organization providing training, individual assistance, information, and resources for raising a child of any age with any disability or special needs diagnosis.

  • Pediatric First Aid and Safety Training for Teachers and Caregivers

    The American Academy of Pediatrics’ “Pediatric First Aid and Safety Training for Teachers and Caregivers” online course is for anyone who works with or cares for infants and children. The six-unit training provides caregivers with an understanding of first aid and safety procedures, recognizing everyday medical emergencies and providing care for an injury or illness until professional help arrives.

    Each unit takes about an hour to complete. You can complete the course at your own pace. The course costs $25 and is available through March 30, 2028. It covers:

    • Administering mental health first aid
    • Effectively communicating with emergency responders
    • Disaster planning
    • Identifying and managing common pediatric medical emergencies
    • Using first aid equipment and child-specific procedures for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)

  • People First: A Guide to Interacting With People With Disabilities

    The Illinois Department of Human Services’ Division of Rehabilitation Services (IDHS/DRS) is dedicated to empowering people with disabilities in becoming full participants in our society.

    With “People First: A Guide to Interacting with People With Disabilities,” IDHS/DRS provides general etiquette tips and information on people-first language to foster respect and inclusion for people with disabilities.

  • Peoples Gas Payment Arrangements and Energy Assistance

    If you cannot pay your energy bill due to financial difficulties, Peoples Gas has flexible payment arrangement plans or energy assistance options that may help.

  • Peoria Friendship House/La Familia

    The Peoria Friendship House offers wraparound services to empower families and meet changing community needs. Its services include a program supporting the Latino community, citizenship classes, a food pantry, health support services and youth programs. The Peoria Friendship House also provides:

    For more information, call (309) 671-5200 or email ceo@friendship.house.

  • Portable Medical Summary

    A portable medical summary is helpful for summarizing your medical information in one to two pages. You can use this summary across healthcare systems, including:

    • With the emergency department
    • In the transition to adult providers
    • With your college campus health services and more

    The summary can help provide quick and concise communication with all providers involved in your care as you transition to adulthood.