Resource Directory /

General Resources

  • Warm Neighbors, Cool Friends Energy Assistance Foundation Program

    Warm Neighbors Cool Friends (WNCF) Energy Assistance Foundation provides year-round help with energy bills and making homes more energy efficient for income-qualified families.  The program helps low-to-moderate-income individuals and families who don’t qualify for federal assistance.  Visit the WNCF website to learn about:

    • Income and eligibility guidelines
    • Program coverage areas
    • Help for weatherizing your home
    • Energy bill payment programs

  • Western DuPage Special Recreation Association

    Western DuPage Special Recreation Association (WDSRA) provides recreation and social opportunities for individuals with a wide range of disabilities. From ages 3 to their senior years, individuals can enjoy adaptive sports, athletics, camps, social clubs, trips and more. WDSRA is a cooperative extension of nine park districts and serves the communities/member districts of Bloomingdale, Carol Stream, Glen Ellyn, Naperville, Roselle, Warrenville, West Chicago, Wheaton, and Winfield.

    WDSRA programs include:

    • Rec & Roll for individuals ages 22 to 55 with an intellectual disability
    • Adaptive sports and athletic programming
    • Camps
    • Cultural arts
    • Social programs and clubs
    • Trips and special events

  • What is Autism? Q and A

    For parents and teachers who wish to learn more about autism to better support children and families in the autism community, the Illinois Early Learning Project (IEL) provides “What is Autism?”

    This question-and-answer style document includes information about the prevalence and defining characteristics of autism, community- and school-based supports and links to additional resources.

  • Will-Grundy Transition Planning Committee

    The Will-Grundy Transition Planning Committee strives to connect families to community-based services and providers for students and adults with disabilities. Made up of schools, agencies and not-for-profit organizations, the group is working together to improve vocational transition from education to jobs for all learners but particularly for individuals with disabilities.

    The Will-Grundy Transition Planning Committee provides:

    • Educational events
    • A resource directory covering Will, Grundy and Kendall counties
    • Recorded videos on a variety of topics
    • Information about community resources and service providers grouped by type (advocacy, assistive technology, etc.)

  • Without Limits – Team Galaxy in St. Clair County

    Without Limits – Team Galaxy provides an inclusive environment where individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families can enjoy a wide range of recreational activities and free, monthly social events at the Swansea Moose Lodge 1221. The organization provides outreach and advocacy to ensure that people with disabilities can live, work, learn and play in communities in and around St. Clair County. Membership is $50 a year. Financial assistance is available.

    Participants can build skills and enjoy activities that include:

    • Drama and theater activities
    • Cheer team
    • Dance classes and company ($5 per class)
    • Special Olympics
    • Special sports clinics
    • Summer camps and more

  • YMCA Diverse Abilities Programs in Cass and Clay Counties

    Diverse Abilities – YMCA of Cass and Clay Counties provides programs to ensure that everyone, regardless of ability, age or background, can thrive. Diverse Abilities offers an opportunity for individuals with Down syndrome, cerebral palsy and other special needs to participate in a wide range of classes and activities based on their needs and comfort level. Its programs include:

    • Art
    • Fitness
    • Monthly social hours
    • Swimming

  • YMCA Diverse Abilities Programs in Springfield

    Diverse Abilities – YMCA provides a wide variety of programs to ensure that everyone, regardless of ability, age or background, can thrive. Diverse Abilities offers an opportunity for individuals with Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and other special needs to participate in a wide wide range of classes and activities based on their needs and comfort level.

    Diverse Abilities-YMCA programs include:

    • SNAP (Special Needs Aquatics Program)
    • Gymnastics
    • Saturday Strikers providing friends, developing new skills, and learning to navigate the everyday world in a safe and welcoming environment.
    • Sports

  • YMCA Diverse Abilities Swim Lessons in Decatur

    Decatur Family YMCA provides swim lessons and aquatics programming for individuals with diverse abilities to ensure participants of all needs and skill levels are able to learn water safety and enjoy the pool. These lessons are tailored towards the skills of each participant. Instructors communicate with parents even more than usual to ensure that each swimmer is working towards an agreed upon goal.

  • Your Vote Counts: A Self-Advocate’s Guide to Voting in the U.S.

    The Autistic Self Advocacy Network has “Your Vote Counts: A Self-Advocate’s Guide to Voting in the U.S.” that includes how to get ready to vote and how to get accommodations when voting.

  • “All About Me” Page Templates

    It’s important for everyone involved in your child’s care to understand their needs and what makes them unique. The Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) has created “All About Me” Pages that you can personalize to help anyone on your care team and beyond get to know your child. These free templates highlight what works best for your child, what they like and dislike and who they are as a person.

    There are a variety of designs to choose from to help you capture your child’s personality. You can share them with doctors, nurses, schools, other caregivers and more. Templates are available in both English and Spanish.