Resource Directory /

General Resources

  • Arts of Life

    Arts of Life is a non-profit organization offering an artistic community and work environment for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Chicagoland pursuing a career in art. Art of Life has three professional art studios. Artists have their own studio space and work independently from individualized project plans or receive one-to-one visual arts help to increase their artistic skill set. Artists earn a monthly stipend for participating in the program and bonuses based on personal annual art sales.

    Arts of Life offers opportunities for artists to work in one of its professional studios, in classes at partner art centers or in their homes. It brings together artists from 40-plus zip codes to work in community in West Town, Woodlawn, Glenview, Evanston, and Highland Park.

  • Aspire

    Aspire partners with people with disabilities to explore new possibilities in living, learning and working. Programs focus on furthering diversity, inclusion, and life and career skills for adults with developmental disabilities throughout Chicagoland and surrounding suburbs, southeast Wisconsin and virtually. Aspire services and programs include:

    • Community homes
    • Independent living support
    • Life enrichment
    • Virtual life coaching
    • Job training and support

  • Assistive Technology Fund

    The Association of Blind Citizens operates the Assistive Technology Fund. The fund will provide funds to cover 50 percent of the retail price of adaptive devices or software. The ABC board of directors believes that this program will allow blind and visually impaired individuals access to technology products that will have a significant impact on improving employment opportunities, increase the level of independence and enhance their overall quality of life.

  • Assistive Technology Resources

    The Illinois State Library provides a list of programs and organizations that can help support assistive technology needs.

    Assistive technology is “any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities.” This includes devices like wheelchairs, laptop computers and even a grip on a pencil or a special can-opener.

  • Association for Individual Development (AID)

    The Association for Individual Development (AID) serves individuals with developmental, intellectual, physical and/or mental health challenges, those who have suffered a trauma and those at risk. Operating in the greater Fox Valley area and other western suburban counties, AID provides services to address the unique needs of individuals throughout every stage of their lives.

    Programs include:

    • Autism programs
    • Permanent supportive housing and in-home support
    • Developmental and vocational training
    • Job placement and on-the-job coaching service
    • Crisis intervention and victim services
    • Mental health treatment

    AID is also a sponsor of the Ride in Kane paratransit program in partnership with RTA, Pace, Kane County, and local municipalities and social service agencies.

  • Aurora Community Resources for Displaced Residents

    The City of Aurora provides information on a wide variety of resources including housing, food, clothing and legal assistance.

  • Autism Eats

    Autism Eats provides autism-friendly non-judgmental environments for family dining, socializing and connecting with others who share similar joys and challenges. Autism Eats hosts dinners and events year-round. The also provide comprehensive autism awareness training and certification for restaurant management and staff.

    Autism Eats dinner parties:

    • Take place in private rooms of restaurants or function facilities.
    • Serve food buffet or family style so there is no waiting.
    • Adjust music and lighting to accommodate those with sensory sensitivity.

  • Autism McLean Resource Directory

    Autism McLean created an autism resource directory that is available electronically and as a booklet. The directory includes:

    • Personal stories
    • Local health, education and service providers
    • Transportation contacts
    • Camps and recreation opportunities
    • State and national organizations
    • Books, magazines and newsletters

    Download the resource directory here. For a hard copy of the directory, please contact Chuck Hartseil at chuck.hartseil@comcast.net.

  • Autism Speaks

    Autism Speaks is is dedicated to creating an inclusive world for all individuals with autism throughout their lifespan. Its website offers individuals with autism and their families information about autism, research and innovation, available resources and grants, advocacy and more. It includes:

    • Search features for finding information by topic, life stage, and the level of support needs (some support, moderate amount of support, intensive support) of the person with autism
    • A resource guide providing events, information and supports in your local community
    • Resources created specifically for self-advocates, parent/caregivers and professionals
    • A list of grants from national organizations offering support to families

  • Autism Speaks Transition to Adulthood Resources

    Autism Speaks offers autistic teens and their families inspiration, information, toolkits and support for creating a roadmap for their transition to adulthood journey. Its transition planning tools for individuals and their families include: