Transition: Independence Resources
RAMP helps people with disabilities learn how to use public transportation in Rockford and Belvidere through a cooperative effort with the Rockford Mass Transit District.
Center for Disability and Elder Law
The Center for Disability and Elder Law (CDEL) provides free legal services to low-income seniors and people with disabilities throughout Cook County. CDEL offers programs and appointments at community sites on matters including:
- Adult guardianship
- Financial and housing stability
- Estate and end-of-life planning
- Divorce
Central Illinois Public Transit
Central Illinois Public Transit provides reliable and timely transportation that is wheelchair-accessible and compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The program serves the counties of Christian, Clay, Effingham, Fayette, Montgomery, Moultrie and Shelby.
Charting the LifeCourse Nexus Training and Technical Resource Center
Charting the LifeCourse Nexus or LifeCourse Nexus framework was developed by families to help individuals with disabilities at any age or stage of life and their families develop a vision for a good life. LifeCourse Nexus provides free infographics, YouTube videos and step-by-step tip sheets to help people of all ages and abilities with identifying their dreams and desires, thinking about what they need to know and do, identifying how to find or develop supports, and discovering what it takes to live the lives they want to live.
The LifeCourse Nexus Library features a wide range of downloadable materials to help with the transition from school to community, including:
- Person-centered tools for exploring your desires and unique needs
- The family perspective booklet and tip sheets
- Kits (The Life Domains) focusing on life stages and exploring employment, healthy living, housing options and other areas
- Videos and step-by-step tip sheets on using the Integrated Supports Star tools to bring everything together
The Secretary of State’s Office offers an Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) Communication Wallet Card to help notify law enforcement that a person may have difficulty communicating. Applicant’s may request the wallet card at any Illinois Secretary of State Driver’s License Facility.
The wallet card is available to notify law enforcement in advance that a person may require alternative methods of communication in order to respond to and communicate with an officer.
Create Your Own Communication Card
The Illinois Deaf and Hard of Hearing Commission developed the Communication Card to provide individuals with hearing loss a simple way to inform others of their communication needs and list the name and contact information of their preferred communication provider. You can create your very own personalized Communication Card on their website.
Developmental Disabilities Employment
The Illinois Department of Human Services’ Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) seeks to maximize opportunities for people with developmental disabilities to work in competitive integrated employment.
The resources on this website provide the latest information on the Division’s efforts toward employment for people with developmental disabilities. It includes a list of DDD Supported Employment providers that also provide employment services funded by the Division of Rehabilitation Services. The list aims to help individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities understand the option available to them when searching for an employment supports provider.
Developmental Disabilities Transition Resources for Southern Illinois
Southern Illinois Case Coordination Services (SICCS) provides this Developmental Disability Transition Resources guide to provide an overview of the person-first services and supports for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.
SICCS serves Alexander, Bond, Clay, Clinton, Crawford, Edwards, Fayette, Franklin, Gallatin, Hamilton, Hardin, Jackson, Jasper, Jefferson, Johnson, Lawrence, Marion, Massac, Monroe, Perry, Pope, Pulaski, Randolph, Richland, Saline, Union, Wabash, Washington, Wayne, White and Williamson counties.
Available services include PUNS (Prioritization for Urgency of Need for Services). PUNS is the name for the list of the people in Illinois with developmental disabilities who want or need services but do not yet have funding.
Disability Vote IL provides voting resources and information for the disability community. The site offers updated nonpartisan videos, webinars and information on elections, how to register to vote, and promoting accessibility of voting technology and polling places. The website also includes information about:
- The Be My Eyes app that helps people who are blind or have vision impairments with voting
- Transportation to the polls
- In-person, nursing home and hospital voting
- Important dates
Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS)
The Illinois Department of Human Services’ Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) helps people with disabilities achieve full community participation through employment, education and independent living opportunities.
Use the DORS office locator to find an office near you or call:
You can also apply online for DRS services.