Transition: Independence Resources
Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation
The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation is a nonprofit dedicated to curing spinal cord injury by advancing innovative research and improving quality of life for individuals and families impacted by paralysis.
The website includes:
- A search tool for finding local resources and organizations that support people living with paralysis
- A paralysis resource guide
- Comprehensive resources and support for people living with paralysis and their caregivers
- Information on the inclusive “Outdoors for Everyone” initiative
The Illinois Client Assistance Program (CAP) is a federally funded program that helps persons with disabilities understand and use rehabilitation services. The program:
- Informs and advises individuals of the services and benefits available to them through programs authorized under the Rehabilitation Act and Title 1 of the Americans with Disabilities Act
- Advocates and provides assistance for people seeking programs and services provided for within the Rehabilitation Act
- Helps to identify and resolve problems that may arise during the rehabilitation process
- Identifies problem areas in providing rehabilitation services and makes suggestions for improving services
Those eligible for CAP are:
- Anyone seeking information, applying for services or already receiving services from the Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS), the Vocational Rehabilitation and the Centers for Independent Living
- Persons who are dissatisfied with the services they are receiving, or who have been denied services for which they may be eligible
- Persons needing intervention or assistance in their relationships with programs providing rehabilitation service
For more information about CAP, call (855) 452-2725 (1-855-ILCAP-25). TTY and Relay callers can dial 711. You can also email cap@equipforequality.org or visit equipforequality.org/cap for more details.
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 for People With Hearing Loss
The Illinois Deaf and Hard of Hearing Commission (IDHHC) provides a template to create a personalized Communication Card for people with hearing loss. The card helps others understand your communication needs and lists your preferred communication provider’s name and contact information. To create a personalized Communication Card, visit the “Create my own Communication Card” page on IDHHC’s website.
For more information, contact the IDHHC:
- Voice: (217) 557-4495
- Video: (217) 303-8010
- TTY: (888) 261-2698
- DHH.Communications@Illinois.gov
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.
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:
- (877) 581-3690 Voice
- (866) 264-2149 TTY
- (312) 957-4881 (Please note this is a video phone number)
You can also apply online for DRS services.
DSCC and Illinois LEND’s Transition Resources for Hispanic Teens in the Chicago Area
The transition to adulthood can be a challenging time for both adolescents and their parents. These challenges can be more difficult when the adolescent has a disability.
Illinois LEND (Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and related Disabilities) and the Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) partnered to provide helpful information about the unique challenges Hispanic families can face during the transition to adulthood. This resource list is aimed at transition-age teenagers and their families in the Chicago area:
DSCC Emergency Preparedness Tip Sheet
Emergencies like power outages and weather events can be especially dangerous for individuals with complex medical needs. This tip sheet from the Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) helps with emergency knowledge and disaster planning. It includes important considerations for emergency situations as well as a resource toolbox with expert advice for pediatric, disability and/or advanced healthcare needs.
DSCC’s Adolescence Changing Roles Tip Sheet
Adolescence is a time of change for the whole family. The Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) created this tip sheet to help youth with special healthcare needs and their families support healthy mental, emotional and behavioral (MEB) development, and find ways to cope during this time of change.