Transition: Independence Resources
The non-profit iCan Dream Center in Tinley Park connects youth with intellectual disabilities, autism and various learning difficulties in suburban Chicago to holistic, innovative special education services. The center offers a welcoming education setting where neurodiverse youth have access to the skills, resources and opportunities necessary to thrive beyond their labels. iCan Dream Center programs include:
- Training
- Transition to adulthood support
- After-school recreational therapeutic programming for youth
- Once a month, cost-free Saturday Experiences for young adults
- Counseling
- Parent support group and more
For questions, please contact the iCan Dream Center at info@icandreamcenter.com or (708) 798-4200.
ILHousingSearch.org is a free bilingual online resource for renters and property providers in Illinois.
You can search for affordable, accessible and market-rate housing to fit your needs and budget.
For additional assistance, call (877) 428-8844 (toll-free) Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Dial 7-1-1 for TTY.
Illinois Assistive Technology Program
The Illinois Assistive Technology Program (IATP) provides expertise in assistive technology and accessible information technology to all Illinois residents of all ages with disabilities and/or health conditions including family members, friends and caregivers.
IATP provides assistive technology demonstrations and allows people to see, try and borrow devices before making a purchasing decision. IATP also allows people to donate or obtain gently used assistive technology devices.
IATP also offers classes and help in finding the right AT devices for your needs:
- Tech Kitchen offers cooking classes in a home-style kitchen showcasing accessibility and adapted tools. Classes are for individuals 14 and up with any disability.
- Smart Home Technology features a five-room interactive Smart Home display highlighting home automation. Experts in assistive technology can discuss your needs and help you compare different AT devices. This program focuses on serving individuals receiving services from the Illinois Department of Human Services, Division of Rehabilitation Services (IDHS-DRS).
- IATP Makers provides custom AT devices and open-source 3D printer files for Illinois residents.
For questions, visit the contact page on IATP’s website.
Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities
The Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities (CDD) helps lead change in Illinois so all people with developmental disabilities exercise their right to equal opportunity and freedom.
ICDD provides information, investments and initiatives to ensure that people with developmental disabilities and their families have a part in the design of and access to culturally competent services, supports and other assistance and opportunities that promote independence, productivity and integration and inclusion into the community.
For more information, see CDD’s Frequently Asked Questions page.
Illinois Division of Developmental Disability (DDD) Services
Illinois’ Division of Developmental Disability (DDD) Services system offers services including day services, home-based services, Early Intervention services, disability determination services and other supports.
Visit the Developmental Disability Services page for more information. You can also contact:
- (888) 337-5267
- (866) 376-8446 (TTY)
- DHS.DDDComments@illinois.gov
Illinois Epilepsy Support and Resources
Streator Unlimited Inc.’s Illinois Epilepsy Support and Resources provides services to anyone of any age with epilepsy or a seizure disorder who resides in its service area of central and northwest Illinois. Its services include:
- Peer support and support groups
- Caregiver support
- Help to navigate insurance and benefits
- Medical service support
- Access to counseling
- Vocational support
- Help to coordinate transportation
For more details, email epilepsy@streatorunlimited.org or call (815) 673-5574.
The Illinois Life Span (ILS) Program is a program of The Arc of Illinois that provides statewide resources and information, focused on developmental disability services and supports.
Its website includes a resource locator that can help you find resources in your county and statewide.
You can call ILS at (800) 588-7002.
Illinois Network of Centers for Independent Living
The Illinois Network of Centers for Independent Living (INCIL) supports 22 Centers for Independent Living (CILs) across the state. The goal of these non-profit organizations is to provide community-based, non-residential support for people with disabilities so they may achieve independence in every aspect of their lives, including home, work and school.
INCIL also oversees the Home Modification Program that provides funding for improvements to make eligible homes and rental properties more accessible.
Fill out INCIL’s contact form or call (217) 525-1308 or (800) 587-1227 for more information.
Illinois Resources for Voters With Disabilities
The U.S. Vote Foundation’s Illinois Voters with Disabilities Guide offers valuable resources, including information on accessible voting options, voter rights and guidance on the voting process. This Illinois guide empowers individuals to exercise their right to vote in a private, independent and accessible way.
The U.S. Vote Foundation is a private, nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that provides voter information for each state.
For more information, you can also contact the help desk team for individual, personalized answers to your voting questions.
Illinois Valley Industries helps adults with intellectual, sensory, physical and developmental disabilities participate in their community, live independently, contribute to society and enhance the quality of their lives. Illinois Valley Industries programs for Grundy County residents include community day services, self-direction assistance, community employment and personal support services.
For questions or more information, contact Illinois Valley Industries at (815) 942-6133 or info@ivigrundy.com.