Resource Directory /

Transition: Independence Resources

  • iTaalk Autism Foundation

    iTaalk (Interactive Technology Assisting Autistic Little Kids) Autism Foundation is a non-profit organization that provides resources, training and assistive technology to help individuals with autism and other disabilities develop greater independence at all stages of life.

    iTaalk’s App Facilitator Program provides grants to individuals of all ages and with all disabilities (not just autism) to help them access apps that are key to their communication. Applicants must own the device for which they are requesting apps.

    iTaalk also provides a searchable list of grants and resources for families of children with special needs.

    For questions, please contact iTaalk.

  • Lake County Center for Independent Living

    Lake County Center for Independent Living (LCCIL) is a non-residential, cross-disability organization governed and staffed by a majority of people with disabilities. The center advocates for a fully accessible society that is inclusive of everyone. LCCIL serves Lake and McHenry counties.

    LCCIL offers transition services to adults who want to live independently in their homes in the community and youth who seek a fully productive, independent life as they transition into adulthood. Programs include community transition services, pre-employment transition services and youth transition services.

  • LaSalle/Putnam Educational Alliance for Special Education

    The LaSalle/Putnam Educational Alliance for Special Education‘s (LEASE-SPED) website provides quick links, event calendars and resources to help navigate the transition to adulthood, as well as training and educational resources for parents, students, social workers and educational professionals.

    The LaSalle/Putnam Educational Alliance for Special Education provides:

    For questions, please call (815) 433-6433 or email lease@lease-sped.org.

  • LIFE Center for Independent Living

    Living Independence for Everyone (LIFE) Center for Independent Living (LIFE CIL) operates a wide variety of programs to support, mentor and advocate for disability rights and independent living for residents in DeWitt, Ford, Livingston and McLean counties.

    Centers for Independent Living (CILs) are nonprofit, nonresidential organizations that provide advocacy, peer support, information and referral, independent living skills training and transition services. Illinois has 22 CILs across the state. At least 51% of board and staff members at each CIL must be individuals with disabilities who are strong mentors and advocates for disability rights and independent living.

    LIFE CIL has two locations:

    • 2201 Eastland Drive, Suite 1, Bloomington, IL 61704
      Phone: (309) 663-5433 or (888) 543-3245
    • 216 N. Main St., Pontiac, IL 61764
      Phone: (815) 844-1132

  • Little Friends

    Little Friends, Inc. provides programs and supports to empower children and adults with autism and developmental disabilities, and their families, to live, learn, work and thrive in their communities. Little Friends serves individuals and families throughout ten counties and more than 50 school districts across Illinois. Programs include:

    • Schools, educational and vocational training programs
    • Respite family services
    • Community-based residential living
    • The Center for Autism
    • Inklude Studio
    • The Fun Club
    • Family Support Network

    For questions, visit Little Friend’s Contact Us page or call (630) 355.6533.

  • Living Independently Now Center Incorporated of Southern Illinois (LINC Inc.)

    The Living Independently Now Center of Southern Illinois Incorporated (LINC Inc.) provides support and resources for individuals with disabilities and their families in St. Clair, Monroe and Randolph counties. LINC Inc. has offices in Swansea and Red Bud. Its resources and programs include:

    • Deaf and hard-of-hearing services
    • Assistive technology equipment loan program
    • Community reintegration
    • Computer literacy
    • Mental health resources
    • Peer-to-peer counseling and support groups
    • Respite care program for active duty Air Force and Navy families

    For questions, please contact LINC Inc. at (618) 282-2123 or support@lincinc.org.

  • Mercy Housing

    Mercy Housing is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to providing affordable housing. Mercy Housing offers affordable rental properties in the Chicago area to low- and moderate-income families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities. Its programs include:

    • Supportive housing for the formerly unhoused
    • Transitional housing
    • Permanent rental
    • Affordable homeownership

    Each Mercy Housing community has its own leasing office and its own application process. Use the search tool to find a list of communities and search by city. If you have general questions about low-income assistance, please contact the corporate office at (866) 338-0557.

  • Misericordia

    Misericordia is a not-for-profit corporation providing a community of support, employment and living options for people with mild to profound developmental and physical disabilities. It currently provides residential services for more than 600 children and adults on its 37-acre Chicago campus and in the community. Programs focus on helping residents live as independently as possible and explore their interests, including:

    • Building life and employment skills
    • Art classes and studio time
    • Gardening and greenhouse management
    • Recreational opportunities and more

    Misericordia residential settings include:

    • CILAs (Community Integrated Living Arrangements for small groups in neighborhood homes outside Misericordia’s main campus)
    • On-campus apartments
    • Group homes on campus
    • A skilled nursing residence

    For questions, please see Misericordia’s Contact Us page or call  (773) 973-6300.

  • National Federation of the Blind

    The National Federation of the Blind (NFB) is the oldest and largest nationwide organization of blind people in the United States. NFB helps create a wide range of opportunities for children and adults who are blind in all 50 states, Washington, DC, and Puerto Rico. Programs and services cover a wide range of areas, including advocacy, education, Braille certification, parent support and resources, training, employment, technology and more.

    A small sampling of NFB resources includes:

    For more information, contact NFB at (410) 659-9314 or nfb@nfb.org

    There is also an Illinois chapter. Visit the National Federation of the Blind in Illinois website, call (312) 343-8396, or email  president@nfbofillinois.org.

  • National Federation of the Blind of Illinois

    The National Federation of the Blind of Illinois (NFBI) is a nonprofit organization serving blind individuals and their sighted friends and family of all ages. NFBI provides information, programs and well-trained leaders to help newly blind people adjust to vision loss, promote the full participation and integration of blind people in our communities, and effect change at the state and national levels. Programs include:

    • A free audio news service for anyone who is blind, low-vision, or otherwise print-disabled
    • Scholarship and education programs
    • Voter resources
    • Statewide and local chapters

    Visit NFBI’s website to view the complete list of Illinois chapters and contact information.

    Please contact the chapter nearest you for more information.