Resource Directory /

Transition: Independence Resources

  • PACER Center Transition and Employment Resources

    PACER Center provides information and resources for families of youth with disabilities on transition planning, civil rights, work-based learning, higher education and more.

     

  • Parents Alliance Employment Project

    Parents Alliance Employment Project (PAEP) provides training and resources to help people with disabilities find competitive employment in DuPage, Cook, DeKalb, McHenry, Kane, Kendall, Lake and Will counties.

    PAEP youth training programs provide education, daily living and vocational training. PAEP also provides adult services offering career counseling, job training and preparation, job development, job placement, job coaching, support and follow-up services.

    In addition, PAEP works closely with employers to understand their recruiting, hiring and retention needs and provides information to help them increase diversity and meet their workforce needs.

  • Progress Center for Independent Living Serving Suburban Cook County

    The Progress Center for Independent Living serves over 133 municipalities throughout suburban Cook County. It is a community-based, non-profit, non-residential service and advocacy organization operated for people with disabilities, by people with disabilities. Progress Center provides a variety of training and education services, housing assistance, and tools and resources for people with disabilities to live independently in their own homes. These include:

    • Youth transition to adulthood program
    • Independent living skills training
    • Peer counseling
    • Housing assistance
    • Deaf services
    • Braille classes
    • Radio Independent Living 24/7

    For questions, please call (708) 209-1500 or email info@progresscil.org.

  • Project Mobility

    Project Mobility is a nonprofit organization that offers recreational events using specialized bicycles for people with disabilities. Its professional staff works with families, rehabilitative professionals and organizations to promote better health, independence, and most of all the freedom of mobility for people with physical disabilities.

    Project Mobility also does an Adaptive Bike Giveaway.  Please fill out Project Mobility’s Adaptive Bike Giveaway form to receive information and be added to the waitlist.

  • RAMP Disability Resources and Services – Center for Independent Living (CIL)

    RAMP (RAMP-CIL) is a non-profit, non-residential Center for Independent Living (CIL). It welcomes anyone with a disability, regardless of the type of disability, age, or economic status. The organization serves Boone, DeKalb, Stephenson and Winnebago counties. RAMP-CIL services for youth and adults include:
    • Information and referral
    • Youth education and advocacy
    • Portable ramp loans
    • Independent living skills training
    • Bus training and public transportation skills
    • Employment services
    • Fast Track Transition services for youth
    • Project SEARCH school-to-work program transition program

    For questions, please see RAMP’s website for specific contact information and office hours.

  • Ray Graham Association

    The Ray Graham Association provides individuals with disabilities and their families in DuPage County and the surrounding area with recreational, residential, family support, employment and life skills services.

    The Ray Graham Association website also includes links to advocacy and legislative resources. The association’s goal is to empower people to:

    • Reach their potential by providing access to therapeutic programs, recreation and family support resources.
    • Grow their future through neighborhood living, life-skills training and employment opportunities.
    • Achieve their goals by pursuing personalized plans with measurable actions and results.

  • Regional Transportation Authority’s Accessible Transit Information

    The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) coordinates the Chicago region’s transportation system. The RTA website’s Accessible Transit page includes information about how the transit system is accessible, how to apply for certification for Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Paratransit services, and how to learn to use the system and achieve travel independence.

    You can also visit the RTA’s Travel Assistance Digital Library to access documents about these programs in English and Spanish.

    RTA’s Mobility Outreach Program also works with organizations that serve and offer programs to people with disabilities and older adults to ensure they are aware of their transit options.

  • Resources for Voters With Disabilities

    The U.S. Election Assistance Commission created this comprehensive list of resources for voters with disabilities, which includes links to voting accessibility laws and regulations and the latest best practices and research pertaining to voters with disabilities.

  • Rides Mass Transit District in Southern Illinois

    Rides Mass Transit District (RMTD) offers clean, comfortable, and cost-effective public transportation in Clark, Crawford, Cumberland, Edgar, Edwards, Gallatin, Hamilton, Hardin, Jasper, Lawrence, Pope, Richland, Saline, Wabash, Wayne, White and Williamson counties. RMTD offers door-to-door and fixed-route services to anyone requiring transportation. RMTD also provides ADA paratransit services for people with disabilities who are unable to use fixed route bus services where available.

    RMTD’s ADA paratransit service is by reservation only. For more details or to make a reservation:

    For any questions, please call the RMTD Operation Center at (844) 220-1243.

  • Self Advocacy Resource and Technical Assistance Center (SARTAC)

    The Self Advocacy Resource and Technical Assistance Center (SARTAC) provides a wide variety of information, videos, fellowship opportunities and events to support and strengthen self-advocacy.

    SARTAC resources for individuals and self-advocacy groups include:

    • Help for navigating social, economic and personal issues
    • Self-advocacy Zoom meetings and webinars
    • Tip sheets for self-advocacy groups
    • A history of self-advocacy