Transition: Independence Resources

National Resources for Access, Independence, Self-Determination and Employment (RAISE) Technical Assistance Center

The National Resources for Access, Independence, Self-Determination and Employment (RAISE) Technical Assistance Center provides technical assistance and resources to support youth and young adults with disabilities and their families during the transition to adulthood. RAISE provides information, toolkits, webinars and support to help individuals:

• Better understand vocational rehabilitation and independent living programs and services
• Communicate more effectively with transition, rehabilitation and other professionals
• Understand the Rehabilitation Act and how it supports employment, supported employment and independent living
• Develop an Individualized Plan for Employment

RAISE’s resources include:

• The RAISE Youth Engagement Toolkit Series
• Parent Centers
• Resources for self-advocates, families, partners and parent centers
• Adult Ally Toolkit and Podcasts – to guide and empower adults in disability advocacy, post-secondary transition, education and beyond

Many of the resources are also available in Spanish.

For questions, email RAISE using the form on the Contact Us page.

National Technical Assistance Center on Transition: The Collaborative (NTACT:C)

The National Technical Assistance Center on Transition: The Collaborative (NTACT:C) provides a wide range of information, training and supports to build and strengthen services and instruction for secondary students and out-of-school youth with disabilities. Its website offers:

• Training and technical assistance.
• Easy-to-find transition topic areas. Each topic includes an additional list of key resources, related topics and training webinars.
• Webinars and toolkits

For any questions, contact NTACT:C online.

Navarro Farm

Navarro Farm in Frankfort, Ill., provides a safe, supportive environment where individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) can gain independence and purpose through agricultural experiences. It offers a wide range of hands-on programs and opportunities, including workplace readiness for transition and adult groups, a farmer and farmer trainee program, family-centered events, and seasonal and community celebrations.

Navarro Farm programs include:

• The Farmer and Farmer Trainee Experience, which focuses on helping people with IDD build confidence and life skills through agricultural activities, such as planting and harvesting crops, animal care, farm-to-table cooking lessons, running the farmstand and participating in social and recreational activities.
• The Post-Transition Groups Skill Development and Job Readiness Program, which provides meaningful farm activities that teach responsibility, time management and problem-solving to prepare participants for future employment or volunteer opportunities.
• Family-centered activities where families can come together, share experiences and create lasting memories.
• Carter’s Corner farm stand.
• Community events and open houses.

Opportunities for Access – A Center for Independent Living

Opportunities for Access – A Center for Independent Living (OFACIL) is a member of the Illinois Network of Centers for Independent Living serving residents of Clay, Clinton, Edwards, Effingham, Fayette, Hamilton, Jasper, Jefferson, Marion, Wabash, Washington, Wayne and White counties. Offices are located in Mt. Vernon, Carmi and Effingham.

Programs include:

• Skills and employment training
• Support groups and advocacy
• Housing referral and community reintegration
• Youth transition and parent training program
• Adaptive equipment

For questions, please contact OFACIL at (618) 244-9212.

Over the Rainbow (OTR) – Housing for Individuals with Physical Disabilities

Over the Rainbow (OTR) is an Illinois non-profit organization providing independent living solutions for individuals with physical disabilities that are:

• Affordable
• Accessible
• Barrier-free
• Person-centered

OTR’s apartments are located throughout the Chicago region and Northern Illinois. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and meet OTR apartment communities eligibility requirements.

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)