Resource Directory /

Recreation and Inclusion Resources

  • Northwest Special Recreation Association

    Northwest Special Recreation Association (NWSRA) provides general recreation therapy programs, day camps, athletics, inclusion, trips, special events, leisure education, community adult day programs, and one-to-one therapy opportunities for children and adults with disabilities. NWSRA serves 17 northwest suburban Chicago communities in partnership with member park districts.

    NWSRA partners with Arlington Heights, Bartlett, Buffalo Grove, Elk Grove, Hanover Park, Hoffman Estates, Inverness, Mt. Prospect, Palatine, Prospect Heights, River Trails, Rolling Meadows, Salt Creek, Schaumburg, South Barrington, Streamwood, and Wheeling park districts.

  • NubAbility Athletics Foundation and Camps

    The NubAbility Athletics Foundation is a non-profit organization that encourages, inspires and instructs limb different youth by getting them out of the stands, off the bench and into mainstream sports. NubAbility offers a wide variety of limb-different sports camps nationwide for youth athletes who are congenital, traumatic or medical amputees from around the world.

    NubAbility offers camps for a wide range of ages and interests. Options include:

    • All sports
    • Deep sea fishing
    • Competitive shooting
    • Equestrian
    • Basketball
    • Archery and more

  • 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

  • Options & Advocacy for McHenry County

    Options & Advocacy for McHenry County is a service coordination agency that provides information and referrals, screening, evaluation and assessment, service plans, community education and more for children and families in McHenry County. Its programs include:

    • Child and Family Connections Program, an Early Intervention program
    • Autism Resource Center
    • Helping Us Grow (HUG), a home visiting program
    • Early Childhood Network of McHenry County
    • Play and support groups
    • Stefanie Sullivan Joyful Arts program for teens and young adults with developmental and other challenges
    • Neuro Inclusive Counseling

    For more information, contact Options & Advocacy of McHenry County at (815) 477-4720, Monday through Thursday, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and on Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.

    You can also use the Options & Advocacy of McHenry County’s online form to submit questions and referrals.

  • OSF Autism Pathways

    OSF Healthcare Children’s Hospital of Illinois’  OSF Autism Pathways provides tools, information and resources to help individuals of all ages navigate their autism journey. The OSF Autism Pathways team can help answer questions about treatment options and other concerns. It can also help connect individuals to autism services and supports.

    OSF Autism Pathways’ services and resources include:

    • General autism information and resources
    • Autism diagnostic services
    • Behavioral health, crisis and respite care supports
    • Daily living skills development and transition to adulthood planning
    • Employment and job coaching
    • Family supports and financial planning
    • Social and recreational opportunities
    • Therapeutic interventions

    To refer yourself or your child, please call (844) 910-0770 or (309) 624-4830. You can also fill out the OSF Autism Pathways online form.

  • Pace Transportation Services for People with Disabilities in the Chicago Area

    Pace provides a range of inclusive transportation services throughout Chicago and the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) region (Cook, DuPage, Lake, Kane, McHenry and Will counties). Pace services include free fixed route bus rides for Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-certified riders, the Rideshare Access Program (RAP), ADA paratransit options and the Dial-a-Ride program throughout the suburbs.

    You must reserve ADA paratransit options in advance. These options are for riders whose health condition or disability prevents them from using fixed route services.

    Visit the Pace website for more information about its transportation services and training programs for people with disabilities in Chicago and the suburbs.

  • Parent Institute Lectures for Families of Children With Hearing Loss

    The Institute for Parents of Preschool Children Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing is a program for parents of young children who have a significant hearing loss. It takes place on the campus of the Illinois School for the Deaf in Jacksonville each June.

    Participating parents attend daily lectures by experts in the field to learn about raising a child with hearing loss. Lecture topics include the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), advocacy, communication options, language, assistive listening devices, literacy and amplification.

    UIC’s Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC), a supporter of the Institute, has made these presentations available online so they can benefit more families of children with hearing loss. Visit the 2019 Parent Infant Institute Video Recordings page on the Illinois Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) Program website.

  • Parents of Extraordinary Children

    Parents of Extraordinary Children (PEXC) is a nonprofit that aims to inform, empower, support and help advocate for families of children and young adults with disabilities within the southeast side of Chicago.

    With the help of volunteers and representatives from city-wide organizations, PEXC provides opportunities for Individualized Education Program (IEP) training, learning to navigate the special education process, understanding terminology, initiating the process of evaluation,  the transition to adulthood and more.

    PEXC has a Sensory Space and Resource Center and offers an “All Inclusive Support Group” on a monthly basis for families.

    For more information, call (312) 600-5479 or email admin@pexc10thward.com.

  • Peoria Friendship House/La Familia

    The Peoria Friendship House offers wraparound services to empower families and meet changing community needs. Its services include a program supporting the Latino community, citizenship classes, a food pantry, health support services and youth programs. The Peoria Friendship House also provides:

  • Plainfield Park District

    Provides recreational opportunities for all residents. Offers diversified programs and activities.