Recreation and Inclusion Resources
Illinois STAR NET helps provide early childhood professionals and families with the support needed to provide all children with a high-quality, equitable education in inclusive environments. STAR NET provides workshops, funding opportunities, technical assistance and more to promote:
- Evidence-based inclusive practices for young children with disabilities from birth to age 8
- Professional development to support educators and families
- Meaningful child outcomes through innovative and engaging learning experiences
See the STAR NET Statewide Map to learn more about each regional service area.
Illinois STAR NET is operated through a grant from the Illinois State Board of Education. The project receives annual funding from federal sources.
Illinois Valley Center for Independent Living (IVCIL) in Spring Valley
The Illinois Valley Center for Independent Living (IVCIL) serves individuals with disabilities and their families living in LaSalle, Marshall, Bureau, Putnam, and Stark counties. Located in Spring Valley, IVCIL provides services and advocates for the rights of people with disabilities to choose what is best for themselves and their families.
IVCIL also provides community grants. Individuals and agencies can apply year-round. Other IVCIL programs and services include:
- Independent living and community services
- Youth and transition services
- Peer counseling
- Personal assistant program
- Site accessibility assessments
For questions, call IVCIL at (815) 224 – 3126.
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.
Illinois workNet provides employment information, resources and tools to help individuals with and without disabilities find a job, internship or training, create a career plan, build a resume and more.
Illinois workNet includes Disability Works, which connects and guides individuals with disabilities to benefits, services, training and employment information.
Inclusion Brochure from the Illinois State Board of Education
The Illinois State Board of Education’s Inclusion Brochure provides an overview of early childhood inclusion, the benefits of high-quality inclusive programs, teaching models that support inclusion, and more. It can also help families and professionals to better explain least restrictive environment (LRE) and inclusion.
The brochure is also available in these languages: Arabic Inclusion Brochure, Cantonese Inclusion Brochure, French Inclusion Brochure, Japanese Inclusion Brochure, Mandarin Inclusion Brochure, Polish Inclusion Brochure and Spanish Inclusion Brochure.
Independent Living Radio/Radio Vida Independiente
Independent Living Radio/Radio Vida Independiente broadcasts 24 hours a day, seven days a week via the internet. The station aims to promote inclusion and awareness about issues related to disability. In addition to music, the station provides programs in English and Spanish on topics including:
- Adaptive technology
- Disability programs and services
- Employment
- Laws
- Activities around the world
for more information, call (708) 646-3179.
Infinite Potential Through Technology (Infinitec)
Infinite Potential Through Technology (Infinitec) brings assistive technology to people with disabilities in Illinois. Infinitec provides information about assistive technology as well as training, equipment and access to specialists and resources.
Infinitec includes information about mobility devices, home modifications, independent living, orthotics and prosthetics, adaptive toys, adaptive sports, hearing resource guides, vision resource guides and more.
Jill’s House Weekend Adventures
Jill’s House House Weekend Adventures (JHWA) and Covenant Harbor in Lake Geneva, Wis., provide a two-day camping experience for kids and teens ages 6 to 17 with intellectual disabilities in the Chicagoland area. The program designs activities around campers’ needs. These activities include playing games, having cookouts, enjoying nature and making new friends.
The camp cannot support certain health and behavioral conditions. Please visit JHWA’s website for the specific eligibility requirements and intake application process.
For questions, please contact Jill’s House using the online form or call (703) 639-5660.
The Job Accommodation Network (JAN) provides free consulting services for all employees, regardless of the condition. Services include one-on-one consultation about all aspects of job accommodations, including the accommodation process, accommodation ideas, product vendors, referral to other resources and Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance assistance.
June Jessee Memorial Foundation
The June Jessee Memorial Foundation (JJMF) provides events, information, financial assistance and mental health services to children with medically complex neurological conditions and their families in the St. Louis area and beyond. JJMF resources include:
- Uncomplicated financial assistance for out-of-pocket medical needs
- Free mental health services
- A welcoming, understanding community
- Information to help make journeys easier
For questions, please contact the June Jessee Memorial Foundation using its online form.