Recreation and Inclusion Resources
The Kelly Brush Foundation (KBF) inspires and empowers individuals with spinal cord injuries to live active and engaged lives. KBF programs include Active Fund grants, scholarships, camps and the Active Project connecting adaptive organizations and athletes nationwide.
For questions, please call (802) 846-5298 or email info@kellybrushfoundation.org.
All types of camps are listed in this camp directory. The directory includes special needs camps, residential camps, day camps and more.
KidsWork Children’s Museum of New Lenox
KidsWork Children’s Museum of New Lenox encourages children of all abilities to be curious explorers, engaged learners, creative and critical thinkers, and thoughtful and kind individuals. Kids can have playful learning experiences that encourage gross-motor play, imaginative storytelling, creative projects, and investigative discovery across a range of developmental levels and interests. Sensory-friendly playtime is on the first and third Wednesdays of each month.
KidsWork Children’s Museum of New Lenox also offers a social story and other tools to help prepare for museum visits. For questions, contact the museum at (815) 469-1199 or info@kidswork.org.
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.
Lake Forest Open Lands Association All-Terrain Outdoor Wheelchair Access
Lake Forest Open Lands Association in Lake County has partnered with Access Ability Wisconsin (AAW) to become the first host location in Illinois for an AAW all-terrain outdoor wheelchair and trailer for use at their preserves and in the community. The outdoor wheelchair is free to use at a Lake Forest Open Lands’ preserve or the AAW trailer can be used to tow it to another site. Reservations and a deposit (refundable) are required.
Lake Forest Open Lands has nearly 900 acres of open space. Visit the outdoor wheelchair reservation page for more details.
Lightways Peace of the Heart Kids Camp
Lightways Peace of the Heart Kids Camp is for children and youth ages 7 to 13 who have experienced the death of a loved one. Guided by the Lightways Grief Support Team, kids will participate in activities to help process their grief and meet others who have experienced a loss. The four-day camp also includes hiking, fishing, arts and crafts, music and games. Registration usually opens in March or April.
For more information, please contact Lightways at (815) 460-3282 or griefsupport@lightways.org.
Lincoln Land Down Syndrome Society
Lincoln Land Down Syndrome Society (LLDSS) provides a support network for families residing in and around Sangamon County. LLDSS programs and events promote awareness, inclusion and education of people with Down syndrome.
LLDSS activities include monthly meetings, social gatherings and recreational opportunities.
For questions, please use the online form to contact LLDSS.
The Mended Hearts program is a national peer-support program for patients with cardiovascular disease, their caregivers, and their families. Mended Hearts provides support and education, raises awareness of the issues faced by those living with heart disease, and advocates to improve quality of life across the lifespan.
It includes Mended Little Hearts, which provides support to families of children with congenital heart defects (CHDs) or other heart conditions, and Young Mended Hearts, which supports young adults ages 18 to 55 who have heart disease, including CHDs.
For questions or to request support, please call (888) 432-7899 or email info@mendedhearts.org.
Mended Little Hearts and St. Jude Medical partnered to create this digital resource guide for parents and caregivers of children with congenital heart disease or defects (CHD).
Medical professionals and parents worked together on this guide to provide accurate and honest information that addresses the tough feelings, questions and concerns parents and caregivers may have.
Go to The Mended Hearts, Inc. HeartGuides page and scroll down to see the Mended Little HeartGuide in English and Spanish.
Miracle League of Central Illinois
The Miracle League of Central Illinois is a league for children and adults with disabilities that enables them to play baseball on a specially designed adaptive field. The Miracle League of Central Illinois and the town of Normal, Ill., partner to provide this program to a wide range of participants. Scholarships are available to help youth of all abilities participate.
Visit the Miracle League of Central Illinois website to learn more.