Resource Directory /

Recreation and Inclusion Resources

  • National Association for Down Syndrome

    The National Association for Down Syndrome (NADS) serves individuals with Down syndrome and their families. NADS’ website provides a variety of webinars, publications and resources for the Chicago metropolitan area and beyond.

    NADS also offers a “Congratulations Basket and Referral Program.” Please note that the organization can only deliver baskets to specific Chicago-area hospitals.

    For questions, contact NADS at (630) 325-9112 or info@nads.org.

  • National PKU Alliancesun-icon

    The National Phenylketonuria (PKU) Alliance (NPKUA) provides help with understanding and managing PKU from diagnosis to adulthood. NPKUA resources include a New Parent Support Kit, a Kindergarten Kit for children entering kindergarten, a downloadable PKU Binder Toolkit, guides for educators and information on the latest treatments, insurance coverage and terms, a mentor program, cooking and food, research grants and more.

    NPKUA hosts “Community Call.” These monthly peer support groups offer a place for sharing and connecting with others who understand the unique challenges of living with PKU. Please see the events calendar on NPKUA’s website for meeting times and other details for each of the following groups:

    • Caregivers of children ages 0 to 3
    • Caregivers of children ages 3 to 12
    • Caregivers of teens ages 13 to 17
    • Adults with PKU ages 18+
    • Adults with PKU ages 40+

  • New Kingdom Trailriders

    New Kingdom Trailriders (NKT) in Sherrard offers therapeutic horseback riding lessons for children ages 4 and up and adults with autism, mental illness, disabilities and other challenges. The lessons help promote mental focus, fine and gross motor skills, coordination, social skills and self-confidence. NKT serves residents in the greater Quad City area and surrounding communities. A limited number of scholarships are offered per riding session to individuals with proven financial need.

    For questions, please contact NKT at (309) 764-4220 or info@nktriders.org.

  • Northern Suburban Special Recreation Association

    Northern Suburban Special Recreation Association (NSSRA) offers year-round recreation programs and services for children and adults with disabilities. Programs include camps, art classes, special events, social outings and more.

  • Northern Will County Special Recreation Association

    Northern Will County Special Recreation Association (NWCSRA) provides year-round, community-based recreational programs and inclusion services for children, teens and adults with special needs.

    NWCSRA collaborates with the Bolingbrook Park District, Lockport Township Park District, Plainfield Park District, the Village of Romeoville, Brookeridge Park District and Justice Park District to provide recreation opportunities and special events for area families.

    For more information, contact NWCSRA at (815) 407-1819.

  • Northlands Association for Special Recreation (NASR)

    Northlands Association for Special Recreation (NASR) is a cooperative partnership between the Belvidere, Freeport and Rockford Park Districts. NASR programs are open to individuals with disability-related needs including physical, mental and developmental disabilities, mental illness, behavior disorders and visual or hearing impairments.

  • 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 the park districts of 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.

    If you would like more information, you can visit NWSRA’s website for contact information and office hours.

  • 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

    For questions, contact NubAbility Athletics Foundation at (618) 357-1394 or info@NubAbility.org.

  • Office of Disability Employment Policy

    The Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) provides national leadership in developing and influencing disability employment-related policies and programs.

  • 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.