Recreation and Inclusion Resources
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.
The Miracle League of Joliet is a non-profit baseball league for children and young adults (ages 4 to 19) with disabilities. The rules emphasize participation, with every player getting a turn to bat in each inning. A volunteer “Buddy” assists each player at bat and on the field.
League games take place on a custom-designed field featuring a rubberized turf, free from obstacles to ensure players can round the bases and play baseball safely. Visit the Miracle League of Joliet website for more details.
Muscular Dystrophy Association
The Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) provides comprehensive information and resources to help with understanding, managing and living day-to-day with muscular dystrophy and related neuromuscular diseases.
MDA programs and resources include:
- The MDA Resource Center providing one-on-one support by phone or email for individuals and families looking for resources, activities and more
- Durable Medical Equipment (DME) Grant Program
- Nationwide summer camps
- Resources for caregivers
- Community education and services
myFace is a nonprofit organization that provides individuals and families affected by cleft and other craniofacial differences access to personal stories, education and support.
Resources include:
- Information on craniofacial conditions
- Parent resources
- Virtual craniofacial support groups and networking opportunities
- Educational webinars and podcasts
- Home Away From Home family apartments to use during medical care
For questions, please contact myFace at (917) 720-4701 or info@myface.org.
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.
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+
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.
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.
