Resource Directory /

Recreation and Inclusion Resources

  • Racial Healing Tools and Resources

    The pursuit of racial healing and racial equity calls for more than one conversation. To help you plan your first, second or even your 10th conversation, the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) has curated this list of resources to help shape healthy dialogue across Illinois.

    The IDHS initiative Healing Illinois also lists events and resources about racial healing across the state.

  • Ray Graham Association

    The Ray Graham Association provides individuals with disabilities and their families in DuPage County and the surrounding area with recreational, residential, family support, employment and life skills services.

    The Ray Graham Association website also includes links to advocacy and legislative resources. The association’s goal is to empower people to:

    • Reach their potential by providing access to therapeutic programs, recreation and family support resources.
    • Grow their future through neighborhood living, life-skills training and employment opportunities.
    • Achieve their goals by pursuing personalized plans with measurable actions and results.

  • Red Kite Project at Chicago Children’s Theatre

    The Red Kite Project at Chicago Children’s Theatre is a series of unique and innovative programs for youth on the autism spectrum and their families. It also includes initiatives and productions to make theatrical and educational programming accessible to young people with developmental disabilities and other accessibility needs. The Red Kite Project offers classes, camps, access performances and more.

    For more details, contact Director of Education and Access Programs Sam Mauceri at sam@chicagochildrenstheatre.org or call (312) 374-8829.

  • Reliance Children’s Health Center

    Reliance Children’s Health Center in Plainfield, Ill., provides specialized care in a home-like setting for children who are medically fragile and technology-dependent and under the age of 22. The center has a maximum capacity of 12 children and offers skilled nursing care, respite care, transitional care, therapies, medical daycare and more. Reliance Children’s Health Center services include:

    • Respiratory care
    • Medical day care
    • Respite and transitional care
    • Weekend camps
    • Diagnostic studies

    For more information, contact Reliance Children’s Health Center at:

  • Resources for Inclusion in Physical Activity for Youth with Disabilities

    The National Center on Health, Physical Activity, and Disability (NCHPAD), at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) School of Health Professions, provides individuals with disabilities, families and caregivers, professionals and communities with information, research and the tools needed to promote health and create inclusive environments for all.

    NCHPAD offers videos and resources for children and adults with disabilities and mobility limitations on topics including:

    • Fun and leisure
    • Physical activity
    • Healthy eating and nutrition
    • Mindfulness and more

    For questions, please email nchpad@uab.edu or call (866) 866-8896.

  • Resources on Sexual Violence Against People With Disabilities for Self-Advocates, Families and Health Care Professionals

    The Arc’s Talk About Sexual Violence project provides materials and practical tools to help health care professionals, people with disabilities, and their families and supporters learn about the depth of the problem, support victims and work to prevent it.

    Talk About Sexual Violence seeks to empower survivors with disabilities in the reporting process and give health care professionals the tools to more effectively identify victims, connect them to appropriate services, help build their self-advocacy skills and better prevent sexual violence.

    In addition to the “Starting the Conversation Toolkit for Self-Advocates,”  put together by Self-Advocacy Resource and Technical Assistance Center (SARTAC), resources include short training videos for healthcare professionals, tools to help guide conversations and more.

  • Rising Lights Project

    Rising Lights Project is dedicated to creating environments for individuals affected by disability to learn, laugh, thrive and engage with the Fox Valley Community.

    Rising Lights Project provides opportunities that engage, encourage, educate and empower people from all areas of the community to change the way disability is viewed and create new opportunities to keep those with disability engaged and connected. The project hosts inclusive events that are accessible and sensory-friendly for all ages.

    For questions about events or programs, visit the Rising Lights Project contact us page.

  • Rockin’ the Spectrum

    Rockin’ the Spectrum is a non-profit helping families and their loved ones with autism and other developmental disabilities. The organization works to promote autism acceptance and inclusion for all ages, and provides a space where loved one can be themselves and families can learn together in a judgment-free environment.

    Located in McHenry County, Rockin The Spectrum provides:

    • The Clubhouse, an indoor sensory play area
    • Support, resources and advocacy
    • A day program for youth 18 and older

    For questions, please contact Rockin’ the Spectrum at (224) 538-9736 or rockinthespectrum@yahoo.com.

  • School Help for Homeless Children with Disabilities: Information for Parents

    The National Center for Homeless Education at SERVE (Supporting the Education of Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness) provides this information for families experiencing homelessness who have children with special needs.

    This brief discusses common concerns and offers resources for additional assistance.

  • Self Advocacy Resource and Technical Assistance Center (SARTAC)

    The Self Advocacy Resource and Technical Assistance Center (SARTAC) provides a wide variety of information, videos, fellowship opportunities and events to support and strengthen self-advocacy.

    SARTAC resources for individuals and self-advocacy groups include:

    • Help for navigating social, economic and personal issues
    • Self-advocacy Zoom meetings and webinars
    • Tip sheets for self-advocacy groups
    • A history of self-advocacy