Resource Directory /

Recreation and Inclusion Resources

  • People First: A Guide to Interacting With People With Disabilities

    The Illinois Department of Human Services’ Division of Rehabilitation Services (IDHS/DRS) is dedicated to empowering people with disabilities in becoming full participants in our society.

    With “People First: A Guide to Interacting with People With Disabilities,” IDHS/DRS provides general etiquette tips and information on people-first language to foster respect and inclusion for people with disabilities.

  • Peoria Friendship House/La Familia

    The Peoria Friendship House offers wraparound services to empower families and meet changing community needs. Its services include a program supporting the Latino community, citizenship classes, a food pantry, health support services and youth programs. The Peoria Friendship House also provides:

    For more information, call (309) 671-5200 or email ceo@friendship.house.

  • Plainfield Park District

    The Plainfield Park District provides recreational opportunities for all residents. If you or a family member needs special assistance or accommodations to participate in any park district program, please indicate that need on your registration form.

    In addition, the park district coordinates with the Northern Will County Special Recreation Association (NWCSRA) to offer a wide range of recreational opportunities.

    To discuss any special accommodation requests, please contact the NWCSRA at (815) 407-1819.

  • Project Mobility

    Project Mobility is a nonprofit organization that offers recreational events using specialized bicycles for people with disabilities. Its professional staff works with families, rehabilitative professionals and organizations to promote better health, independence, and most of all the freedom of mobility for people with physical disabilities.

    Project Mobility also does an Adaptive Bike Giveaway.  Please fill out Project Mobility’s Adaptive Bike Giveaway form to receive information and be added to the waitlist.

  • QCA Adaptive Sports Association in Moline

    QCA Adaptive Sports Association is a non-profit, volunteer-led organization in the Quad City area offering a safe, accessible and accepting environment for people with physical disabilities to enjoy adaptive sports and recreational opportunities. Sports programs include:

    • Wheelchair basketball
    • Tennis
    • Rowing
    • Softball and more

    For questions, please use this online form to contact QCA Adaptive Sports Association.

  • 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.