Resource Directory /

Recreation and Inclusion Resources

  • 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.

  • Rizal Center

    Rizal Center is a multicultural, multigenerational community and cultural center located in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood. It provides a safe, welcoming space where Filipino immigrants and Filipino Americans can feel at home. The center offers food assistance, housing resources, healthcare access, counseling, language access and community advocacy. It also serves as a hub for arts, culture and theater. Its programs and services are open to the Greater Chicago community.

    The nonprofit Filipino American Council of Greater Chicago (FACGC) operates Rizal Center. Its programs and classes also include:

    For more details about the center, please contact the Filipino American Council of Greater Chicago at (773) 360-8597 or info@rizalcenter.org.

  • Rockford Symphony Orchestra Share-A-Seat Program

    The Rockford Symphony Orchestra (RSO) is committed to fostering an inclusive, welcoming experience that strengthens community connections and invites broader participation. Its “Share-A-Seat” program fosters a sense of community and improves quality of life by allowing individuals to attend live symphony performances at no cost. The program provides tickets to non-profit human service organizations that serve families and individuals who would not be able to attend a performance without this help.

    If you are part of an organization interested in participating, please:

    Organizations may request tickets for individuals or larger groups during the concert season.

  • 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

  • Sensory-Friendly Movie Showing List at Illinois Theaters

    Several Illinois theaters offer movie showings with the lights up, lower sound and the freedom to get up, dance, walk, shout or sing. Visit the following sites to find more details and a theater near you:

  • Sensory-Friendly Travel at Chicago’s Airports

    Chicago O’Hare and Midway International airports offer videos, social stories, sensory maps, accessibility guides and other resources to help travelers with sensory sensitivities or who are neurodivergent feel more comfortable and confident throughout their journey.

    Visit the sensory section of FlyChicago.com to find:

    • Short videos that show what to expect at different stages of the airport journey
    • Step-by-step guides with visuals to prepare travelers for the airport experience
    • Visual guides of O’Hare and Midway that highlight high- and low-sensory areas
    • Details about sensory bags available at information desks

  • Sertoma Star Services in Illinois

    Sertoma Star Services (SRS) is a not-for-profit community organization dedicated to challenging the limits and changing the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and mental illness in the Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana areas. Services include vocational, educational, therapeutic, recreational and residential programs.

    Sertoma Star Services programs include:

    • Special recreation services for children, teens and adults
    • Community living and home-based services
    • Life skills enrichment program for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities
    • Janitorial and e-recycling vocational training and long-term job opportunities for adults

    For more information, contact Deanna Wetzel at intake@sertomastar.org or (708) 300-8527.