Recreation and Inclusion Resources
The Sunshine Foundation helps make dreams come true for children ages 3 to 18 who have severe or profound illnesses or conditions. Referrals can come from anywhere in the United States for children with severe or profound physical/developmental/intellectual challenges or trauma from physical/sexual abuse and whose families have limited income.
Dream requests can include:
- Staying at the Sunshine Foundation Dream Village and visiting area theme parks and attractions
- Funding towards a special gift or item of interest
- Funding towards medical or adaptive equipment that insurance may not cover
For questions, please contact the Sunshine Foundation by emailing dreamvillage@sunshinefoundation.org or info@sunshinefoundation.org.
Swift Outdoor Accessible Recreation (S.O.A.R.) Foundation
The Swift Outdoor Accessible Recreation (S.O.A.R.) Foundation provides outdoor events and financial assistance to organizations and individuals who struggle to afford adaptive equipment or participate in outdoor recreation programs.
The individual grant is open to people of all ages. It covers specific modifications or equipment needs that will help get you outdoors. Eligible items include:
- Wheelchair outdoor tires and attachments
- Vehicle modifications (i.e., hand controls or lifts)
- Exercise (FES Bike, Standing Frame) or recreational equipment
- Small home modifications (including a ramp)
Applicants must reside in the United States. They also must demonstrate financial need and may be required to provide documentation.
Applications are accepted year-round and reviewed quarterly.
Team IMPACT is a nonprofit that matches children facing serious medical conditions and disabilities with local college sports teams to help them experience the power of sports, the support of mentors and the simple joy of being a kid. This nationwide, two-year therapeutic program:
- Serves families with children ages 5 to 16 who have conditions requiring ongoing treatment and/or extended hospital stays
- Provides trained case managers to manage matches to ensure success and address any challenges
Team IMPACT is free. Please note that participants must cover any transportation costs to/from visits with the team. Learn more on Team IMPACT’s family page.
Fill out and submit the online form to begin the enrollment process:
If you have questions, please contact Team IMPACT at (617) 801-0248 or info@teamimpact.org.
The Child Neurology Foundation provides a telehealth tip sheet to help families and children prepare for video or phone appointments and make them as comfortable and successful as possible.
The mission of Tellin’ Tales Theatre is to shatter barriers between the disabled and non-disabled worlds through the transformative power of personal story.
The theatre brings together children and adults from both communities to share their stories in theatrically innovative productions and programs to promote awareness, understanding and acceptance.
Tellin’ Tales Theatre is located at 360 E. Randolph St., Suite 1006, in Chicago. For more details, call (312) 498-7193 or fill out the theatre’s Contact Us form.
The Answer, Inc. provides resources, education, recreation and advocacy services to families with loved ones with autism and developmental disabilities in the greater Chicago area.
Visit The Answer, Inc., website for more information.
The Arc’s Virtual Program Library
The Arc’s Virtual Program Library is a free hub full of on-demand activities that people with disabilities, and their families and service providers can do at home.
Topics include arts, community and life skills, health and wellness, virtual clubs, and more. Service providers can also find and share resources to facilitate or deliver live, remote programming for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
The Autism Hero Project champions inclusion and fosters an environment where everyone, regardless of neurodiversity, is valued and empowered to thrive. The organization helps support, equip and foster acceptance of people with autism.
The Autism Hero Project provides:
- Autism information and resources
- Annual medical insurance grants
- Family-friendly, inclusive events and more
The Autism Hero Project Medical Insurance Grant Application program application period usually runs from September through October. If you have any application questions, please email applications@autismheroproject.org.
The Center for Chronic Illness
The Center for Chronic Illness (CCI) is a nonprofit organization that offers support and education to promote well-being and reduce isolation for people affected by chronic illness. CCI offers adults and teens living with chronic illness a variety of support groups and programs focusing on emotional well-being, health education and community. CCI provides:
- Chronic illness support groups for adults and teens
- Supporting loved ones and parenting children with health challenges support groups
- BIPOC & LGBTQIA+ support groups
- Health education programs
- Resources
For questions, contact CCI at (425) 296-2705 or info@thecenterforchronicillness.org.
The Center for Courageous Kids Summer Camps and Family Retreats
The Center for Courageous Kids (CKC) offers free family retreat weekends and overnight summer camp sessions for youth ages 5 to 17 with complex medical conditions and disabilities. CKC welcomes children with a wide range of conditions, including heart/cardiovascular disease, blood disorders, sickle cell disease, spina bifida, and more. The camp provides 24-hour medical coverage, an on-site medical center, and program and medical staff with training and experience in all aspects of medical camping.
The Center for Courageous Kids is open to youth ages 5 to 17 who are diagnosed with one of the illnesses/conditions it serves, and to immediate family members. To learn more about the camp, you can also:
If you have questions, please call (270) 618-2900 or use the Contact Us form on CKC’s website.