Resource Directory /

Recreation and Inclusion Resources

  • Tellin’ Tales Theatre

    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.

    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

    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:

    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:

    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.

  • The Center for Enriched Living

    The Center for Enriched Living (CEL) provides a wide range of services to enrich the lives of teens, adults and seniors with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). CEL programs include social, recreational and employment programs, events, adult day programs, and mental health and wellness support to people with IDD, their families and caregivers.

    CEL is independently funded and partners with the community for donations, regular volunteers, advocacy and collaborations that support people with IDD.

    For questions, please contact (847) 948-7001 or info@CenterForEnrichedLiving.org.

  • The Chicago Lighthouse

    The Chicago Lighthouse is a social service organization serving the blind, visually impaired, disabled and veteran communities. It provides vision rehabilitation services, education, employment opportunities and assistive technology for people of all ages throughout Chicagoland. It also provides housing opportunities for income-eligible households for individuals with disabilities. National and statewide resources include help with college, brailler repair, employment, recreation, service animals and more.

    The organization’s Lader Family Scholarship Program is open to Illinois residents who are blind or visually impaired, as well as Chicago Lighthouse employees who are blind, visually impaired, have another disability or are veterans. You can learn more about the Lader Family Scholarship and other scholarship opportunities on the Chicago Lighthouse website.

  • The KASE Project

    The KASE Project aims to raise awareness and support for autism through community outreach in the Springfield area. Its programs include:

    • PECS (Picture Exchange Communication) at the Park – an initiative to install picture communication boards at local parks and playgrounds.
    • PALS (Parent Autism Life Support) – a caregiver support initiative for parents, siblings and caregivers of children and adults with autism in Sangamon County. PALS currently hosts a support group for moms.
    • FLASH (Friends Learning and Sharing Hope) – an effort to bring adaptive sports to the Chatham community and beyond.
    • SIBS – A Sibshops program for siblings of children with health, mental health and developmental needs.

    For questions, please contact the KASE Project at info@thekaseproject.org.

  • The Kids Equipment Network

    The Kids Equipment Network (TKEN) is a non-profit organization that connects children with disabilities to new and gently used durable, adaptive equipment at no cost. Illinois families with children from birth to 21 can fill out an application to request equipment. TKEN then seeks equipment matching the child’s needs. The family is invited to a fitting clinic when the equipment becomes available.

    Volunteers provide free monthly clinics for custom-fitting equipment in Chicago and the suburbs. Families can request items including:

    • Strollers
    • Wheelchairs
    • Bath and toilet systems
    • Crutches
    • Canes and more

    For questions, please contact TKEN at (630) 766-0505, Ext. 6 or info@tken.org.