Resource Directory /

Recreation and Inclusion Resources

  • UCP Seguin of Greater Chicago

    UCP Seguin of Greater Chicago is a charitable not-for-profit agency serving individuals with disabilities in metropolitan Chicago and beyond.

    Its services include employment and community day services for adults, residential services for adults, children’s foster care, assistive technology and accessibility services, and more.

    For questions, please contact UCP Seguin of Greater Chicago using the online form or call (708) 863-3803.

  • UIC’s Institute on Disability and Human Development

    The University of Illinois Chicago’s Institute on Disability and Human Development (IDHD) promotes community participation, health, empowerment and advocacy for people with disabilities and their families across all aspects of life. IDHD is part of the University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD) network for the state of Illinois.

    UIC’s IDHD supports and services include:

  • Understanding Inclusion Online Series for Parents of Young Children With Disabilities

    Early CHOICES  offers a free, online series for parents of young children with disabilities, practitioners, educators and administrators in Early Intervention or early childhood programs. The Understanding Inclusion series covers everything from defining inclusion to dreaming big for your child and includes:

    • Short videos
    • Activities to promote inclusion
    • Topic guides to support you in reflection and resource gathering

    Flyers outlining the series’ details are available in English and Spanish.

  • Understanding the Individualized Education Program

    Equip for Equality provides information to help parents and caregivers understand special education rights in Illinois and the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requirements. Printable guides in a frequently asked questions format are available on a wide range of topics. The individualized education program (IEP) guide walks caregivers through understanding what it is, why it’s helpful, and how and when to get one for your child.

  • Unique Sweets

    Unique Sweets provides delicious treats and a safe space for people with autism and other disabilities to participate in life skills training. Team members participate in event planning, purchasing supplies, baking, decorating and packaging and receive a stipend to cover their expenses to get to the kitchen. Unique Sweets also hosts social events throughout the year to foster peer relationships, social skills and community support.

    Unique Sweets also offers:

    • Life skills (virtual or in-person) peer-led cooking classes
    • Social events and an annual Party With a Purpose
    • Inclusive workshops, information sessions and social events with other organizations
    • Referrals to other programs and services as needed

    If you have any questions, please email Unique Sweets at contact@uniquesweetsinc.org.

  • United Spinal Association

    The United Spinal Association empowers and advocates for wheelchair users and people with spinal cord injuries and disorders (SCI/D) nationwide. The organization provides local chapters, disability resources, peer support, a manual wheelchair guide and app, a health equity checklist and toolkit and more. Its resources include:

    For questions, please contact the United Spinal Association, Monday thru Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at (800) 962-9629.

  • United Spinal Association Illinois Chapter

    The United Spinal Association Illinois Chapter (USAIC)  is a non-profit offering information and support resources for people paralyzed by trauma and medical conditions. It also serves family members and health care and related professionals serving the spinal cord injury community. USAIC is located in Palos Heights but provides information, events and educational programs statewide. Its programs include:

    • Virtual and in person peer support groups
    • The “Living with Spinal Cord Injury” program for health professionals and health science students
    • “Injury Prevention” for school children, seniors and other groups featuring members’ experiences, and information on preventing injuries and falls
    • Advocacy and more

  • University of Illinois Springfield Performing Arts Center Sensory Friendly Initiatives

    The UIS Performing Arts Center is a certified Sensory Inclusive Venue through KultureCity. Most sensory friendly shows are in the UIS Studio Theatre with limited lighting and sound changes. Audience members can also move, speak, sing along, and come and go as needed. Trained staff can also help guests with sensory needs. The UIS Performing Arts Center’s sensory-friendly initiatives also include sensory bags, weighted lap pads, quiet areas, social stories and more.

  • Variety – The Children’s Charity of Illinois

    Variety of Illinois helps children with disabilities and their families feel supported and included in their community. Variety provides inclusive and accessible activities, equipment and experiences to help children with disabilities have fun, learn and grow. Its programs include:

    • Accessible activities for the whole family
    • Providing adaptive and mobility equipment not covered by insurance for children with disabilities
    • Encouraging participation in adaptive sports
    • The Build-a-Bike program

    Visit Variety of Illinois’s website to apply for a grant or sign up for its newsletter.

    For questions, please contact Variety of Illinois at (312) 822-0660 or info@varietyofillinois.org.

  • Variety – The Children’s Charity of St. Louis

    Variety’s St. Louis location serves children and teens with special needs under the age of 21 and their families living in 30 counties in Missouri and Illinois surrounding St. Louis.

    The charity aims to help children with disabilities fulfill their potential by providing access to vital medical equipment, therapy and innovative programs. The Illinois counties in Variety’s service area are: Bond, Calhoun, Clay, Clinton, Fayette, Greene, Jersey, Macoupin, Madison, Marion, Monroe, Montgomery, Randolph, St. Clair, Washington.

    Opportunities include:

    • Variety family social groups
    • Venturing Crew inclusive program for youth ages 14-20
    • Adventure Camp
    • Performing arts

    For questions, please visit the Variety St. Louis website or call (314) 720-7700.