Resource Directory /

Recreation and Inclusion Resources

  • Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center in Makanda

    Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center (TON) in the Shawnee National Forest in southern Illinois offers a diverse range of camps, retreats, programs and activities for children and adults of all abilities. Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center programs include:

    For questions, please contact TON by phone (618) 453-1122 or email at ton@siu.edu.

  • Transition Planning Committee for McLean, Dewitt and Logan Counties

    The Transition Planning Committee (TPC) for McLean, Dewitt and Logan Counties provides a wide range of resources to support students with disabilities and help their families navigate the transition to adulthood and life after high school. The resources are also helpful for educators and community members who are helping students and young adults build skills and explore their options after high school. The committee’s resources include:

    • Education and training programs
    • Support and mental health services
    • Transportation and employment
    • Legal and financial help
    • Recreation and social opportunities
    • Prioritization of Urgent Need for Services (PUNS)
    • Housing and developmental training

  • UCP – Center for Disability Services

    UCP – Center for Disability Services (UCP-CDS) in Joliet serves individuals with severe, multiple disabilities including autism, epilepsy, traumatic brain injury, orthopedic impairment and other developmental disabilities. UCP-CDS provides its services in a five-county area including Will, Kankakee, Grundy, Kendall and Iroquois.

    UCP-CDS also provides in-home respite for families of individuals with developmental disabilities.  Participants enrolled in the In-Home Respite Program may receive up to 360 hours per year. The participant cannot be enrolled in a state waiver program. The family must find their own respite provider and be located in Will or Grundy counties. For more information, contact Kassandra Farley at (815) 744-3500, extension 202.

  • 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.

  • 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.