Recreation and Inclusion Resources
WeGo Together for Kids brings together 70 community partners from across the Chicagoland region to support West Chicago families with children from birth through high school (12th grade). Using a collaborative, coordinated and comprehensive approach, WeGo Together for Kids offers family events, tip sheets in multiple languages, food and nutrition resources, playgroups and more.
WeGo Together for Kids also provides:
- Behavior and parenting tip sheets for all ages
- Back-to-school social stories and other school readiness tools
- Help with potty training
If you have any questions, please visit the Contact WeGo Together Kids Page online.
Western Avenue Community Center in Bloomington
Western Avenue Community Center (WACC) offers programs for youth and seniors, interpretation and translation services, and a food program. WACC programs are open to anyone in the community. Its programs include:
- Interpretation and translation services in French and Spanish for medical, legal, educational and other general documents
- Mentoring and after-school programs
- Adult education and GED classes
- The Mamás Hogareñas Group to educate and support all moms in the community
- Food program for the Bloomington-Normal community
- Fitness programs
WACC is open Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
If you have questions, call (309) 829-4807. Para servicio en español, llame (309) 834-9205.
Western DuPage Special Recreation Association
Western DuPage Special Recreation Association (WDSRA) provides recreation and social opportunities for individuals with a wide range of disabilities. From ages 3 to their senior years, individuals can enjoy adaptive sports, athletics, camps, social clubs, trips and more. WDSRA is a cooperative extension of nine park districts and serves the communities/member districts of Bloomingdale, Carol Stream, Glen Ellyn, Naperville, Roselle, Warrenville, West Chicago, Wheaton, and Winfield.
WDSRA programs include:
- Rec & Roll for individuals ages 22 to 55 with an intellectual disability
- Adaptive sports and athletic programming
- Camps
- Cultural arts
- Social programs and clubs
- Trips and special events
If you have any questions, please see the WDSRA Family Welcome Guide or contact WDSRA at (630) 681-0962 or info@wdsra.com.
Without Limits – Team Galaxy in St. Clair County
Without Limits – Team Galaxy (WLTG) provides an inclusive environment where individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families can enjoy a wide range of recreational activities and free, monthly social events at the Swansea Moose Lodge 1221. The organization provides outreach and advocacy to ensure that people with disabilities can live, work, learn and play in communities in and around St. Clair County. Membership is $50 a year. Financial assistance is available.
Participants can build skills and enjoy activities that include:
- Drama and theater activities
- Cheer team
- Dance classes and company ($5 per class)
- Special Olympics
- Special sports clinics
- Summer camps and more
For questions or more information, contact WLTG online.
YMCA Diverse Abilities Programs in Springfield
Diverse Abilities – YMCA provides a wide variety of programs to ensure that everyone, regardless of ability, age, or background, can thrive. Diverse Abilities offers individuals with Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and other special needs the opportunity to participate in a wide range of classes and activities tailored to their needs and comfort levels.
Diverse Abilities-YMCA programs include:
- SNAP (Special Needs Aquatics Program)
- Gymnastics
- Saturday Strikers providing a safe and welcoming environment for building skills and learning how to navigate the everyday world
- Sports
If you have any questions, please email diverseabilities@springfieldymca.org.
YMCA of Metro Chicago provides a wide range of day, overnight, family and winter camping activities for all abilities. YMCA’s Camp MacLean and YMCA Camp Duncan offer campers endless adventures, joy and an opportunity to build confidence, leadership skills and independence. YMCA camps offer activities that challenge both the mind and body, supportive staff and a welcoming community where campers connect and feel empowered. Overnight summer camps registration usually opens in late November. Day camp registration usually opens in early January.
Learn about YMCA of Metro Chicago camps, including:
Your Vote Counts: A Self-Advocate’s Guide to Voting in the U.S.
The Autistic Self Advocacy Network has “Your Vote Counts: A Self-Advocate’s Guide to Voting in the U.S.” that includes how to get ready to vote and how to get accommodations when voting.
“Born for Business” Disability Entrepreneurship Toolkit
Entrepreneurship and self-employment can be valuable and viable options for people with disabilities looking to enter the job market on their own terms. RespectAbility’s Born for Business toolkit provides an inventory of existing materials, advice and guides for job seekers with disabilities who are ready to become self-employed, launch a new enterprise or develop their entrepreneurial skills.
This toolkit was developed along with the Born For Business docuseries that focuses on the talents, innovations and impact of entrepreneurs with varying disabilities.