Recreation and Inclusion Resources
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.
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:
- The United Spinal Association of Illinois
- Peer support groups and mentorship programs (in-person or virtual)
- Equipment or supply closet/loan program
- Regular social events and activities
- Individual grants to members
- The Disability Etiquette Guide to download and share
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.
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.