Recreation and Inclusion Resources
Autism Eats provides autism-friendly non-judgmental environments for family dining, socializing and connecting with others who share similar joys and challenges. Autism Eats hosts dinners and events year-round. They also provide comprehensive autism awareness training and certification for restaurant management and staff.
Autism Eats dinner parties:
- Take place in private rooms of restaurants or function facilities.
- Serve food buffet or family style so there is no waiting.
- Adjust music and lighting to accommodate those with sensory sensitivity.
For questions, please visit Autism Eats Contact Us page.
Autism McLean Resource Directory
Autism McLean created an autism resource directory that is available electronically and as a booklet. The directory includes:
- Personal stories
- Local health, education and service providers
- Transportation contacts
- Camps and recreation opportunities
- State and national organizations
- Books, magazines and newsletters
Download the resource directory here. For a hard copy of the directory, please contact Chuck Hartseil at chuck.hartseil@comcast.net.
The Autism Society of America provides advocacy, education, information and referral, support and community at the national, state and local levels through its nationwide network of affiliates.
The Autism Society Quad Cities aims to create connections and empower everyone in the autism community with the resources they need to live fully. Its programs include educational workshops, grants, support groups for moms, support groups for young adults, and the “Friendship Island” group for adolescents with autism spectrum disorder ages 12 to 18.
The Autism Society Quad Cities serves Rock Island and Henry counties in Illinois.
If you have questions, please contact the Autism Society Quad Cities at autismqc@gmail.com.
Autism Society Southern Illinois
The Autism Society Southern Illinois promotes individual choices and self-determination for those living with autism by providing supportive programs designed to help maximize opportunities and quality of life.
It is based in Carbondale and provides support groups, education and training on autism-related topics, advocacy and recreation opportunities for families and adults with autism.
For questions, please call the Autism Society Southern Illinois at (618) 319-3303.
Autism Speaks is is dedicated to creating an inclusive world for all individuals with autism throughout their lifespan. Its website offers individuals with autism and their families information about autism, research and innovation, available resources and grants, advocacy and more. It includes:
- Search features for finding information by topic, life stage, and the level of support needs (some support, moderate amount of support, intensive support) of the person with autism
- A resource guide providing events, information and supports in your local community
- Resources created specifically for self-advocates, parent/caregivers and professionals
- A list of grants from national organizations offering support to families
Autism Support of Central Illinois
Autism Support of Central Illinois aims to improve the lives of those affected by autism in central Illinois by providing access to resources, support, educational opportunities and recreational/social activities for families.
Autistic Self Advocacy Network
The Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) is a nonprofit organization run by and for autistic people. ASAN works to promote a more inclusive society for people with autism and to change the way people think about autism. ASAN provides:
- Information about autism
- Plain English toolkits
- Accessibility resources
- Self-advocacy resources and leadership training
For questions, please visit ASAN’s Contact Us page for details about who to contact.
BACKBONES – Connecting People With Spinal Cord Injury
BACKBONES connects people with spinal cord injury and their families to others with similar backgrounds, injuries and interests. BACKBONES provides inspirational stories and programs, including events, a youth program for teenagers ages 15 to 18, leader development, and monthly online meetups for people in the spinal cord injury and disease (SCI/D) community.
For questions, please email BACKBONES at info@backbonesonline.com or call (224) 424-3475.
Beautiful Lives Project gives people with disabilities the opportunity to actively participate in activities and events that may not have been available to them previously due to physical or facility limitations.
The project creates immersive events to combat isolation within the disabled community and spark deeper conversations about the value of integrating individuals with disabilities into the workforce. The organization works with companies, sports teams and community organizations to host free community events for individuals with disabilities of all ages throughout Illinois and beyond.
These events aim to help defeat isolation today, break down social biases tomorrow and generate long-term actions that will create a better quality of life for people with disabilities and special needs in the future. Each unique event provides the opportunity to experience sports, performing arts, visual arts, nature or wellness in an inclusive environment.
For questions, email the Beautiful Lives Project at admin@beautifullives.org.