Recreation and Inclusion Resources
CommunicationFIRST advocates to ensure everyone has the support they need to express themselves effectively and be heard. Organization members include people of all ages with over two dozen known and unknown expressive communication-related conditions, congenital and developmental disabilities, and conditions acquired later in life. CommunicationFIRST resources include:
- “The Words We Use” style guide
- Tips for online meetings with augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) users, by AAC users
- The “See us. Hear us.” film series
- The AAC Counts Project
Creative Healing for Youth in Pain
Creative Healing for Youth in Pain (CHYP) is a nonprofit organization serving youth between the ages of 13 and 24 who are experiencing pain, feelings of isolation and loneliness. CHYP provides educational resources, peer connection and exposure to creative healing experiences to help bridge the gap between common healthcare barriers such as cost, geographic location and long wait times for appointments. Resources are available for both youth and their parents.
CHYP resources include:
- Information on the science of pain
- Strategies for breaking the pain cycle
- On-demand webinars for youth and parents
- Monthly open Zoom meetings for youth (ages 13 to 24)
- Small group and Zoom meetings for parents
- Summer camp
For questions, fill out CHYP’s online form or email admin@mychyp.org.
Dare2tri is a nonprofit specializing in adaptive sports. It encourages recreation, racing and competition while cultivating a sense of community among all athletes, not defined by physical ability but by their determination and will to succeed.
Dare2tri offers free training opportunities for athletes with physical disabilities and visual impairments throughout the year for children and adults. Its programs include:
- Play for All at Chicago Children’s Museum
- Kids Tri Camp for youth ages 6 and up
- Learn 2 Tri beginner-level training camp
- Multisport clinics and more
For questions, contact Dare2tri at (312) 967-9874 or info@dare2tri.org.
Developmental Disabilities Employment
The Illinois Department of Human Services’ Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) seeks to maximize opportunities for people with developmental disabilities to work in competitive integrated employment.
The division’s Developmental Disabilities Employment Resources list provides the latest information on the division’s efforts toward employment for people with developmental disabilities. It includes a list of DDD-supported employment providers that also provide employment services funded by the Division of Rehabilitation Services. The list aims to help individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities understand the options available to them when searching for an employment supports provider.
Different Dynamics in St. Louis
Different Dynamics is a non-profit organization providing music programming for people of all ages, neurotypes and abilities who have a love of music.
Different Dynamics activities and programming include:
- The Music Exploratorium music studio space
- The Music Workshop featuring music and movement activities for the entire family
- Sensory-friendly performances
For questions, please contact Different Dynamics at (314) 496-9060 or YourFriends@DifferentDynamicsSTL.org.
Digital Literacy Training for People with Disabilities and Their Families
The Arc and AT&T offer digital skills training nationwide to people with disabilities and their families. The safe and accessible digital skills trainings aim to help people with different learning styles gain the skills they need to apply for jobs, be socially connected and more.
You can access online courses anytime on AT&T’s website.
The Arc of Illinois also offers in-person workshops. For more information, visit The Arc of Illinois website or email becca@thearcofil.org.
Disability Belongs is a diverse, disability-led nonprofit focusing on accessibility, inclusion, belonging and empowering people with disabilities. They provide a wide range of resources, including training, webinars, networking and fully accessible leadership and internship opportunities for people with disabilities.
Disability Belongs also provides:
- A variety of resources, including a toolkit with steps for making virtual and in-person events accessible.
- A paid, fully accessible National Leadership Program for people with disabilities in the fall and spring.
- A five-month, Disability Belongs™ Virtual Entertainment Lab for creatives with disabilities in development and production, and careers as writers, cinematographers, animators and other roles.
Disability EmpowHer Network is a non-profit run by and for girls and women with disabilities that connects, motivates, and guides girls and women to learn and develop to their highest potential and have the confidence to lead. The group, based in Rochester, NY, focuses on building skills and community by connecting girls with disabilities with successful women with disabilities to serve as mentors and role models.
Resources and programs include:
- A stories blog
- EmpowHer Camp (a year-long program)
- Letter from a role model
- Get a Mentor
- EmpowHer Expressions, a public speaking and career coaching program
Disability Resource Center in Joliet
The Disability Resource Center provides advocacy, peer support groups, S.K.I.L.L.S. independent living classes, visual impairment services, seminars, workshops and more for people with disabilities in Will and Grundy counties.
Programs also include:
- Deaf and hard of hearing services
- Information and referral (I&R) for accessible housing, where to buy assistive devices, how to secure a sign language interpreter and more
- Assistive technology for children up to age 23
- Personal assistance program and information
Discovery Center Museum in Rockford
The Discovery Center Museum is a fully accessible, nationally recognized children’s museum in Rockford, featuring over 300 hands-on exhibits. It follows the Smithsonian Institute’s accessibility guidelines, providing ramps, accessible restrooms, an elevator, and ample space around exhibits. An adult changing table and wheelchairs are also available. Guests can explore ways to make bubbles, a calm space, a giant soft brick playland, and a multi-sensory space to discover the science of optics and light.
To learn more, contact information@discoverycentermuseum.org or call (815) 963-6769.