Resource Directory /

Recreation and Inclusion Resources

  • 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.

  • Do It for the Love

    Do It for the Love inspires hope and healing through music. The non-profit organization grants live concert wishes for people with life-threatening illnesses, children with severe challenges and wounded veterans. You can apply for yourself, your child or nominate someone for a live music wish.

    For more information, email info@doitforthelove.org.

  • Down Syndrome Association of Greater St. Louis (DGAGSL) and Metro-East/Southern Illinois Chapters

    The Down Syndrome Association of Greater St. Louis (DGAGSL) serves, supports and celebrates the lives of individuals with Down syndrome and their families. DGAGSL and its chapters provide educational programs, resources and events to help increase awareness and connect families with the help they need for every stage of their child’s life.

    These DGAGSL community groups provide support and coordinate events in southern Illinois and the greater St. Louis area:

  • DREAM Project Dance Videos

    The National Dance Institute has a series of YouTube videos of their inclusive dance program called the DREAM Project (Dancers Realize Excellence through Arts and Movement). The project provides children with disabilities the opportunity to dance and perform. Each dancer is encouraged to achieve their best through teamwork, creativity, empathy and discovery.

  • DSCC’s It’s Great to be Involved Tip Sheet

    There are many ways to experience belonging. The Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) created this tip sheet to help youth with special healthcare needs and their families explore involvement in sports, leisure and other community activities. This tip sheet includes information on exploring your personal interests, funding and scholarships to support your activities, and steps you can take to get involved.

    It’s Great to be Involved Tip sheet in English

    It’s Great to be Involved Tip sheet in Spanish

  • DSCC’s Skills Checklist – Social

    The Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) created this checklist to help youth gain important social skills and abilities needed to reach their highest level of independence.  Youth can use this checklist to identify and build skills in areas such as communication, pet care, safety, socialization and recreation. Some of these activities may not apply to everyone.

    DSCC’s Social Skills Checklist in English

    DSCC’s Social Skills Checklist in Spanish 

  • DSCC’s Travel Safety Tip Sheet

    The Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) created this tip sheet for youth with special healthcare needs and their families to encourage travel safety. The tip sheet also provides information about adaptive driver programs and possible resources for vehicle adaptations.

    Travel Safety Tip Sheet in English

    Travel Safety Tip Sheet in Spanish

  • Early CHOICES

    Early CHOICES is an inclusion initiative of the Illinois State Board of Education. It promotes increasing high-quality inclusive early care and education for each and every child from birth to age 5. Its goal is to increase the number of children with disabilities receiving specialized services in regular early care and education settings.

    Early CHOICES provides planning tools for families to help them consider inclusive options and prepare for the transition from Early Intervention into early childhood services.

  • Easterseals Central Illinois

    Easterseals Central Illinois offers programs and support for individuals with developmental delays, disabilities and autism from birth through age 21. Resources include physical and occupational therapy, speech services, feeding therapy, autism evaluations and supports, education services, camp and recreation programs, and more.

    Easterseals Central Illinois provides services in McLean, Peoria, Tazewell, and Woodford counties. It also manages Child and Family Connections for Peoria and Champaign counties. For more information and help navigating their services, see the Parent Handbook.

    You can contact Easterseals Central Illinois through its website or by calling (309) 686-1177.

  • Easterseals Respite Services for People With Disabilities

    Easterseals offers respite services that allow both caregivers and the people for whom they’re caring the opportunity to relax, recharge and reconnect. Their respite services are offered nationwide and designed to give caregivers a much-needed break from the stress of caregiving.

    Respite programs include activities like support groups and retreats for caregivers, and sleepaway camps and overnight stays for the person receiving care. Visit the respite services section of the Easterseals website to find out more.