Resource Directory /

Recreation and Inclusion Resources

  • Every Step of the Way Resource Center for Adults with Intellectual Disabilities

    Every Step of the Way (ESW) takes a hands-on, person-centered approach to providing support, networking opportunities and resources for individuals with mild to profound intellectual disabilities ages 20 and up and their parents/caregivers. ESW seeks to create a community where parents/caregivers in Chicago can:

    • Find resources for recreation, education, health (mental and physical), social and daily living skills, and behavioral intervention services
    • Network with each other
    • Brainstorm and collaborate to create programming and develop opportunities for their adult children
    • Advocate and network to accommodate the needs of their adult child and the adult children in the ESW community

    For questions or more information, contact ESW at (773) 231-6376 or info@esw2022.org.

  • Find Help Southern Illinois

    Find Help Southern Illinois connects people to area programs and services, including:

    • Food and basic needs, such as food pantries, baby supplies, clothing and home goods
    • Housing and shelter options
    • Healthcare services, including medical, dental and vision care and transportation to health care
    • Addiction and recovery support
    • Mental well-being services
    • Financial assistance for child care, transportation, medical supplies and more
    • Education and employment programs
    • Legal assistance

    Use the search filter to find the help you need in your community—sort by “closest” to receive the local information first.

    The resource hub is an initiative of Southern Illinois Healthcare, Healthy Southern Illinois Delta Network and the Southern Illinois Coalition for Children and Families. The hub also receives support from the McKinney Vento Program for the Homeless Region V, Carbondale Elementary School District 95, Herrin Community Unit School District 4 Family Outreach Program, and the Carbondale Community Cabinet for Children and Youth with funding provided by Birth to Five Illinois.

  • flok for Individuals with an Inherited Metabolic Disorder

    Formerly known as PKU News, flok provides resources, research, support and an app for individuals with an inherited metabolic disorder and the people and clinicians who care for them. These conditions include Classical Homocystinuria (HCU), Maple Syrup Urine Disease (MSUD), Phenylketonuria (PKU), Tyrosinemia and more.

    The flok website includes:

    • Opportunities to connect and share in person and virtually
    • Annual flok Family Camps
    • Food science information guided by a staff dietitian and collaborations with partner organizations and Genetic Metabolic Dietitians International
    • The flok app for individuals managing an inherited disorder of protein metabolism

    For questions, please contact flok at info@flok.org or (973) 619-9160.

  • Flying Horse Farms Camp for Families and Children with Serious Illnesses

    Flying Horse Farms (FHF) is a free medical specialty camp for children and young adults ages 7 to 21 with complex medical conditions and their families. Located in Mt. Gilead, Ohio, FHF offers fun, transformative overnight and family camping experiences to campers across the United States. There is no cost to attend camp sessions. Lodging and meals are also provided.

    Camps are available for children and young adults with diagnoses and conditions that include:

    • Heart and lung conditions
    • Rheumatologic diagnoses
    • Craniofacial diagnoses
    • Blood disorders
    • Gastrointestinal disorders
    • Spinal cord diagnoses
    • Mental health conditions

    See the Flying Horse Farms camp schedule.

    For questions, please contact Flying Horse Farms at (419) 751-7077 or info@flyinghorsefarms.org.

  • Foundation for Hearing and Speech Resources

    The Foundation for Hearing and Speech Resources (FHSR) is a private, non-profit, grassroots organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for all children affected by hearing and communication disorders.

    Parent resources and programming include:

  • Frequently Asked Questions About Adapted Physical Education

    SHAPE America provides guidance to Frequently Asked Questions About Adapted Physical Education for students with disabilities. The document was developed as a resource for physical educators, adapted physical educators, school district administrators and parents as they work to provide consistent adapted physical education (APE) services for students with disabilities.

    For questions, please call SHAPE America at (800) 213-7193.

  • Friends of Man

    Friends of Man is a non-profit that uses 100% of donations for charitable assistance. The charity receives applications requesting mobility equipment, prosthetics, home modifications, medical equipment, hearing aids, basic needs and much more from referring professionals. Referring professionals include caseworkers, case managers, healthcare workers, social workers, school counselors, teachers and clergy who apply on behalf of their patients and clients.

    In addition to the assistance listed above, Friends of Man can provide assistance nationwide for adaptive equipment, assistive technology, lift chairs, mobility equipment, orthopedic braces and shoes, stairlifts, vehicle adaptations and wheelchair ramps.

    More details are on the Friends of Man Eligibility page.

  • Fun4theDisabled

    Fun4theDisabled is a community created by, for and about people with disabilities to help everyone live their best lives. Fun4theDisabled creates video and content highlighting opportunities for people with disabilities in the community, connecting them with organizations, programs and events that provide accessibility in inclusive and fun ways.

    Fun4theDisabled resources include:

    For questions, please contact Fun4theDisabled at (312) 380-9738 or fun@fun4thedisabled.com.

  • GiGi’s Playhouse: Down Syndrome Achievement Centers

    GiGi’s Playhouse: Down Syndrome Achievement Centers provide free, nationwide on-site and virtual educational, therapeutic-based and career development programs for individuals with Down syndrome, their families and the community. Programs are available for individuals of all ages focusing on speech and language, social skills, cooking and fitness.

    GiGi’s Playhouse Illinois locations include:

    • Chicago
    • Deerfield
    • Fox Valley
    • Hoffman Estates
    • McHenry County
    • Quad Cities
    • Rockford
    • Tinley Park

    For questions, visit GiGi’s Playhouse website, call (847) 885-6149 or email info@gigisplayhouse.org.

  • Great Lakes Adaptive Sports Association

    Great Lakes Adaptive Sports Association (GLASA) in Lake Forest, Ill., offers programs for individuals ages 3 and up with physical or visual disabilities, such as amputation, cerebral palsy, dwarfism, muscular dystrophy, spinal cord injury, spina bifida, stroke, visual impairment and more. GLASA offers more than 20 adaptive sports. Programs are adapted to meet the needs of individuals who use manual or power wheelchairs and other ambulatory disabilities. GLASA also offers an Ability Awareness Program for schools and community groups to help students participate, compete and thrive.

    A GLASA membership is required to participate in GLASA’s weekly programs and access the anytime equipment lending program. Scholarships are available. GLASA will never turn anyone away due to financial hardship. Please contact Cindy Housner at chousner@glasa.org or (847) 283-0908 to request a scholarship or one free month of membership.

    GLASA membership includes an anytime equipment lending program and information to help athletes stay up to date on programs.