Resource Directory /

Transition: Social Resources

  • DSCC’s Relationships and Sexuality Development Tip Sheet

    Teens with disabilities have the same feelings, needs and desires as people without disabilities. The Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) created this tip sheet to help youth with special healthcare needs understand these feelings and learn about things to consider if they decide to date or have a personal relationship.

    Relationships and Sexuality Development tip sheet in English

    Relationships and Sexuality Development 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

  • DuPage County Transition Planning Committee

    The DuPage County Transition Planning Committee (DuPage County TPC)is a group of representatives from area special education co-ops, school districts, the Department of Human Services-Division of Rehabilitation Services office, adult service providers, vocational coordinators, self-advocates, parents/caregivers and the business community. The committee meets to network, educate, learn, share and support services for individuals with disabilities.
    DuPage TPC’s website offers:
    • DuPage County TPC’s meeting schedule (meetings are on Zoom)
    • Resources for Transition to adulthood planning, work and related topics
    • Information on self-advocacy and transition-focused events

    For questions, please contact dupagetpc@gmail.com.

  • Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Southern Illinois’ Camp Roehr

    The Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Southern Illinois (EFGSI) hosts an annual, overnight camp for children and teenagers with epilepsy. Camp Roehr provides campers ages 6 to 17 with seven days of fun, building friendships and learning about living with epilepsy. Camp registration typically begins in mid-April. Participant requirements include:

    • Living in Illinois or surrounding states
    • Having a primary diagnosis of epilepsy and well-controlled seizures
    • Being able to care for their own basic needs and ready for an overnight camp experience

    For questions about Camp Roehr, please contact EFGSI at (618) 236-2181 or info@epilepsygsil.org.

  • 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.

  • Generation Patient

    Generation Patient is a nonprofit organization created by and for young adult patients with chronic, complex, rare or undiagnosed medical conditions. The organization’s focus includes providing peer-support groups, roundtable discussions and helping to drive systems-level change through policy work, leadership programming and advocacy initiatives across healthcare and research spaces.

    Generation Patient also offers:

  • Healing Horse Stables

    Healing Horse Stables in Sidney, Ill., is a non-profit organization offering therapeutic riding and equine-facilitated learning for individuals of all ages and abilities. Healing Horse Stables promotes learning and physical, social and emotional well-being through programs that include:

    • Therapeutic riding
    • Riding for relaxation
    • Horsemanship programs
    • Field trips

    For questions, fill out the Healing Horse Stable online form or email healinghorsestables@gmail.com

  • Holly’s House of Hope

    Holly’s House of Hope helps young adults with disabilities who had an Individualized Education Program (IEP) and are on the PUNS (Prioritization of Urgency of Needs) waiting list build job skills, socialize and engage in their community. It offers skill assessment, vocational training, life skills, employment placement in inclusive environments and social interaction.

    Holly’s House of Hope partners with local ministries and agencies to help participants gain skills, find joy and serve others in need throughout the community.

    For questions, visit Holly’s House of Hope’s Contact Us page.

  • iCan Dream Center

    The non-profit iCan Dream Center in Tinley Park connects youth with intellectual disabilities, autism and various learning difficulties in suburban Chicago to holistic, innovative special education services. The center offers a welcoming education setting where neurodiverse youth have access to the skills, resources and opportunities necessary to thrive beyond their labels. iCan Dream Center programs include:

    • Training
    • Transition to adulthood support
    • After-school recreational therapeutic programming for youth
    • Once a month, cost-free Saturday Experiences for young adults
    • Counseling
    • Parent support group and more

    For questions, please contact the iCan Dream Center at info@icandreamcenter.com or (708) 798-4200.