Transition Resources
Guidebook on Reasonable Accommodations and Modifications
The Illinois Department of Human Rights provides a first-of-its-kind Guidebook on Reasonable Accommodations and Modifications.
In accordance with the Federal Fair Housing Act, this book provides guidance and clarification on the accommodations and modifications that must be made in housing for persons with disabilities and their family members.
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
The HealthWell Foundation aims to reduce financial barriers to care for underinsured patients with chronic or life-altering diseases. It provides financial assistance to eligible individuals to cover copays, health care premiums, deductibles and out-of-pocket expenses.
Hire Autism is a free program from the Organization for Autism Research to help autistic job seekers find meaningful employment opportunities and connect with autism-friendly employers.
The site features include a searchable jobs board and resource library, profile and job board navigation tutorials, personalized job alerts and autism- or disability-related employment events. Job seekers can request free one-on-one virtual assistance with resume and cover letter writing as well as interview preparation through Hire Autism’s volunteer mentoring program.
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.
Home modification refers to converting or adapting the environment in order to make performing tasks easier, reduce accidents, and support independent living. Homemods.org provides home modification information, where to find funding, tip sheets and checklists, and training for consumers and professionals.
How SSI and SSDI Can Help Patients
The Patient Advocate Foundation (PAF) provides valuable information and understanding to patients navigating the healthcare system.
PAF’s Education Resource Library offers information on a wide variety of individual health and health insurance-related topics as well as understanding Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).
Many of PAF’s resources are also available in Spanish.
PAF is also available by phone Monday – Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m., at (800) 532-5274.
iCan Shine Recreation Programs for Individuals With Disabilities
iCan Shine collaborates with local charities, parks and recreation departments, schools, and motivated parents to provide recreational programs for people with disabilities who want to learn to ride a bike, swim or dance.
iCan Shine programs include:
- iCan Bike and iCan Dance programs for individuals ages 8 and older that are week-long camps or after-school sessions.
- iCan Swim programs for ages 3 and up that are five-day camps.
iCan Shine’s after-school programs aim to raise awareness and promote inclusion among students. Typically-developing students serve as volunteers and participate in diversity training sessions focused on learning about different disabilities and the accompanying educational and social challenges their peer students with special needs face.
Visit their website to find programs near you.
Identifying Alternatives to Guardianship
The Transition Services Liaison Project (TSLP) South Dakota aims to help students with disabilities reach their maximum potential in their transition from high school to the adult world.
The project’s Alternatives to Guardianship Stoplight Tool can help with identifying a person’s ability to make decisions and manage key areas of life. It is intended to help with exploring alternatives and less restrictive options to general or full guardianship.
ILHousingSearch.org is a free bilingual online resource for renters and property providers in Illinois.
You can search for affordable, accessible and market-rate housing to fit your needs and budget.
For additional assistance, call (877) 428-8844 (toll-free) Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Dial 7-1-1 for TTY.