Transition Resources
Illinois Center for Transition and Work
The Illinois Center for Transition and Work (ICTW) provides support to special educators, related services personnel and administrators by providing statewide training and technical assistance. ICTW strives to improve employment outcomes by focusing on preparing students with extensive support needs for the transition from high school to employment.
The ICTW website offers information and webinars on a wide range of resources, including:
- Customized employment
- Pathways to employment
- Building self-determination skills
- Transition assessment tools
- The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act
- Work-based learning experiences
Illinois Community College Initiative
The Illinois Community College Initiative provides academic and vocational training programs for eligible students with disabilities at in-state public community colleges and approved community colleges bordering the state. People with disabilities who are determined eligible for the Illinois Department of Human Services’ Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) vocational rehabilitation program may complete community college coursework leading to an associate’s degree or to a degree, certificate, or other industry-recognized credential or certificate.
DRS will help students with:
- The cost of tuition, fees, books and supplies
- Transportation costs
- Other eligible costs
See the Illinois Community College Initiative flyer for more details. To get started, contact your local DRS office using the locator tool or call (877) 581-3690. TTY and relay callers can dial 711.
Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) for Transition-Age Youth in Care
Information and resources for youth in care and their foster families on promoting independence and self-sufficiency. The website includes the Foster Care Transition Toolkit and Supporting Emancipated Youth Services Program (More information is available on Emancipated Youth Services at https://www2.illinois.gov/dcfs/brighterfutures/independence/Documents/
Getting_There_Tip_Sheets.pdf.)Illinois Department of Employment Security Youth Program
The Hire the Future Program at the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) is designed to provide youth ages 16 to 24 with employment assistance, job readiness and career development services. You c an find out what careers match your skills and interests by using IDES’ online job resources.
Illinois Disability Benefits 101
Illinois Disability Benefits 101 is a free, user-friendly, Illinois-specific website that helps work through the myths and confusion of Social Security benefits, health care, employment and more. It is a one-stop shop for information, resources, and tools to motivate and support employment and community inclusion for individuals with disabilities, their families and professionals.
Illinois Employment & Training Center Network / Transition
One-stop shops providing workforce development services.
Illinois Financial Wellness Hub
The Illinois Financial Wellness Hub (FinWell Hub) provides free resources to help all Illinois residents plan a better financial future. The site offers a wide variety of tools and courses to help you create a learning experience tailored to your needs.
Topics include:
- Saving for an emergency
- Retirement planning
- Planning for a child’s education
- Managing debt
- Buying a home
- Estate planning
- Social Security
- Investing and more
Illinois Guardianship and Advocacy Commission
The Illinois Guardianship and Advocacy Commission protects the rights and promotes the welfare of persons with disabilities.
Contact (866) 274-8023 or (866) 333-3362 (TTY).
Illinois Legal Aid Online (ILAO) provides plain-language, 24/7 tools in three languages so families can understand and assert their legal rights. ILAO helps people who are unable to find or afford attorneys open opportunities for justice. Its resources can help with crises such as eviction, debt, food insecurity, domestic abuse, deportation and divorce.
The ILAO also provides resources to help with guardianship, education, health and benefits and more.
The Illinois Life Span (ILS) Program is a program of The Arc of Illinois that provides statewide resources and information, focused on developmental disability services and supports.
Its website includes a resource locator that can help you find resources in your county and statewide.
You can call ILS at (800) 588-7002.