Transition Resources
Northwest Special Recreation Association’s Online Activity Center
The Northwest Special Recreation Association (NWSRA) launched the NWSRA Activity Center to ensure that families have access to free activities, games and other online resources that will enable participants to lead healthy, active lives. The center includes activities, resources, videos and games as well as a program guide for weekly Zoom programs.
Opportunities for Access – A Center for Independent Living
Opportunities for Access – A Center for Independent Living (OFACIL) is a member of the Illinois Network of Centers for Independent Living serving residents of Clay, Clinton, Edwards, Effingham, Fayette, Hamilton, Jasper, Jefferson, Marion, Wabash, Washington, Wayne and White counties. Offices are located in Mt. Vernon, Carmi and Effingham.
Programs include:
- Skills and employment training
- Support groups and advocacy
- Housing referral and community reintegration
- Youth transition and parent training program
- Adaptive equipment
Oral Health: Skills Tips
Oral Health for Infants: (English) (Spanish)
Oral Health for Children: (English) (Spanish)
OutCare aims to be a comprehensive resource for LGBTQ+ healthcare, offering provider and healthcare resource directories.
OutCare’s provider directory provides a list of providers who understand LGBTQ+ needs.
Over the Rainbow (OTR) – Housing for Individuals with Physical Disabilities
Over the Rainbow (OTR) is an Illinois non-profit organization providing independent living solutions for individuals with physical disabilities that are:
- Affordable
- Accessible
- Barrier-free
- Person-centered
OTR’s apartments are located throughout the Chicago region and Northern Illinois. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and meet OTR apartment communities eligibility requirements.
PACER Center is a parent training and information center for families of children and youth with all disabilities from birth to young adults. It serves families across the nation.
Parents can find publications, workshops and other resources to help make decisions about education, vocational training, employment and other services for their children with disabilities.
PACER’s National Parent Center on Transition and Employment
Information and resources for families of youth with disabilities on transition planning, civil rights, work-based learning, higher education and more.
PACER’s Transition Health Plan for Youth with Disabilities and their Families
PACER’s Transition Health Plan for Youth with Disabilities and Their Families is designed to help parents and youth assess where they are at and plan next steps to prepare youth to take on more responsibility for their own health care.
Parent Guide to Special Education
“Educational Rights and Responsibilities: Understanding Special Education in Illinois” is a guide for parents, teachers, administrators and others to learn about the educational rights of children who receive special education and related services due to disabilities that affect their ability to achieve academically.
Special education laws and procedures are complicated and can be difficult to understand. This guide from the Illinois State Board of Education will clarify some of the procedures of special education. It contains information about many of the most common topics related to the broad special education landscape, from identification and evaluation to transition planning and complaint procedures
Parent Time: Skills Tips